To address challenges arising from climate change, geopolitical developments, navigational hazards, and search and rescue operations, the government is implementing a pilot program for maritime safety monitoring, response and technological capabilities (2025-2028). The program aims to establish a national ocean radar observation network to conduct round-the-clock monitoring of currents, waves and wind conditions. This initiative will upgrade maritime safety management and disaster response capabilities, bringing Taiwan closer to its vision of becoming a safe, sustainable and science-based ocean nation.
\r\n
\r\nMain strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Extend the observation network nationwide: Deploy multiple types of ocean remote sensing radar systems at key locations along Taiwan’s coastline to create a real-time monitoring network covering surrounding waters. This network will help eliminate strategic blind spots to improve identification of unknown targets, while also providing early-warning maritime alerts to enhance recreational safety.
\r\n
\r\n■ Deepen the application of AI technologies: Integrate AI-based analytics and predictive modeling to deliver real-time risk assessment and dynamic forecasts. These capabilities will boost search and rescue efficiency by refining drift prediction for persons overboard incidents; strengthen pollution response by enabling real-time forecasts of oil spill dispersion following maritime disasters; reduce the risk of recreational accidents by improving early warning systems; and protect marine environments by enhancing maritime safety management.
To tackle the growing challenges of illegal dumping and resource depletion, as well as to align Taiwan with international standards for green supply chains, the Executive Yuan on April 9, 2026, approved draft amendments to the Waste Disposal Act and the Resource Recycling Act, with the latter to be renamed the Resource Circulation Promotion Act (Update: passed by the Legislature on June 2). The proposed changes not only strengthen regulatory controls and introduce stricter penalties for violations, but also support industrial innovation and circular design, thereby facilitating Taiwan’s transition from a linear to a circular economy, and advancing the government’s vision of zero waste and its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
\r\n
\r\nKey Changes
\r\n
\r\nWaste Disposal Act
\r\n
\r\n■ Regulate emerging waste streams: Extend regulatory coverage to solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbine blades to ensure that manufacturers, importers and installers fulfill their recycling, clearance and disposal responsibilities.
\r\n■ Adopt a unified framework for reuse management oversight: Enhance tracking from source to end user, and develop mechanisms for certification, verification and product quality management.
\r\n■ Punish illegal dumping and prevent asset dissipation: Implement geofence monitoring and increase criminal penalties. Allow administrative authorities to freeze assets without posting security, preventing businesses from fraudulently transferring assets, while ensuring funding for environmental restoration.
\r\n
\r\nResource Circulation Promotion Act
\r\n
\r\n■ Adopt green design: Establish green design principles for products and construction projects to foster the “Green Made in Taiwan” (gMIT) brand.
\r\n■ Advance source reduction: Roll out measures to promote reuse, reduce consumption and restrict or prohibit certain uses. Provide repair, leasing, extended warranty and buy-back services.
\r\n■ Boost sustainable consumption: Implement circular labeling and product information disclosure frameworks to encourage green purchasing.
\r\n■ Strengthen interministerial collaboration: Establish an interministerial Resource Circulation Promotion Committee, and formulate an integrated national program for resource circulation.
\r\n■ Create a “Circular Experiment Sandbox”: Permit experimental innovation within a controlled setting with partial regulatory exemptions, fostering R&D in innovative technologies and cultivating circular economy business models for the future.
\r\n■ Support circular economy industries: Offer incentives or grants to businesses that demonstrate strong resource circularity performance, and prioritize their access to financing and credit guarantees.
From 2026 to 2027, NT$6.25 billion (approximately US$195.4 million) will be allocated to address the challenges of Taiwan’s rapidly aging population and its shift to a super-aged society. Through digital governance and big data analytics, the government is enhancing integrated service systems and risk detection mechanisms for seniors who live alone, enabling closer monitoring of their health and living conditions. These improvements will allow support and care services to be delivered promptly when crises occur, while building more cooperative communities that foster safety and well-being in all aspects of life.
\r\n
\r\nKey points
\r\n
\r\n■ Increase home visits: Integrate household registration, civil affairs and social welfare systems to organize joint outreach visits with trusted local district office personnel, aiming to complete 700,000 in-person visits to seniors living alone within two years.
\r\n
\r\n■ Expand access to subsidies for medical alert devices: Continue providing subsidies for seniors living alone—regardless of financial status—to install fixed or wearable emergency assistance devices with features such as GPS tracking, emergency call buttons, and fall or inactivity detection.
\r\n
\r\n■ Establish needs-based, tiered support services: Categorize seniors living alone into four levels of need based on health and ability to care for oneself, and provide services accordingly. These include care visits, telephone check-ins, daily living assistance, information services and accompaniment to medical appointments, delivered from once a year up to four times per month.
\r\n
\r\n■ Introduce meal delivery services: Offer daily meal delivery to high-need, economically vulnerable seniors living alone, with in-person delivery and on-site check-ins allowing providers to better understand their physical and mental well-being and safety.
To alleviate the national security issue posed by Taiwan’s declining birth rate, the government is actively expanding and diversifying service models for childhood education and care, and expediting the addition of slots at public preschools and child care facilities.
\r\n
\r\nSince July 2018, the government has promoted an array of measures to counter declining birth rates, including version 2.0 of the national child care policy for children aged 0-6. This policy implements various upgraded measures such as enlarging affordable education and care service capacities, increasing child care subsidies, creating more preschool classes dedicated to enrolling two-year-olds, continuing to grant childrearing allowances and tuition subsidies for children aged 5-6, reducing preschool student-teacher ratios, offering flexible parental leave without pay, providing rental support for young families, and expanding access to foreign domestic helpers. Through all these efforts, the government is throwing its full support behind childrearing households, giving young people the confidence to marry and start a family.
\r\n
\r\nKey measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Launch three initiatives to help families have children: Expand childbirth allowances, implement version 3.0 of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) subsidy program, and establish a pilot program to offer financial assistance for fertility preservation among patients undergoing treatment. These initiatives will reduce family burdens, safeguard the health of mothers and infants, and provide more substantive assistance to prospective parents.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enlarge affordable education and care capacity: Provide more public child care facilities and broaden quasi-public services through collaboration with residential child care (nanny) and private child care centers that meet the required standards. Establish more public and nonprofit preschools by utilizing available space within schools and publicly-owned land. Encourage public and private sectors to invest in new preschools, and foster partnerships with qualified private preschools through the quasi-public mechanism, thereby providing parents with a greater choice of affordable schooling for their children.
\r\n
\r\n■ Alleviate parents’ financial burden
\r\n
\r\n1. Raise childrearing allowances: Increase childrearing allowances for children aged 0-6 to NT$5,000 (approximately US$156) per month, with additional allowances of NT$6,000 for the second child and NT$7,000 for the third child and beyond. Adjust tuition subsidies for children aged 5-6 enrolled at private preschools following the same basis as childrearing allowances.
\r\n
\r\n2. Lower child care and education fees: For children aged 0-2 attending public and quasi-public care centers, boost child care subsidies to NT$7,000 (approx. US$219) and NT$13,000, respectively, with additional subsidies for the second and third children and beyond, as well as for low income and lower-middle income households and disadvantaged families. For children aged 2-6 attending public, nonprofit or quasi-public preschools, cap tuition fees at NT$1,000, NT$2,000 and NT$3,000 per month, respectively, with further reductions for the second and third children and beyond.
\r\n
\r\n■ Other supporting measures
\r\n
\r\n1. Extended child care service hours: Beginning February 2024, extend weekday care services at public preschools, add extra care services during summer and winter vacations, and offer drop-in care services on a trial basis.
\r\n
\r\n2. More preschool classes for two-year-olds: Open more classes aimed at newly enrolling two-year-olds at public preschools, providing them with greater opportunities to receive education and care services.
\r\n
\r\n3. Reduced student-teacher ratios: Offer grants of up to NT$500,000 (approx. US$15,635) per additional caregiver per year for child care centers that hire to a child-to-caregiver ratio of 4:1. Limit preschool classes for children aged 3 and above to a maximum of 12 children per educare provider and a maximum class size of 24 children, with the objective of achieving a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 by the 2026 school year.
\r\n
\r\n4. Higher employee salaries: Raise monthly starting salaries for personnel working in public child care services to NT$38,011 (approx. US$1,189). Increase minimum monthly salaries for personnel working in quasi-public child care according to three tiers—NT$33,200, NT$36,200 and NT$39,200—based on seniority. Salaries for principals, teaching staff and educare providers at quasi-public preschools will also follow three seniority tiers, with the minimum monthly salary starting from NT$34,200.
\r\n
\r\n5. Incentive structure: Incentivize quasi-public child care centers to offer fair salaries and improve facilities and equipment, providing grants based on center size. Increase allowance to NT$12,000 (approx. US$375) per nanny per year for quasi-public nanny services that upgrade their service quality.
\r\n
\r\n6. Flexible parental leave without pay: Starting January 1, 2026, allow workers to apply for parental leave without pay by the day, and family care leave or personal leave (for caregiving) by the hour.
\r\n
\r\n7. Grants for employer-provided child care facilities: Provide up to NT$20,000 (approx. US$625) for employers to set up breastfeeding rooms, and up to NT$5 million (approx. US$156,000) for newly built child care facilities such as child care centers and preschools.
