Role and Nature of MECO
- MECO, formerly the Asian Exchange Center, Inc., operates as a private entity promoting cultural, economic, trade, scientific, and educational exchanges between the Philippines and Taiwan.
- MECO coordinates with the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines to sustain and facilitate people-to-people relations.
- It has a corporate mandate beyond these functions but is authorized to perform specific consular and trade-related activities.
Authorizations Granted to MECO (Section 1)
- MECO is empowered to assist in formulating and implementing programs to attract Taiwanese investments in Philippine industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and construction.
- Authorized to promote Philippine exports, including products and manpower services, to Taiwan.
- May negotiate or assist in negotiating agreements on trade, investment, economic cooperation, technology transfer, finance, scientific and cultural exchanges, following established regulations.
- Responsible for identifying and reporting on employment and business opportunities in Taiwan pertinent to Philippine exports and services.
- Disseminates information about the Philippines in Taiwan covering trade, tourism, labor, economic cooperation, and cultural and educational fields.
- Conducts periodic market assessments and submits commercial reports useful to Philippine industries and businesses.
- Facilitates cultural, sports, social, and educational exchanges between Filipino and Taiwanese peoples.
Additional Consular and Administrative Functions Authorized to MECO (Section 2)
- MECO, via its Taiwan branches, may issue temporary visitor, transit, and crewlist visas, subject to Department of Foreign Affairs' authorization.
- Authorized to issue, renew, extend, or amend Philippine passports for Filipino citizens in Taiwan following relevant regulations.
- Can certify or affirm the authenticity of documents requiring authentication and provide translation services.
- Offers assistance and protection to Filipino nationals and legal entities in Taiwan, including limited representation before Taiwanese civil and juridical authorities to the extent permitted by local and international law.
- Allowed to collect reasonable fees for visa issuance, passport processing, document certification, and translation services to cover operational costs.
Policy Conditions and Reporting Requirements (Section 3)
- MECO’s performance of its authorized functions must align with the Philippine Government's commitment to the One-China Policy.
- It is required to seek policy guidance from the Office of the President in all matters relating to its functions.
- MECO must submit quarterly operational reports to the Office of the President covering activities related to its mandate.
- Authorized to assist the government in formulating a comprehensive action plan concerning Taiwan and act as coordinator of all Philippine activities related to Taiwan.
Repeal and Effectivity (Section 4 and 5)
- Executive Orders No. 931 (1984), 490 (1998), and their amendments by Executive Orders Nos. 4 and 229 (1998 and 2000) are repealed.
- Any inconsistent issuances, rules, or regulations are superseded, amended, or modified accordingly.
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.