| In 2005, the domestic commerce generated gross real production value of NT$2,179.7billion, up 6.6% over 2004, with an average employment of 2.35 million for the whole year, for a growth of 1.2%, reflecting its critical role in the absorption of labor force and the steadiness of the job market. As of the end of September 2005, the number of domestic commercial establishments reached 696,641, 4.3% more than the same period of 2004. The commercial sector garnered NT$8,236 billion of revenue in the first nine months of 2005, up 4.3% over a year earlier. Of various sectors, dining business recorded growth rates of 9.3% and 12.2% for revenue and the number of establishments, respectively, the highest for both.
Regarding the trend of operational mode, the wholesale business still focuses on strengthening automated commodity wholesale delivery center, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency. Among general merchandise retailers, department stores emphasizes the enlargement of their scale; supermarkets will highlight the sense of value, convenience, and the appeal of health; convenient-store chains endeavor to strengthen sales channel and emphasize unique marketing methods, in hopes of enhancing their business performance.
Despite its booming development, domestic commerce is facing a number of impacts, including globalization, knowledge orientation, the rapid development of regional economic integration, and pressure from the emergence of the Chinese economy. In order to cope with the new challenges, the government convened the "National Commerce Conference" during Jan. 9-10, 2006, with the aim of grasping the pulse of commercial development, construct a quality commercial service environment, and strengthen the international competitiveness of the commerce sector. |