\r\n
\r\n8. Rental housing support for young families: Encourage young people to start families through measures targeting childrearing couples, particularly newlyweds or those with young children. These include increased rental allowances, expanded eligibility criteria for rent subsidies, higher priority for social housing, and additional items of financial assistance.
\r\n
\r\n9. Greater access to foreign domestic helpers: Effective April 13, 2026, permit any household with a child under the age of 12 to apply for a foreign domestic helper, replacing the previous requirement of three or more children aged six or under.
More than half of Taiwan’s buildings are now aged 30 years or older, with many facing problems such as inadequate functionality, aging pipelines and inconveniences for elderly residents. To address the challenges of a super-aged society, extreme weather and earthquakes, the government is investing NT$5 billion (US$156.5 million) to support interior and exterior renovations for housing aged 30 years or older. Program subsidies are available for apartment buildings of four to six stories, as well as freehold houses of up to six stories, helping to ensure that residents can live safely and with peace of mind.
\r\n
\r\nAreas of focus
\r\n
\r\n■ Enhancing building safety, resilience and functionality: Subsidize exterior wall repairs, waterproofing, leak prevention, and upgrades to shared facilities and equipment to strengthen overall community safety. Provide financial assistance for the installation of elevators and other vertical transportation equipment; improvements to barrier-free facilities; renovations and upgrades for public utility pipelines; and the addition of indoor handrails and step-free access features to create more age-friendly living environments.
\r\n
\r\n■ Integrating energy efficiency, carbon reduction and net-zero transformation: Promote repairs over rebuilding in order to substantially reduce construction waste and carbon emissions. Encourage the installation of solar photovoltaic systems and the replacement of old appliances with energy-efficient upgrades, lowering energy consumption and positioning residential buildings as key sites for advancing the net-zero transition.
\r\n
\r\n■ Using domestic building materials to support traditional industries: Require that all materials and equipment used in renovations under the program be sourced from domestic brands, helping to stimulate growth in the construction sector and traditional industries.
Taiwan’s aging population and declining birth rates are reshaping family structures, leading to a rise in young caregivers aged 25 and under, who typically assume caregiving responsibilities while in school due to family crises or an elderly relative’s disability or illness. To help them stay on track with their studies and careers, the government has strengthened support for young caregivers through various measures. Focusing on assistance across the dimensions of social welfare, education and jobs, these measures aim to ensure that they can study with peace of mind, transition smoothly into employment and realize their personal growth.
\r\n
\r\nThree areas of support
\r\n
\r\n■ Caregiving: Provide substitute care support—including government-funded institutional care placement and community long-term care services—to students aged 25 and under who are primary caregivers of individuals assessed at Level 2 or higher for long-term care needs, and who reside with the care recipient and face challenges such as family dysfunction and financial hardship, to help them focus on their education.
\r\n
\r\n■ Education: Implement counseling mechanisms, academic remediation and mental health support for minor caregivers in secondary education and below. Offer scholarships, grants, student loans, and tuition and fee reductions or waivers to caregivers aged 18 to 25 in colleges and universities. Strengthen follow-up for those who suspend their studies due to caregiving pressures, facilitating their return to school.
\r\n
\r\n■ Employment: Deliver services centered on career guidance, employment support and skill enhancement, providing young caregivers with career counseling, vocational training subsidies and job-seeking allowances.
In 2025, a plan for the diversified revitalization and development of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) was launched to help companies adapt to recent global trends in digital and net-zero transformation; tighter environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards; and a shifting international landscape. Since its implementation, the plan has already yielded preliminary results.
\r\n
\r\nNow, to continue strengthening diversified growth and innovation, the government has approved a 2026-2029 program to further develop MSMEs. The new program prioritizes three core missions—digital transformation, net-zero transformation and market channel expansion—with the aim of comprehensively enhancing MSMEs’ operational resilience, innovative ability and global competitiveness, while advancing inclusive economic growth.
\r\n
\r\nMain strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Accelerate AI-driven transformation: Establish a repository of AI solution case studies, offer practical training courses delivered by technology institutions, and standardize and modularize support resources, thereby lowering adoption barriers and facilitating both digital and net-zero transformation. These measures will focus on sectors with high growth potential, such as textiles, machinery, metals, ceramics, wholesale and retail.
\r\n
\r\n■ Advance startup-driven technologies: Match startups with small and medium-sized enterprises to foster collaboration. Promote model demonstration cases and modular solutions to assist the upgrading and transformation of industries including metals, machinery, food, semiconductors, AI and next-generation communications.
\r\n
\r\n■ Integrate carbon accounting into financial services: Incorporate carbon emissions calculations (oil, electricity, water and gas) into financial reporting processes by leveraging a nationwide service network of bookkeepers and tax return filing agents. This will help micro- and small enterprises without dedicated accounting staff create carbon accounting databases, thereby alleviating carbon-related concerns and improving access to green finance resources.
\r\n
\r\n■ Expand overseas market channels: Through bilateral platforms with the U.S., Japan, Europe and emerging markets, provide one-stop services and business matchmaking while advancing regulatory adjustments. These efforts will support MSMEs in sectors such as automotive parts, digital health, semiconductors and 5G in developing their international presence and expanding into global markets.
To reverse the decline of the agricultural workers population and the aging of the farming work force while protecting farmer welfare and interests, the government has in recent years actively promoted five major welfare measures, namely: farmer health insurance, farmer occupational accident insurance, agricultural insurance, welfare allowance for elderly farmers and a farmer pension savings system. The measures create a comprehensive socioeconomic safety net for agricultural workers, protect their health, help them diversify business risks, and take care of them in retirement. The objectives are to allow farmers to concentrate more on the work at hand as well as attract more young people to the agricultural profession to inject fresh blood into Taiwan's agricultural sector.
\r\n
\r\nFive major welfare measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Farmer health insurance: The scope of insureds has been expanded to cover every person actually engaged in farming, including agricultural production workers who use other people's farmland by oral agreement, beekeepers not of a fixed farming type, and farmers who use public lands adjoining rivers to engage in agricultural work. In addition, to improve the welfare of farmers, the government raised the monthly insured amounts for farmer health insurance and farmer occupational accident insurance, and accordingly doubled a range of payments including maternity benefits, funeral grants and injury and sickness benefits.
\r\n
\r\n■ Farmer occupational accident insurance: The first phase, which began in November 2018 as a trial run, focused on occupational injuries and implemented voluntary enrollment. The second phase, beginning September 2021, brought occupational diseases under the scope of farmer occupational accident insurance. Starting from December 2023, farmers who newly register under the farmer health insurance program are also required to enroll in the farmer occupational accident insurance program. In September 2024, injury and sickness benefit payments were raised, and in November 2025, medical care allowances provided under the farmer occupational accident insurance program were increased.
\r\n
\r\n■ Agricultural insurance: To help farmers diversify business risks, better protect operations and ensure steady incomes, the government launched a trial agricultural insurance program that offered insurance products and policies of many kinds. The program was expanded to cover natural disasters, crop diseases and market risks, while continuing premium subsidies to ease farmers’ financial burden. The Taiwan Agricultural Insurance Fund was also established to help farmers mitigate risks.
\r\n
\r\n■ Welfare allowance for elderly farmers: Proposed amendments to the Provisional Act Governing the Welfare Allowance for Elderly Farmers will boost the monthly allowance from NT$8,110 (approximately US$258) to NT$10,000 (approx. US$318), introduce a mechanism for periodic adjustments and update the means-testing criteria.
\r\n
\r\n■ Farmer pension savings system: Under the pension savings system for farmers, individual retirement savings accounts are funded through monthly contributions shared equally by the farmer and the government. At age 65, the farmer may collect monthly retirement payouts based on the principal and income accumulated in his or her account. To further encourage participation in the pension system for farmers, the Executive Yuan proposed amendments to the Farmer Pension Act, which the Legislative Yuan passed on January 27, 2026. These changes increased the government’s contribution rate and reduced the economic burden on farmers.
To protect the basic welfare of vulnerable workers, the government has approved increases to the national minimum wage annually since 2016. Over 2 million workers have benefited from this flagship labor policy. Furthermore, the Minimum Wage Act came into force on January 1, 2024, codifying these annual adjustments into law to guarantee a minimum standard of pay for workers.
\r\n\r\nUpholding its promise to support low-income workers, the government has raised the minimum wage again this year, effective January 2026, marking the 10th consecutive year of increases. As a result, the monthly minimum wage has risen by 47.4%, from NT$20,008 (approximately US$633) in 2016 to NT$29,500 (approx. US$933) in 2026, while the hourly minimum wage has increased by 63.3%, from NT$120 (approx. US$3.79) in 2016 to NT$196 (approx. US$6.20) in 2026.
\r\n
In 2018, the government launched a program to strengthen Taiwan’s social safety net, implementing it in two phases through 2025. Through a family-centered, community-based service model, the program has helped support and protect numerous at-risk individuals and families. To address shifting social structures, growing mental health needs and emerging challenges from digital technologies, the Executive Yuan has approved version 2.0 of its social safety net program, covering 2026-2030. This extensively upgraded initiative aims to transform the nation’s social safety net by expanding primary prevention, reaching a wider population, improving service delivery mechanisms and promoting cross-sector collaboration, thereby establishing a more institutionalized and interconnected service system.
