Asian Center of WTO & International Health Law and Policy
Founded in 2003 after Taiwan's accession to the WTO, the Asian Center of WTO & International Health Law and Policy (ACWH) is designed to closely monitor the development of WTO rules, conduct in-depth research on the effect of the WTO rules on Taiwan's economy, and put forth policy proposals. Besides providing legal advice as the Government's think tank, the ACWH, as an educational institute under NTU, also endeavours to carry out its pedagogical mission by dedicating itself to ensuring that future lawyers in Taiwan are well versed in the WTO and its rules.This dual-role approach is the distinguishing feature which separates ACWH from other WTO research institutes.
ACWH enthusiastically takes part in WTO-related activities. It holds related international conferences annually and invites distinguished scholars to exchange ideas. In 2005, international conferences hosted by ACWH included “International Conference on International Law in Public Health: Reflection on International Health Regulations Revision and Future Implementations”; International Conference on “Policy and Law Aspects of Asia and WTO: Challenges and Opportunities”; “International Conference on Global Governance & Partnership under Framework Convention on Tobacco Control”; and “The Second International Conference on Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005): Are We Ready for the New Era?”.
We are pleased to have experts, scholars and government representatives from around the world to share their unique experiences and opinions about international trade and health issues with us.
Taiwan became the 144th Member of the WTO on January 1 2002, and the WTO Research Center was established in January, 2003 in order to conduct the research on WTO affairs more efficiently. Furthermore, the WTO Research Center was transformed into the Asian Center for WTO and International Health Law and Policy (ACWH) in December, 2005.
The object of ACWH is to undertake on large scaled systematic research and provide professional WTO service through domestic WTO specialists, and further assist the Government to deal with WTO-related issues. The goal of ACWH is to establish the Asian prospective on WTO issues through cross-departmental cooperation, developing graduate students, international conferences and the issuance of journal, thereby leading the way in creating the international standard. At present, ACWH has successfully combined specialists from law, economics, politics and health areas and is likely to become one of leaders in WTO research in Asia-Pacific region.
Our Missions
1. Interdisciplinary Research
As there is only limited research capacity for international health law in Asia as an interdisciplinary approach integrating trade and international health has yet to be adopted by other academic institutions. To establish an interdisciplinary and inter-institutional network of the WTO and other fields (e.g., public health), ACWH has recruited academics from the Department of Public Health of NTU and other institutions to join research projects.
ACWH's research work also extend to the exploration of the interface between trade and the Convention of Cultural Diversity, public health (particularly the IHR), and environment.
2. Enhance Taiwan 's International Exposure
Enhance Taiwan's international exposure by inviting internationally recognized scholars and practitioners (e.g., former members of the WTO Appellate Body) to be consultative advisor of ACWH's Senior Committee Members, which convene on a regular basis.
3. Host international Conferences Annually
Host international conferences following ACWH's Senior Committee Members annual meeting so as to establish a forum of WTO and IHR-oriented subject matters for scholars and practitioners to exchange viewpoints with the hope that the Asian perspective will be ACWH's unique niche for further study.
4. Issue English Journals Semiannually
Issue English journals semiannually to demonstrate ACWH's research capacity to the international WTO research academia.
5. Publish Treatises in English on WTO Law Annually
Publish at least one treatise in English on WTO law annually to build up ACWH's WTO professionalism.
6. Hold Training and Academic Programs
Apply for resources from the WTO headquarters; work collaboratively with the WTO in organizing and holding training and academic programs in anticipation of upgrading Taiwan's WTO research capacity.
7. Encourage more students to participate in WTO Field
Provide financial aid and encouragement to students to participate in the WTO Moot Court and other WTO related conferences and seminars to equip them with a better understanding and sensitivity to WTO issues.
