HOST COUNTRY
Chinese Taipei
The Commerce Development Research Institute (CDRI) is a non-profit organization in Taiwan dedicated to promoting the development of service technology and the digital economy. Its mission is to facilitate innovation, foster industry growth, and enhance national competitiveness through the advancement of IT.
Building international partnerships and networks to promote global trade development and innovation.
Promoting Taiwan's service industry and enhancing its competitiveness in the global market.
Promoting international collaboration and knowledge exchange to enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of Taiwan's service industry.
Contributing to the global standard community by sharing expertise and promoting best practices in economic development and innovation.
Contributing to the international socieity by sharing expertise and promoting best practices in development and innovation.
HISTORY
The Commerce Development Research Institute (CDRI), established in 2007 as a national-level think tank, is dedicated to advancing service innovation and supporting Taiwan’s economic transformation. CDRI serves as a platform connecting government, industry, academia, and research sectors, providing policy insights and integrated solutions to enhance Taiwan’s competitiveness and foster international collaboration in digital and service-oriented development.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
To further support these main activities, CDRI works closely with regional leaders who guide AFACT’s strategic direction and foster cross‑border collaboration in digital transformation. The Chair of AFACT and Head of Delegation of Chinese Taipei plays a central role in aligning initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and promoting shared standards across member economies. Their leadership ensures that AFACT continues to advance interoperability, innovation, and inclusive development throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Tain-Tsair Hsu
Position
Chair of AFACT and HoD of Chinese Taipei
Education/Professional Development
Ph.D. Candidate in Economics, New School for Social Research, USA (1992)
Ph.D. Studies in Business Management, Rutgers University, USA
Master of Economics, Chinese Culture University (1976)
Bachelor of Economics, Chinese Culture University (1974)
Experiences
- Chairman, the Commerce Development Research Institute (2016–Present)
- Adjunct Professor, Graduate School of Economics, Chinese Culture University (2016–2017)
- Legislator, Legislative Yuan (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 8th terms, 1993–2001 & 2011–2016)
- Mayor of Tainan City (14th and 15th terms, 2001–2010)
- Founding Chairman, the Alliance for Healthy Cities, Taiwan (2008)
- Founding Chairman, International Headquarters S.A.R. Taiwan
- Caucus Whip, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Legislative Yuan (1999-2000)
- Member, Finance Committee and the Budget and Accounts Committee, Legislative Yuan (1999-2000)
- Economics Editor and Editor-in-Chief, the Taiwan Tribune (1985–1991)
- Fellow, North America Taiwanese Professors’ Association (NATPA) (July 1986–June 1988)
- Communications Researcher, Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (July 1982–June 1986)
- Visiting Scholar, the Center for International Business Cycle Research (CIBCR) at the Graduate School of Business, Rutgers University; later at Columbia Business School (July 1982–June 1984)
- Chairman, Department of Banking, Chinese Culture University (1981–1983)
- Associate Professor, Department of Banking, Chinese Culture University (1981–1982)
- Associate Researcher, Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (1982)
- Interim Chairman, Department of Banking, Chinese Culture University (1980–1981)
- Lecturer, Department of Economics, Chinese Culture University, and General Manager of Hwa Kang Simulation Bank (1978–1982)
- Director and Analyst, Economic Forecast Research Project at Chinese Culture University, sponsored by Cathay Securities Investment Trust (Mar. 1975–Jan. 1982)
- Editor-in-Chief, Taiwan Business Cycle Forecast Monthly Report (1975–1982)
- Director and Editor, Economic Research Project at Chinese Culture University, entrusted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (July–Dec. 1974)
- Editor, Hwa Kang Business Cycle Forecast Monthly Report, Graduate School of Economics, Chinese Culture University (1973–1974)