\r\n
\r\nKey strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Reaching a wider service population: Expand the service population to include seniors living alone, new parents, near-poor populations and victims of image-based sexual abuse, ensuring timely and appropriate support for all disadvantaged citizens.
\r\n
\r\n■ Optimizing reporting mechanisms and protection services: Enhance reporting, investigation and case-handling mechanisms under the nation’s social safety net. Implement a tiered intervention model and public-private collaboration. Improve services and referral processes. Integrate online monitoring and victim support systems to establish a safety net against digital gender-based violence.
\r\n
\r\n■ Broadening the network of service centers: Expand service centers to 710 locations nationwide by 2030 to increase service accessibility.
\r\n
\r\n■ Institutionalizing social safety nets at all levels: Deepen and regularize collaboration among government units at all levels in social welfare, civil affairs, health care, mental health and other relevant areas, while promoting the stable development of partnerships between the government and civil groups.
\r\n
\r\n■ Retaining skilled professionals: Enhance salaries and promotion systems. Ensure effective deployment of professional supervisors and improve supervisory support mechanisms. Foster supportive work environments through tiered training, strengthened occupational safety protections and deeper integration of learning and practice.
\r\n
\r\n■ Integrating technology to increase service effectiveness: Advance interoperable data infrastructure and standardized data exchange practices across the social welfare sector. Detect hidden risks early by developing and optimizing early warning models for social risks and establishing locally tailored service models.
The government has implemented a variety of ongoing programs to support and expand road-based public transportation, aiming to promote affordable, low-carbon and green transportation options, and to encourage people to choose public transportation over private vehicles. The programs involve improving driving safety, enhancing the passenger experience, increasing public bus service capacity and refining multi-card electronic ticketing systems to deliver higher-quality and more equitable services.
\r\n
\r\nTo further ease the public’s transportation burden, the TPASS initiative was launched in July 2023, introducing an affordable and convenient monthly travel pass (TPASS 1.0) that offers unlimited rides across multiple modes of public transportation within a specific region. In January 2025, a frequent rider program (TPASS 2.0) was added, providing monthly rebates based on ride frequency to encourage public transportation use, especially among users who travel less often or across regions. On December 1, 2025, the TPASS 2.0 program was upgraded (TPASS 2.0+) to include a frequent rider rebate for users traveling on medium- to long-distance national highway bus routes.
\r\n
\r\nOverview of TPASS
\r\n
\r\n■ TPASS 1.0: A monthly travel pass developed with support from the central government, which worked with local governments to design region-specific options based on a nationwide assessment of travel patterns and public transportation conditions. Integrating central and local resources, each pass offers unlimited rides on metro systems, bus services and Taiwan Railway services within a designated region that covers one or multiple counties and cities.
\r\n
\r\n■ TPASS 2.0: A frequent rider program that provides monthly rebates based on usage frequency. Individuals can participate simply by registering their identity-linked public transportation cards on the Highway Bureau’s frequent rider rewards platform. Those who take 11 or more public bus trips in a month become eligible for tiered fare rebates, with similar cashback rewards for using Taiwan Railway and metro services.
\r\n
\r\n■ TPASS 2.0+: Since December 1, 2025, TPASS 2.0 has been rebranded as the TPASS 2.0+ program, which maintains all existing benefits while introducing new monthly frequent rider rebates for travel on any of 91 medium- to long-distance national highway bus routes. Users who ride these routes at least twice per month can receive a 15% fare rebate, while those who ride at least four times per month can enjoy a 30% rebate. Previously registered TPASS 2.0 users are automatically eligible to receive TPASS 2.0+ rebates.
The stability of Taiwan’s pharmaceutical supply chains has evolved beyond a public health concern to become a crucial national security issue. In response, the Executive Yuan has approved a 2026-2029 program to strengthen Taiwan's drug resilience, with a focus on enhancing the nation’s self-sufficiency and supply chain resilience for critical drugs. Through a whole-of-government strategy supported by action plans, the program comprehensively bolsters domestic pharmaceutical production, secure stockpiles and supply coordination systems, enhancing the health care system’s emergency preparedness and stabilizing the supply of essential medicines. By advancing these efforts, the program will also foster the growth of a trillion-dollar biomedical industry centered on domestically produced drugs, improve health care readiness and guide Taiwan’s development in the biomedical field.
\r\n
\r\nFive key measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Boosting domestic production: Advance the domestic production of critical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), critical pharmaceutical preparations and critical medical devices through grants, investment incentives and support for research and development.
\r\n
\r\n■ Expanding use of domestic drugs and medical devices: Promote the use of locally manufactured generics and medical devices by leveraging industry, academia and research resources. Refine pricing policies for drugs under National Health Insurance coverage.
\r\n
\r\n■ Implementing smart monitoring: Employ smart review processes and establish smart early-warning and monitoring systems for managing pharmaceutical supply and demand. Strengthen stockpiling and supply coordination systems for high-risk critical medications.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthening regulatory guidance: Develop legislation on drug resilience—as a standalone act or as a dedicated chapter within existing laws—to establish a clear legal and policy basis.
\r\n
\r\n■ Broadening international partnerships: Raise the global profile of Taiwan’s pharmaceutical industry and expand opportunities for international collaboration. These goals can be achieved by actively promoting regional supply chain cooperation and exchanges on drug review processes, setting up Taiwan showcases at international exhibitions, and utilizing international business matchmaking.
On November 27, 2025, the Executive Yuan approved a draft special act on procurement to enhance defensive resilience and asymmetric capabilities. This legislation responds to the Chinese Communist Party’s continuing expansion of military threats and seeks to reinforce Taiwan’s self-defense armaments while balancing government fiscal stability, national security and overall economic development. The proposed act sets a provisional budget ceiling of NT$1.25 trillion (approximately US$40 billion) to establish a multi-layer defense structure, including the “T-Dome” air and missile defense system; introduce high-tech and AI systems to accelerate kill chains; spur growth in defense industries; and build non-red supply chains. The goal is to comprehensively strengthen Taiwan’s democratic defense capabilities and support the development of national defense-related industries.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthening democratic defense capabilities: Build a modernized defense architecture and fully upgrade the armed forces’ capacity for modern warfare by acquiring seven categories of advanced weapons and equipment: (1) precision artillery; (2) long-range precision strike missiles; (3) air-defense, anti-ballistic and anti-armor missiles; (4) drones and counter-drone systems; (5) equipment that enhances operational sustainment; (6) AI-assisted and C5ISR systems; and (7) equipment and systems jointly developed or procured through Taiwan-U.S. cooperation.
\r\n
\r\n■ Developing national defense-related industries: Expand defense procurement requirements to promote industrial upgrading and development, particularly in fields such as unmanned aerial and marine vehicles, aerospace, shipbuilding, quadruped robots and satellites. Accelerate the achievement of self-reliance in critical defense technologies and catalyze the upgrading and development of related industrial chains.
Taiwan lies along the Tropic of Cancer and at the juncture of the Eurasian and Philippine Sea plates, offering stunning landscapes and ecological diversity that underpin its exceptional tourism appeal. To integrate resources and advance regional tourism, the Executive Yuan has approved a 2026-2029 program comprising 10 key initiatives to develop tourist areas located on and south of the Tropic of Cancer. The goal is to achieve cross-regional integration that connects cultural and historical sites, ecological conservation areas, geological landscapes and recreational attractions, enabling the public to engage more deeply with local nature and cultures, while drawing more international visitors to bolster regional tourism.
\r\n
\r\nTen key initiatives
\r\n
\r\n■ Tropic of Cancer corridor: Launch six initiatives to integrate the resources of major tourism areas along latitude 23.5°N—Yushan National Park and the Alishan, Penghu, Sun Moon Lake, Siraya, and East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Areas—connecting the diverse attractions of central and southern Taiwan and forming a world-class tourism corridor and oasis.
\r\n
\r\n■ Southern coastal arc: Implement four initiatives to link the resources of the Pingtung County Government, Kenting National Park, and the East Coast, Southwest Coast and Dapeng Bay National Scenic Areas, showcasing Taiwan’s coastal beauty along the western edge of the Pacific.
Taiwan faces a shrinking working-age population (ages 15-64) due to an aging society and low fertility rates, leading to labor shortages in manufacturing, hospitality and other industries. At the same time, public concern over low wages for the local workforce is growing. To address these challenges, the government is launching a plan in 2026 to enhance the use of transnational labor. This initiative encourages businesses to raise wages and improve employment conditions for local workers, preventing wage stagnation while actively attracting transnational labor to help fill labor market gaps. Guided by the principles of prioritizing local workers’ rights, improving workforce quality, expanding recruitment and retention efforts, and enhancing government efficiency, the plan seeks to meet industry labor needs while fostering a system that benefits both employers and employees.
\r\n
\r\nFour key measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Link expansion of migrant worker quota to wage increases for local workers in the manufacturing sector: To encourage higher wages for local workers, a manufacturing employer may hire one additional migrant worker for each full-time local employee who is granted a salary increase of at least NT$2,000 (US$64.35), with the number of additional hires capped at 10% of the employer’s labor-insurance enrollees.
\r\n
\r\n■ Remove cap on skilled foreign workers: To help businesses retain experienced, high-performing migrant workers, employers can apply to re-designate eligible experienced migrant workers as skilled foreign workers. For manufacturing employers, the 25% cap on skilled foreign workers as a proportion of the migrant worker quota will be removed, allowing skilled workers to fill 100% of the quota.
