Taiwan says goodbye to 2009 and looks forward to a better 2010！Go Taiwan!

In a year of dramatic change, we experienced economic downturn and suffered from Typhoon Morakot, while also seeing accelerated improvement in cross-Strait relations. Looking ahead, we firmly believe that 2010 will be a better year, full of blessings and hope.

PwC Global released the 2009 Global Annual Review in October, which showed that our international network of firms achieved total gross revenue of US$26.2 billion in FY09, giving us the highest ranking among the top four global accounting firms. As for PwC Taiwan, our firm continues to receive high recognition and appreciation from all sectors. For instance, with the government actively encouraging foreign enterprises to list in Taiwan, our firm was chosen to provide professional services by three of the ten firms that successfully issued TDRs in Taiwan in 2009, including Master Kong and the Want Want Group.

Another good piece of news is that PwC was named the “Taiwan Tax Firm of the Year 2009” by International Tax Review. Also, PwC has been honored by the Taipei City Government with its “Green Purchase Index Enterprise Award”, the first time a professional service firm has received such an award. In addition, the PwC Legal Hsinchu Branch relocated its office to the Hsinchu Science Park, making it the first commercial law firm to operate there. All these accolades and achievements are attributable to the efforts and contributions of our employees.

The global economy is expected to recover in 2010. Taiwan’s external trade is already starting to show signs of positive growth and the unemployment rate is edging downward. This is the time for PwC Taiwan to work hand-in-hand with our clients in preparation for the next wave of prosperity. In 2010, PwC Taiwan will celebrate its 40th anniversary, and our ambition is to make us the most trustworthy and largest accounting firm in Taiwan in the next decade.

Also, I am very pleased to announce that in accordance with the revised CPA Law, PwC Taiwan will modify its Chinese name to 資誠聯合會計師事務所 from December 25, 2009. Please ensure that all external PwC documents and reports are modified to reflect this name change.

Lastly, on behalf of all PwC Taiwan partners, I would like to thank you for all your efforts and contributions, as well as the support and consideration of your families. We wish you a happy and successful new year!