Prosecutors in the Spotlight

The Taiwanese prosecutorial system is quite different from the American, with the prosecutors serving not as advocates but as quasi-judicial investigators.

BY BRIAN L. KENNEDY AND ELIZABETH GUO

The photo appeared in newspapers around the world. Raising his handcuffed hands in defiance and shouting slogans, former President Chen Shui-bian was taken into custody by the Taiwanese prosecutors investigating his case. That image and the surrounding firestorm of media coverage have placed the Taiwanese prosecution system very much in the spotlight both domestically and on a larger world stage.

The challenge in Taiwan is finding franchisees who are really committed to growing the business, not just making a quick buck.

BY CINDY SUI

With a name like McDonald’s and cross-cultural cravings for its Big Macs and fries, you would think the fast food chain would have no problems selling franchises in Taiwan, but the company has learned over the years that it is easier to operate its own stores here than franchise them out.

 Of 348 McDonald’s restaurants in Taiwan, only 18 are franchises. Worldwide, 70% of the company’s restaurants are franchises. The reason for such a small percentage in Taiwan is partly due to McDonald’s strict policy on selecting franchisees, but also to the island’s franchise culture, company officials say.