\r\n
\r\n■ Expand access to skilled foreign labor for the hospitality and commercial port sectors: To expand the labor supply in these sectors, employers may directly recruit skilled foreign workers from overseas.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enhance government efficiency: To improve direct recruitment processes through government-to-government channels and ensure fair hiring practices, the Ministry of Labor will establish new centers for recruiting transnational workers, including overseas branches. These centers will handle the hiring and skills testing of such workers, strengthening the hiring workflow.
Drones—including unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned marine vehicles—are finding increasingly widespread applications across fields such as agriculture, environmental protection, logistics, health care and national defense, revealing vast potential for commercial growth. Amid global geopolitical shifts and rising demand for secure and trusted supply chains, Taiwan now faces a pivotal opportunity to build a high-reliability drone industry.
\r\n
\r\nAccordingly, the government has included drones under its Five Trusted Industry Sectors initiative and is launching a comprehensive program to develop the drone industry (2025-2030). The program aims to spur industry growth by accelerating the expansion of domestic demand and the creation of new drone applications, as well as by capitalizing on business opportunities arising from the shift of international purchases toward non-red supply chains, ultimately establishing Taiwan as the Asia-Pacific hub of a democratic drone supply chain.
\r\n
\r\nFour main strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Markets – Expanding domestic and international demand to guide industrial development: Increase public-sector procurement of drones, carry out strategic investments through the National Development Fund, and form a national coalition to support the drone industry and drive its expansion into international markets.
\r\n
\r\n■ Technology – Fostering technological advancement and international cooperation: Provide subsidies to develop key drone technologies and accelerate their transition to industrial application, thereby enhancing domestic R&D and manufacturing capabilities. Strengthen cooperation with full-system manufacturers in Europe, the U.S. and Japan in technological development and application fields. Collaborate with foreign research institutions to promote R&D and validation of forward-looking technologies.
\r\n
\r\n■ Environment – Forming industry clusters and ecosystems: Establish an innovation R&D center and an industrial park manufacturing base. Prepare dedicated flight-testing sites and set up drone technology innovation laboratories.
\r\n
\r\n■ Legislation – Improving regulatory frameworks for unmanned vehicles: Revise regulations for unmanned aerial vehicles and draft new regulations for unmanned marine vehicles. Formulate procurement and usage standards for the public sector and assist companies in obtaining international certifications.
To address the national security challenges posed by Taiwan’s declining fertility rates, the government continues to optimize and refine its measures for tackling the issue across five key areas: pregnancy, childrearing, child care and education, housing, and employment. In supporting young couples and creating family-friendly workplaces, the government has provided rental housing assistance to young, married couples raising families and enabled more flexible use of parental leave without pay. Now, it has further launched three initiatives to help families have children: (1) an expansion of the government’s childbirth allowance, (2) version 3.0 of its in vitro fertilization (IVF) subsidy program and (3) a pilot program offering financial assistance for fertility preservation among patients undergoing treatment. Through these initiatives, the government aims to further enhance the welfare of families planning or raising children, reduce their burdens, safeguard the health of mothers and infants, and provide more substantive assistance to prospective parents, thereby fostering a society supportive of childrearing.
\r\n
\r\nInitiatives
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\r\n■ Expanded childbirth allowance: Beginning January 1, 2026, the government's childbirth allowance will be made available to women with Taiwanese nationality and to foreign spouses of Taiwanese citizens who give birth, whether at full term or prematurely, and regardless of their social insurance enrollment status. The allowance will be raised to NT$100,000 (approximately US$3,282) per child, with proportional adjustments for twins or multiple births.
\r\n
\r\n■ IVF subsidy program 3.0: Starting November 1, 2025, subsidy recipients on their first IVF attempt for each pregnancy are eligible for up to NT$150,000 (approx. US$4,923) if under age 39, and up to NT$130,000 (approx. US$4,267) if aged 39 to under 45. For the second and third attempts for each pregnancy, recipients are eligible for up to NT$100,000 (approx. US$3,282) per attempt if under age 39, and up to NT$80,000 (approx. US$2,626) per attempt if aged 39 to under 45. For the fourth to sixth attempts for each pregnancy, recipients under age 40 are eligible for up to NT$60,000 (approx. US$1,969) per attempt. Recipients from low income and lower-middle income households are eligible for up to NT$150,000 (approx. US$4,923) per attempt, regardless of age or number of attempts.
\r\n
\r\n■ Fertility preservation pilot program for patients undergoing treatment: Effective September 1, 2025, Taiwanese citizens aged 18 to 40 who are diagnosed with breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma will be eligible for financial assistance for fertility preservation. Female patients may receive up to NT$70,000 (approx. US$2,297) per egg retrieval procedure, and male patients up to NT$8,000 (approx. US$263) per sperm banking procedure.
The Ministry of Sports was officially inaugurated on September 9, 2025, with the aim of promoting equal opportunity, social inclusion and sustainable development through athletic activities, while also enhancing Taiwan’s presence and participation on the global stage. Aligned with the government’s vision of strengthening Taiwan through sports, the new ministry is tasked with overseeing national sports policy and the comprehensive development of physical education. Its subordinate bodies include the newly formed Sports for All Agency and the forthcoming Taiwan Sports Industry Development Center, as well as the existing Taiwan Sports Training Center and Taiwan Institute of Sports Science. These bodies will coordinate to continue bolstering support for competitive sports, actively encourage fitness habits for all, expand the sports industry, and stimulate both the sports economy and domestic demand, thereby ushering in a new era for sports in Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nSix key policy directions
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\r\n■ Promote sports for all: Improve basic sports facilities and encourage regular fitness habits across the entire population, making exercise a part of everyday life for all.
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\r\n■ Integrate systems and institutions for competitive sports: Foster close cooperation between the Taiwan Sports Training Center and individual sports associations to establish a more structured, transparent environment for sports. Emphasize the balance of academics and training for student-athletes, supporting both their future career development and long-term social sustainability.
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\r\n■ Increase Taiwan’s visibility and capacity to host major international sporting events: Secure the rights to hold more prestigious, large-scale international sporting events, thereby strengthening Taiwan’s influence on the global sports stage.
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\r\n■ Advance commercial development of the sports industry: Refine Taiwan’s sports industry chain and create more diverse business opportunities through regulatory adjustments, resource integration and cross-sector collaboration.
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\r\n■ Champion sustainability and diverse values: Address issues such as gender equality, disability sports and senior health, positioning sports as a driving force for social progress.
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\r\n■ Invest in talent development for youth and student-athletes: Diversify talent recruitment and expand the pool of student-athletes cultivated through school-based training systems, emphasizing a broader range of athletic experiences at the elementary school level in line with the principles of the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model.
With the continued decline in the number of newborns each year, Taiwan’s low fertility rates have become a pressing and unavoidable challenge. One key factor is that many families, lacking adequate support, struggle to balance work and child care responsibilities, often resulting in parents leaving the workforce. To create a more supportive workplace environment for raising children, the government is launching a plan to enable more flexible use of parental leave without pay. Starting January 1, 2026, this initiative aims to help families better manage both work and child care commitments, thereby encouraging young people to have and raise kids, while also assisting businesses in retaining their core talent.
\r\n
\r\nKey points
\r\n
\r\n■ Parental leave without pay available in single-day units: Under current regulations, employees can apply for up to two years of parental leave without pay before their child turns three, during which the government provides an allowance equal to 80% of their salary for up to six months. Starting in 2026, they will be able to apply for up to 30 days of such leave in single-day units within the approved allowance period. Both parents combined may take up to 60 days in total and remain eligible for the allowance.
\r\n
\r\n■ Family care leave available in hourly units: Under current regulations, employees who need to personally care for family members may apply for up to seven days of family care leave each year. This leave counts toward their 14-day personal leave entitlement. Under the new plan, they will be able to take family care leave in hourly units, up to a maximum of 56 hours per year. After exhausting their family care leave, employees may take any remaining personal leave by the hour to meet further caregiving needs. Employers may not deny such requests or use them as a reason to withhold full-attendance bonuses.
\r\n
\r\n■ Supporting measures: Introduce incentives for family-friendly enterprises. Provide enhanced guidance on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure for medium and large-sized companies, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of their efforts in fostering employee-friendly workplaces. Require employees to apply in advance for flexible use of parental leave without pay to facilitate work scheduling. Allow flexible overtime for substitute workers, with safeguards to prevent overwork and other related issues.
Taiwan’s declining birth rate poses a serious national security concern. In response, the government has been advancing measures to improve housing, support childrearing and lower the tax burden, creating a friendlier environment for young people to marry and start families. Now, the government has put forward a plan to provide further rental housing assistance to young, married couples raising children, with a focus on enhancing housing stability. This initiative integrates existing policies for social housing, rental allowances, and a subleasing and management program, while placing a renewed emphasis on childrearing couples, particularly newlyweds or those with young children. By increasing rental allowances, expanding eligibility criteria, introducing additional items of financial assistance, and assigning higher priority for social housing, the plan aims to bring greater security and peace of mind to households with children and to young people starting new families.
\r\n
\r\nFour avenues of assistance
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\r\n■ Increased rental allowances: Eligible households receive 50% more in rental allowances within two years of marriage, plus an additional 50% increase for each child born.
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\r\n■ Expanded eligibility criteria: The central government’s NT$30 billion (approximately US$991.9 million) expanded rent subsidy program is relaxing its eligibility requirements for applicants who are newlyweds or raising children, lifting the maximum personal income threshold from 3 times to 3.5 times the average minimum monthly cost of living in their local area.
\r\n
\r\n■ Additional items of financial assistance: Families with newborns or newlyweds residing in social housing under the government’s subleasing and management program can receive up to NT$6,000 (approx. US$198) annually in financial support for the installation of child safety equipment, such as devices to prevent falls or soften collisions.
\r\n
\r\n■ Higher priority for social housing: The central government reserves 20% of social housing for families married within the past two years or raising preschoolers. These families are eligible to rent the units for up to 12 years, including extensions.
To keep pace with the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and address the challenges it brings, the Executive Yuan approved the draft bill for a basic law on AI on August 28, 2025 (Update: passed by the Legislature on December 23). Aimed at promoting AI innovation while safeguarding people’s rights and interests, the proposed law outlines seven core principles to guide AI research, development and application: sustainability, human autonomy, privacy protection and data governance, safety, transparency and explainability, fairness, and accountability. The legislation serves to anchor Taiwan's key priorities for AI development, helping to foster an environment conducive to AI research and application, thereby positioning Taiwan as a global leader in the field. In addition, it emphasizes the protection of national sovereignty and cultural values, and the creation of a smarter, safer and more sustainable digital society.
\r\n
\r\nMain points
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\r\n■ Innovation through collaboration: Promote AI research, development, application and infrastructure through grants, commissioned projects, investments, rewards, and policy measures such as tax and financial incentives. Encourage international cooperation and facilitate the cross-border exchange and utilization of talent, technology and infrastructure. Establish mechanisms for data openness and sharing to enhance the availability of AI-related data.
\r\n
\r\n■ Talent cultivation: Foster AI education across schools, industries, public institutions and society to strengthen AI literacy.
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\r\n■ Research flexibility: Build and enhance innovative testbeds for AI research, development and application services while easing restrictions on academic research to accelerate the real-world deployment of AI technologies.
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\r\n■ Risk management: Advance the adoption of a risk classification framework aligned with international standards, and develop mechanisms for accountability, remedy, compensation and insurance in high-risk AI applications.
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\r\n■ Assessment and verification: Establish standards and create mechanisms for verification, traceability and accountability, based on risk management principles, to enhance the verifiability and human oversight of AI applications. Utilize assessment and verification tools to help ensure legal compliance of AI applications, and clarify accountability for high-risk AI applications.
\r\n
\r\n■ Safeguarding of rights and interests: Provide employment counseling for workers displaced by AI. Ensure that personal data is collected, processed or used only when necessary during AI research, development and application. Increase the quality and quantity of data used in AI to preserve the nation’s cultural diversity and protect intellectual property rights.
On April 24, 2025, amid geopolitical shifts—including changes to U.S. tariff policy—the Executive Yuan approved a draft bill for a special act to strengthen Taiwan's economic, social and homeland security resilience in response to international developments. After deliberation by the Legislative Yuan, the bill was renamed as a special act to strengthen Taiwan’s economic, social, livelihood and security resilience, and was promulgated on August 1.
\r\n
\r\nTo promptly address the needs of various sectors while Taiwan-U.S. tariff talks continue, draft amendments to the special act were approved by the Executive Yuan on August 14, and passed their third and final reading by the Legislative Yuan on August 29. These amendments raise the special budget ceiling to NT$570 billion (approximately US$18.6 billion), an increase of NT$25 billion (approx. US$814.2 million). This additional funding is allocated toward fortifying support for industries, workers and agriculture impacted by international trade developments; enhancing support for vulnerable populations; strengthening social care services; and covering additional expenses related to the distribution of universal cash payments.
\r\n
\r\nMain points of the act
\r\n
\r\n■ Supporting industries: Provide companies with greater financial support through measures such as reduced interest rates on trade financing, preferential export insurance premiums, enhanced guarantees on export loans, and expanded loan support for micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises. Boost industrial competitiveness by offering guidance and subsidies to help businesses upgrade their technologies and replace old equipment. Facilitate expansion into diversified international markets by assisting companies in overseas marketing and order acquisition. Strengthen the agricultural sector through measures such as increasing interest subsidies on agricultural loans, and accelerating value-added transformations.
\r\n
\r\n■ Stabilizing employment: Support companies in maintaining stable hiring practices and enhancing workforce skills training. Ensure secure employment for workers and facilitate young people’s entry into the workforce.
\r\n
\r\n■ Safeguarding livelihoods: Allocate funding for the National Health Insurance Fund and Labor Insurance Fund to ease their financial pressures and help stabilize consumer prices and people’s livelihoods. Expand support for disadvantaged groups and strengthen social care services. Invest in talent at the higher education level. Distribute a one-time cash payment of NT$10,000 (approx. US$326) per person to bolster consumer resilience, stimulate domestic demand and improve economic outcomes.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enhancing national resilience: Strengthen homeland defense capabilities by improving and expanding coastal patrols, unmanned vehicle systems and other critical defense assets. Upgrade cybersecurity capabilities by improving the operational environment and infrastructure for information and communications systems.
To help accelerate the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Taiwan, the government has launched an “intelligent rainforest” industrial revitalization program (2025–2029). The initiative leverages the foundational platform and pilot sites established through the government's plan to promote a new Silicon Valley in southern Taiwan, and draws support from universities and colleges to facilitate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies by industries in the region, with efforts to be expanded to other counties and cities.
\r\n
\r\nFocusing on AI applications in key industries—such as smart business services, health care, and information and communications technology (ICT), as well as smart manufacturing, agriculture and livestock farming—the program promotes cross-sector collaboration to help SMEs develop differentiated, high-value products and services that provide more added value. It also encourages the information services industry and academia to form cross-disciplinary teams to jointly develop practical AI applications, providing support in system design, computing resources, real-world testing environments and mentorship activities, with the goal of comprehensively strengthening Taiwan’s digital competitiveness.
\r\n
\r\nImplementation strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Identify industry needs: Establish a solid foundation for driving AI integration, solution development and industrial upgrading by conducting interviews with industry stakeholders and trade associations to accurately identify transformation pain points.
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\r\n■ Coordinate cross-ministerial resources: Support the adoption of diverse AI applications and enhance industrial resilience and competitiveness by integrating resources from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, National Science and Technology Council, Ministry of Digital Affairs and Ministry of Education.
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\r\n■ Expand AI talent development: Cultivate job-ready AI talent by promoting hands-on AI application across industries, thematic course clusters in schools, and industry-academia collaboration.
The government has been promoting the Taiwan Hepatitis C Policy Guideline (2018-2025) to protect public health and support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. Taiwan’s comprehensive initiative tackles hepatitis C through a treatment-led approach, integrating screening and control measures via a precisely targeted public health prevention system. After years of joint public-private efforts, the government now plans to apply to the WHO for hepatitis C elimination certification by the end of 2025, establishing Taiwan’s approach as a model for the international community and advancing the administration’s policy vision of a healthier Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nKey strategies
\r\n
\r\nOptimally allocate and utilize limited medical resources based on the specific needs of different regions and demographic groups:
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\r\n■ High prevalence areas: Integrate existing resources, such as hospitals, clinics and health centers, to prioritize screening and treatment interventions in central and southern Taiwan, where hepatitis C prevalence is higher.
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\r\n■ Mountainous areas and outlying islands: Develop disease control models tailored to the distinct social, cultural, epidemiological and medical resource contexts of mountainous areas and outlying islands, giving priority to high prevalence areas. Measures include dispatching medical teams to deliver mobile medical services and collaborating with local residents and tribal leaders to carry out culturally appropriate public health awareness campaigns.
\r\n
\r\n■ General population areas: Identify individuals with abnormal liver functions during medical checkups—such as through liver function tests for elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) or alanine transaminase (ALT)—and conduct further hepatitis C virus testing for those individuals.
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\r\n■ High-risk populations: Establish strategies to halt viral infection and reinfection, such as providing methadone maintenance therapy for individuals with opioid dependence, and strengthening hepatitis C screening and follow-up within existing routine medical checks.
To attain the goals of sustainable development and net-zero transformation, Taiwan is shifting from a traditional linear economy centered on the “make-use-dispose” model toward a circular society. To actively advance this transition, the government has approved an updated 2023-2027 program to promote waste reduction, recycling and resource circulation. The program aims to strengthen waste prevention and recycling efficiency, while facilitating the nation’s circular economy transition and industrial internationalization. With the goal of swiftly achieving a zero-waste society, the initiative will help usher in a green future for Taiwan that balances environmental sustainability with economic resilience.
\r\n
\r\nMain tasks
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\r\n■ Update legislation on resource circulation to establish a circular governance system: Amend the Resource Circulation Promotion Act and Waste Disposal Act.
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\r\n■ Integrate Taiwan’s critical and strategic resources to promote domestic resource circulation: Identify critical and strategic resources, monitor their export abroad, and employ regulatory measures and economic incentives to increase their retention and circular use within Taiwan. Support businesses in creating the necessary conditions to develop and implement resource circulation.
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\r\n■ Build “Green Made in Taiwan” (gMIT) into a global brand: Foster comprehensive pathways for resource circulation—from recycling and remanufacturing to productization—and establish a management system for recycled materials. Introduce digital product tracking, and leverage physical showcases and diverse media marketing strategies to position gMIT products as premium offerings and inspire a new wave of green consumption.
The Taiwan Chip-based Industrial Innovation Program (2024-2033) aims to solidify the nation’s technological prowess to meet the opportunities and challenges posed by industrial transformation over the next 10 to 20 years. The program propels the semiconductor industry forward by sustaining competitive advantages, expanding internationally, innovating new applications and fostering sustainable adaptation. A key strategy of the program is the integration of semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation across industries. This approach combines AI and other key technologies with Taiwan’s globally leading strengths in semiconductor chip manufacturing, packaging and testing to develop groundbreaking applications. These innovations are then disseminated to fuel advancement across a wide range of sectors including biomedicine and agriculture.
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\r\nMain points
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\r\n■ Leverage mature-process chips to spur innovative cross-sector applications: Fully utilize Taiwan’s mature chip production capacity to advance applications ranging from gene sequencing and smart medicine to agricultural monitoring and chemical residue detection, with a view to upgrading the biomedicine and agriculture sectors.
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\r\n■ Coordinate cross-sector collaboration to create an innovation ecosystem: Strengthen Taiwan’s chip autonomy and deployment capabilities through division of labor and end-to-end cooperation across government, industry, academia, research, medicine and agriculture, accelerating the conversion of technological advances into tangible economic value.
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\r\n■ Deepen real-world validation of technologies to enable broader public applications: Continue expanding application fields and further integrate chip technologies into biomedicine and agriculture to ensure they deliver direct benefits to people through medical care, health services and other aspects of daily life.
One Health is an integrated approach that recognizes the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants and the environment as closely connected and interdependent. It entails mobilizing diverse sectors, disciplines and communities to identify root causes early, shorten warning times and take early action against threats to health and ecosystems, while also promoting sustainable development.
\r\n\r\nTo realize this approach, the government is launching a national One Health joint action plan (2026-2030), aiming to build cooperation mechanisms and capacity for One Health implementation through interministerial and cross-sector collaborations, as well as proactive resource integration. Under the plan, comprehensive risk assessments will be conducted by linking human, animal, plant, climate and environmental monitoring systems, and health threats will be addressed by deploying necessary resources to enhance real-time detection and response capabilities. The initiative advances the goals of the government’s “Healthy Taiwan” policy vision and strengthens the nation's resilience to epidemics.
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\r\nSix key actions
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\r\n1. Strengthen One Health implementation across humans, animals, plants and the environment by integrating institutional frameworks: Establish cross-sectoral governance at the national level, and enhance the nation’s public health security system by applying internationally recognized assessment tools.
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\r\n2. Reduce outbreak and pandemic risks linked to emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases: Integrate efforts to monitor major zoonotic diseases, strengthen response capabilities and cultivate interdisciplinary talent. Promote technological R&D and upgrade epidemic prevention capabilities across industries.
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\r\n3. Control and eliminate regional zoonotic diseases, neglected tropical diseases and vector-borne diseases: Establish a surveillance platform for flying blood-feeding vectors, conduct sero-epidemiological studies on vector-borne infectious diseases, and improve risk assessment and surveillance of vector- and environment-related diseases.
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\r\n4. Enhance risk evaluation, management and communication for food safety: Implement monitoring of food production processes and management of microbial risk, leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for border inspections and reinforce food import safety. Promote alignment of regulations and systems with international standards.
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\r\n5. Curb global spread of antibiotic resistance: Enhance the interdisciplinary surveillance network for antibiotic resistance, introduce innovative AI technologies and integrate surveillance data on antibiotic supply chains.
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\r\n6. Integrate environmental considerations into One Health approach: Strengthen pollution control and risk management, and safeguard biodiversity, food security and public health.
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The “next-generation communications industry” refers to the emerging communications technology industry that encompasses wireless communication networks spanning land, sea and air. This technology is vital for advancing the digital economy and enabling smart living. Its development can drive the upgrading and transformation of related sectors, bolster Taiwan’s technological innovation capabilities and industrial competitiveness, and contribute to deepening international cooperation, thereby reinforcing Taiwan’s key position in the global supply chain.
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\r\nBetween 2025 and 2030, the government is allocating around NT$27 billion (approximately US$916.7 million) toward a plan to develop next-generation communications technology. The plan leverages Taiwan’s strong foundation in sectors such as semiconductors, integrated circuit (IC) design and communication modules. It aims to enhance the existing advantages and future competitiveness of the nation’s communications industry, seize opportunities in the commercial development of future 6G technology, and position Taiwan as a trusted and indispensable partner in the global democratic community. Moreover, the plan supports President Lai Ching-te’s policy visions of promoting next-generation communications as one of the Five Trusted Industry Sectors, setting Taiwan’s sights on the space industry and further developing its strengths as a maritime nation.
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\r\nKey strategies
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\r\n■ Deploy critical application services: Support the integration of communications technology with various industry applications to enable services in fields such as telemedicine, smart transportation and maritime communications. Expand access to new communications technology and reduce the digital divide.
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\r\n■ Build experimental networks and accelerate technology R&D and trials: Accelerate commercialization of Taiwan’s communications products and bolster companies’ R&D capabilities by establishing satellite ground equipment test networks, 6G simulation networks and other testing and verification platforms.
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\r\n■ Enhance cross-sector collaborations within the industry ecosystem: Assist businesses in aligning with service provider specifications and international standards. Build an end-to-end supply chain from R&D to market, spanning communications chips, radio frequency (RF) modules, terminal equipment and system integration.
In response to the U.S.-China trade war, the government launched three major action plans in 2019: the Action Plan for Welcoming Overseas Taiwanese Businesses to Return to Invest in Taiwan, the Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by Domestic Corporations, and the Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Collectively referred to as the Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan, these initiatives aim to support Taiwanese businesses in accelerating the reshoring of production and adapting to supply chain restructuring by offering a range of incentives in areas such as financing, land access, water and electricity supply, taxation and the employment of foreign workers. In light of current geopolitical risks—including U.S. tariff policies, the Russia-Ukraine war and rising tensions in the Middle East—as well as to strengthen the nation’s economic momentum and help enterprises respond to shifting conditions and domestic labor shortages, the Executive Yuan has extended the programs through 2027, under the name Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan 2.0. In addition to expanded eligibility and enhanced incentives, the updated programs will also actively promote AI and green transformation across industries to build a resilient and trusted industry chain, aiming to attract an additional NT$1.2 trillion (approximately US$40.8 billion) in investment and create 80,000 new Taiwanese jobs.
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\r\nKey changes
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\r\n■ Expanded eligibility: Expand program eligibility to include overseas Taiwanese businesses worldwide and foreign investing enterprises.
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\r\n■ Broadened industry focus: Broaden industry focus to include not only the \"five plus two\" innovative industries and Six Core Strategic Industries, but also the Five Trusted Industry Sectors, the health industry and the service sector.
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\r\n■ Evolving transformation: Continue to promote energy-saving transformation while intensifying efforts to help businesses adopt AI transformation.
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\r\n■ Enhanced incentives: Add NT$720 billion (approx. US$24.5 billion) in new loans, and adjust banking service fee rates, applying different tiers of financial support for large enterprises—0.7% for loans under NT$2 billion (approx. US$68 million), 0.5% for loans from NT$2 billion up to NT$10 billion (approx. US$340 million), and 0.3% for loans exceeding NT$10 billion—while raising the rate to 1% for SMEs. Raise the cap on employing migrant workers by 10% under the existing system if local employees earn at least NT$36,300 (approx. US$1,234) per month, and increase it to 45% if they earn at least NT$38,200 (approx. US$1,299) per month.
Taiwan’s central region is the heart of the country’s precision machinery and other traditional manufacturing industries, and also serves as a vital hub connecting the technology corridor that spans western Taiwan. To further enhance the central region’s industrial competitiveness and realize the goal of balanced national development, the government has introduced a plan to promote new core industries in central Taiwan that ride on the strength of smart and precision technologies. Under the plan, Taichung will become a major center for smart manufacturing and precision machinery; Changhua will develop industrial clusters specializing in metal products and automotive components; Nantou’s agricultural sector will adopt smart technologies and promote premium agriculture; and Yunlin will strengthen value chains for smart aquaculture.
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\r\nKey strategies
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\r\n■ Advance the digital and low-carbon transformation of core industries:
\r\nExpand digital transformation by introducing smart technologies such as generative AI in precision machinery industries. Propel innovative development and green transformation in metal products industries through the adoption of AI and deep energy saving. Create green supply chains for automotive components and advance the development of smart vehicles.
\r\n
\r\n■ Reinvent existing development hubs into four new core industries:
\r\nOptics industry: Foster innovation in optoelectronic technologies, leverage key technologies and accelerate silicon photonics design and module development.
\r\nSemiconductor industry: Cultivate cutting-edge chip clusters, centered around Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Develop a high-end memory supply chain, centered around Micron Technology.
\r\nDrone industry: Build a non-red supply chain, centered around Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation.
\r\nSmart agriculture: Accelerate the widespread adoption of smart agriculture services and promote high value-added premium agriculture.
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\r\n■ Collaborate with legal entities to drive industrial innovation:
\r\nLeverage legal entity resources to create AI pilot production lines, facilitate the integration of AI technology into industries, establish an AI-powered center for mold technology, and foster AI talent development, thereby accelerating industrial R&D and strengthening prototyping capabilities.
Through the Long-term Care Plan 2.0, the government has established a high-quality, affordable and accessible long-term care system in response to Taiwan’s growing number of seniors and people with disabilities, as well as its imminent transition into a super-aged society. To proactively address future demands and diverse needs for long-term care services, the 10-year Long-term Care Plan 3.0 will launch in 2026. Building on the prior phase’s core principles—a community-based approach, person-centeredness and continuity of care—the third phase of the plan will advance eight key goals aimed at realizing the vision of healthy aging, aging in place and a dignified end of life.
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\r\nEight key goals
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\r\n■ Health promotion: Foster inclusive community-based care networks, and expand grassroots service points and various long-term care resources. Support community development through multiple channels, and integrate preventive care, active aging and interventions to delay disability and dementia into the care system.
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\r\n■ Integrated medical and long-term care: Enable seamless transitions between medical and long-term care, such as by ensuring home care plans are completed prior to hospital discharge. Establish networks focused on accountable home health care, linking them with inpatient post-acute care reablement services covered by the National Health Insurance (NHI) system.
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\r\n■ Active reablement: Extend long-term care eligibility to include individuals with disabilities who qualify for NHI-covered post-acute care, irrespective of age. Enhance the functions of adult day care centers by offering diverse services and implementing active reablement measures.
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\r\n■ Increased institutional capacity: Strengthen care for individuals with moderate to severe disabilities by expanding evening care and nighttime emergency care services. Leverage social housing and public-private resources to develop long-term care services in underserved areas.
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\r\n■ Enhanced family support: Provide hospitalized patients with collaborative care delivered by trained nursing assistants and nurses during their stay. Extend service eligibility to include individuals with disabilities who qualify for NHI-covered post-acute care as well as individuals with young onset dementia, irrespective of age.
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\r\n■ Smart care: Develop a leasing system for smart assistive devices used in home settings, and deploy such devices in day care centers and residential care institutions.
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\r\n■ End-of-life care: Encourage advance care planning to prepare for end-of-life medical care. Offer a one-time free consultation to individuals with specific medical conditions who meet the age requirement.
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\r\n■ Workforce development: Expand Taiwan’s long-term care workforce over time by improving labor conditions for care workers, increasing the recruitment of foreign intermediate skilled workers, encouraging volunteer participation and promoting re-employment programs for women.
Taiwan is facing the challenges of an aging population and the escalating burden on its health care system, particularly in areas such as chronic disease management, care for patients with mobility issues and the allocation of medical resources. The current health care model may struggle to meet future needs. Home-based health care has emerged as an important approach to enhancing patients’ quality of life and supporting the goal of aging in place. Recognizing this, the government plans to launch a policy in 2026 to promote home health care technology. The policy will leverage smart technology to extend medical and care services into homes and communities, alleviate strain on health care workers and address the diverse care needs of the population. In addition, it will spur innovation in the biomedical industry and expand markets by aligning with household demand.
\r\n
\r\nKey areas
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\r\n■ Technological innovation: Develop innovative, scalable solutions for home health care that address patients’ diverse needs by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovative technologies, and by defining the functional specifications of essential products and services according to real-world use cases.
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\r\n■ Optimization and adoption: Create or improve upon affordable, easy-to-use products and integrated services. Accelerate the dissemination and widespread adoption of products and services that provide benefits for home health care, thereby driving growth in related industries.
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\r\n■ Infrastructure networks: Integrate different information flows to enhance coordination among medical and care teams and create effective data-sharing mechanisms. Establish a network that supports front-line health care applications while also serving as a testbed for home health care technologies.
In response to the global rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the Executive Yuan is spearheading a program to increase the AI literacy of its civil servants, aiming to integrate AI into daily government operations to improve administrative and service efficiency. Through a systematic and strategic approach involving close collaboration among industry, government, academia and research institutions, the program seeks to elevate AI knowledge and skills across all levels of the civil service, while strengthening the public sector's capacity for smart transformation. By promoting widespread AI adoption within the government, Taiwan can drive AI development across industries and accelerate its transformation into a smart nation.
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\r\nThree levels of training
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\r\n■ Training for senior leadership — AI governance: Hold AI workshops for senior government officials to help them grasp AI development trends and application strategies, fostering their consensus on the use of AI to enhance public governance.
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\r\n■ Training for mid-level leadership — AI empowerment: Organize AI seed talent certification courses for civil servants in mid-level supervisory roles, focusing on hands-on activities aimed at devising innovative AI-driven public service solutions, while supporting participants in earning professional AI literacy certifications.
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\r\n■ Foundational training — AI application: Combine digital learning with in-person training to build comprehensive AI literacy and application skills among civil servants at all levels, assisting them in adopting AI technologies to improve work efficiency and public service quality.
To boost Taiwan’s appeal to global talent and support the advancement of key national policies—including the Five Trusted Industry Sectors (semiconductors, artificial intelligence, military, security and surveillance, and next-generation communications) and net-zero transition—changes must be implemented to attract international professionals who can help transform and upgrade industries and strengthen Taiwanese businesses’ global presence. To this end, on May 29, 2025, the Executive Yuan approved draft amendments to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. Targeting top international talent, foreign and overseas compatriot students, second-generation overseas Taiwanese and digital nomads, the amendments further relax regulations pertaining to employment, short-term stay, residency and access to social protections. The goal is to create a more internationally competitive legal framework that enhances Taiwan’s talent recruitment legislation and positions the nation as a hub for global talent.
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\r\nKey changes
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\r\n■ Relaxed employment requirements: Exempt graduates of the world’s top 1,000 universities (expanded from the top 500) from the two-year work experience requirement for employment in Taiwan. Allow graduates from the top 200 universities to apply for open work permits. Exempt foreign and overseas compatriot graduates of Taiwanese universities or colleges from the requirement to obtain a work permit when seeking employment. Enable spouses of foreign specialist and foreign senior professionals to work freely while residing in Taiwan as dependents.
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\r\n■ Increased duration of stay for digital nomad visa holders: Increase the maximum duration of stay under the digital nomad visa from six months to two years to attract more digital nomads as a means of enhancing Taiwan’s global connectivity.
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\r\n■ Eased eligibility criteria for permanent residency: Allow foreign specialist professionals who meet specific criteria—such as having an annual income of at least NT$6 million (approximately US$200,000)—to apply for permanent residency after just one year of residency in Taiwan. For foreign and overseas compatriot students who have obtained an associate degree or higher in Taiwan, reduce the required period of continuous residency for permanent residency by one to two years.
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\r\n■ Strengthened labor and social protections: Expand access to the new labor pension system to include foreign professionals without permanent residency, further incentivizing their participation in Taiwan’s workforce. Provide permanent residents with access to employment insurance, and extend specific disability and long-term care services to permanent residents with at least 10 years of residency in Taiwan, in order to strengthen social protections.
Smart robots are a key vehicle for bringing artificial intelligence (AI) into the physical world and represent a critical direction for the next phase of Taiwan’s technology sector. With its exceptional achievements in semiconductors and information and communications technologies, Taiwan has built a strong foundation for developing a smart robotics industry; however, this industry remains in its early stages. To accelerate progress, the government has introduced a plan to promote the smart robotics industry. By fostering interministerial collaboration, leveraging local resources, and enhancing cooperation among government, industry, academia and research institutions, the plan aims to expedite the practical applications of homegrown smart robotics and boost the nation’s global competitiveness in the field, thus helping to realize Taiwan’s vision of becoming an “AI island.”
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\r\nFour major strategies
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\r\n■ Advance key technologies: Establish a smart robotics research center and a smart robotics innovation and application R&D center, both located in Tainan, in collaboration with industry, academia and research institutions, to translate research and development into real-world innovations and value-added applications.
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\r\n■ Grow the industry ecosystem: Foster robotics industry clusters by linking the smart robotics research center, the smart robotics innovation and application R&D center, and the Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA) South startup hub, creating a thriving robotics industry ecosystem across Taiwan’s greater southern region.
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\r\n■ Enhance industry cybersecurity, standards and regulation: Promote measures such as standards testing for service-oriented smart robotics products, and guidance for strengthening cybersecurity.
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\r\n■ Cultivate and deploy talent: Promote vocational training and upskilling programs. Strengthen both local and international talent attraction. Foster master’s and doctoral-level professionals. Establish demonstration sites and market outreach initiatives.
Faced with the growing demographic challenges of a rapidly aging population and declining fertility rates, Taiwan is working to ensure proper care and protection for every child, particularly in response to the increasing demand for child care services for children aged 0 to under 2. To this end, the government has intensified its efforts in recent years to expand affordable, safe and accessible child care services, helping parents better balance their work and childrearing responsibilities.
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\r\nOn May 8, 2025, the Executive Yuan approved a draft bill for a new child care services act that will help safeguard children’s access to age- and developmentally appropriate care (Update: passed by the Legislature on April 14, 2026). The legislation aims to enhance the regulatory and guidance mechanisms for child care services for children aged 0 to under 2, thus better protecting the rights and interests of children in care and their families.
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\r\nFive key points
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\r\n■ Legal status and qualification requirements for family child care: Establish a chapter on family child care to raise its legal status to the level of primary legislation. Introduce stricter qualification requirements for family child care providers.
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\r\n■ Transparency and oversight of child care institutions: Require child care institutions to publicly disclose information such as caregivers’ qualifications, enrollment numbers and details regarding fees and refunds, enabling parents to make informed decisions when choosing a child care provider.
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\r\n■ Mechanisms for handling child maltreatment by caregivers: Establish mechanisms for investigating and reviewing incidents of maltreatment or abuse involving children in care. Regulate the use of internet-based storage for surveillance footage and audiovisual recordings, requiring off-site backups to preserve evidence. Increase penalties for individuals and institutions that violate regulations.
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\r\n■ Diverse child care options: Recognize in law a new model for public child care centers that delivers more attentive care through smaller group sizes. Establish models for community, tribal and workplace cooperative child care.
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\r\n■ Expansion of public child care resources: Ease regulations allowing non-profit organizations to use public property for child care purposes at no cost. Provide legal clarification that unused school space can be utilized to establish child care facilities without needing to apply for a change of use.
To create safer and healthier work environments, the government is seeking to update the Occupational Safety and Health Act. By focusing on the comprehensive prevention of workplace accidents and the implementation of legal protections against workplace bullying, the proposed amendments aim to guide businesses to prioritize and adopt a range of occupational safety and health measures. These efforts will help ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all workers, laying the foundation for sustainable business development through a high-quality workforce.
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\r\nKey changes
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\r\n■ Strengthening accident prevention: For construction projects of a certain scale or larger, require the project owner to take preventive measures and allocate a safety and health budget during the planning phase. For projects involving multiple contractors, require the project owner to designate one contractor with overall responsibility for safety management, and all contractors to cooperate in implementing and managing accident prevention measures.
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\r\n■ Improving workplace bullying prevention: Add a chapter on workplace bullying, providing a clear definition of the term and requiring employers to implement preventive measures. Require employers to take immediate, effective and appropriate action when they become aware of incidents of workplace bullying, and to establish clear reporting procedures.
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\r\n■ Increasing maximum penalty amounts: Increase the maximum penalty amounts for occupational accidents. For penalized business entities, authorize the government to publicly disclose their name, the name of the person responsible for the accident site, the penalty amount, the date and location of the occupational accident, and the number of affected workers. This will strengthen public oversight and compel employers to fulfill their accident prevention responsibilities.
The government is advancing a broad range of measures to ease the burdens faced by young people, such as by continuing to refine policies related to taxation and parenting, thereby creating supportive environments for marriage, childbirth and childrearing. The recently launched NT$10 billion (approximately US$328.4 million) Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative also encourages young people to submit proposals for overseas programs to broaden their international horizons and acquire specialized knowledge, thus boosting the competitiveness of Taiwan’s new generation.
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\r\nOn May 1, 2025, the Executive Yuan approved a draft bill for a basic law on youth affairs (Update: passed by the Legislature on December 26) in order to promote “youth mainstreaming”—the integration of youth issues and perspectives into policymaking. This legislation aims to ensure opportunities and channels for youth participation in public affairs; establish more comprehensive public support systems; empower young people to realize their potential and advocate for their own interests; and foster healthy, resilient global citizens.
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\r\nMain points of the act
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\r\n■ Define youths as individuals aged 18 to 35. Stipulate that if other laws specify different age ranges for youths (ranging from 15 to 45) based on different practical needs, those provisions shall prevail.
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\r\n■ Safeguard the rights and interests of young people, including those rights pertaining to learning and education; employment and career development; innovation and entrepreneurship; local support systems; housing and supportive childrearing environments; equality; access to sports and skills development; access to arts and cultural activities; and participation in public affairs.
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\r\n■ Stipulate that all levels of government shall establish administrative systems for youth affairs to effectively promote related policies.
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\r\n■ Formulate a youth policy white paper every four years to serve as the administrative basis and guiding principles for Taiwan’s youth-related policies.
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\r\n■ Require that the premier shall convene regular meetings of an interministerial youth affairs development task force, and that local governments shall also hold cross-departmental youth affairs development task force meetings. These initiatives will help increase youth engagement and build social consensus on vital issues.
On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump introduced steep tariffs on numerous countries, including Taiwan, with a 90-day pause on implementation subsequently announced on April 9. Responding swiftly, the Taiwanese government has launched an NT$93 billion (approximately US$3.1 billion) support plan that targets nine key areas covering both the industrial and agricultural sectors. The plan aims to help Taiwanese businesses and workers, including those in agriculture and fisheries, mitigate the impact of the tariff policy, while maintaining economic stability and industry development, so as to bolster public and industry confidence.
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\r\nIndustrial sector—six key areas
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\r\n■ Financial support: Reduce interest rates on trade financing. Provide premium discounts on export insurance. Offer enhanced export credit guarantees for businesses, along with increased loan support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
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\r\n■ Reduced administrative costs: Waive the requirement to submit packing lists for customs clearance in bonded areas. Expand the implementation of remote customs inspections.
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\r\n■ Enhanced industry competitiveness: Offer financial assistance facilitating R&D-driven transformations to help enterprises upgrade their technologies.
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\r\n■ Diverse markets: Provide financial assistance supporting the establishment of new facilities—such as showrooms and distribution warehouses—and the expansion of agent and distributor networks to drive the acquisition of overseas orders.
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\r\n■ Tax incentives: Expand the scope of R&D and equipment expenditures eligible for tax credits to cover those pertaining to artificial intelligence, energy saving and carbon reduction, aiming to encourage R&D innovation, promote smart transformation and support the development of innovative startups. Boost startup fundraising, such as by lowering the capital contribution threshold for tax incentives and requiring venture capital enterprises to invest a higher percentage of capital in innovative startups.
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\r\n■ Stable employment: Provide wage gap financial assistance and training allowances for workers on reduced hours, employment services for unemployed workers, and job search allowances and employment incentives for young job-seekers.
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\r\nAgricultural sector—three key areas
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\r\n■ Financial support: Provide additional interest rate financial assistance under various special agricultural loans.
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\r\n■ Enhanced industry competitiveness: Strengthen the cold chain logistics system for exports, accelerate value-added industrial transformation and promote the acquisition of domestic and international certifications or accreditations.
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\r\n■ Diverse markets: Expand the development of diverse channels and increase both local and overseas market outreach.
In Taiwan, the “three highs” (high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high blood lipids) are the leading threat to public health, contributing to approximately 62,000 deaths annually, or about 30% of all deaths. To comprehensively tackle this issue, the government has launched the 888 Program, aiming to promote early detection of the three highs and improve public health outcomes through appropriate health management and medical interventions. The program’s main goal is to reduce the standardized mortality rate from chronic diseases linked to the three highs, cutting the rate by one-third by 2030.
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\r\nGoals for 2030
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\r\n■ Enroll 80% of patients affected by the three highs in Taiwan’s care network by actively promoting health screenings and enhancing the integration and application of health screening data.
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\r\n■ Provide personalized lifestyle consultations to 80% of patients in the care network to strengthen their ability to manage their own health, combining appropriate diet, exercise and medication regimens to reduce the health impact of the three highs.
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\r\n■ Ensure that 80% of patients in the care network achieve stable control of their conditions and experience health improvements by integrating digital tools that help physicians assess the effectiveness of patient health management plans and adjust their care strategies when needed.
The government is launching the Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan (2025-2029) to address the nation’s demographic shifts and growing demand for medical care, as well as to ensure the sustainability of the National Health Insurance system. With a total budget of NT$48.9 billion (US$1.5 billion), the plan puts forward innovative measures in four key areas: improving working conditions for medical personnel, cultivating diverse talent, integrating smart medical technology and promoting socially responsible, sustainable medicine. The plan aims to help the medical system overcome its current limitations, enhance care for people of all ages and align with international health-related sustainable development goals—thereby steadily advancing the policy vision of a “Healthy Taiwan” and propelling the country to the forefront of medical development in the Asia-Pacific region.
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\r\nFour key areas
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■ Improving working conditions for medical personnel: Enhance the core values and working environments of medical personnel. Improve resource allocation within hospitals. Expand investment in technology to reduce workloads. Devise strategies to retain talent in the medical workforce.
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\r\n■ Cultivating diverse talent: Provide opportunities for continuing education and professional growth. Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and learning among health care professionals. Increase incentives to return to hospital practice for specialists in emergency medicine, critical care or intractable diseases. Establish clear career development pathways.
■ Integrating smart medical technology: Leverage AI technologies to support clinical care. Adopt internationally recognized medical technologies and practices. Optimize care delivery processes and efficiency. Enhance the sharing and security of medical data. Foster the development of smart hospitals.
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\r\n■ Promoting socially responsible, sustainable medicine: Implement a tier system for medical institutions in order to route patients toward the appropriate level of care and capacity. Facilitate government initiatives to improve the accessibility and fair distribution of medical resources. Encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Promote environmentally friendly, green hospitals. Establish environmental, social and governance (ESG) management models.
Transparency, accountability and participation are the central values of “open government,” as outlined by the international Open Government Partnership initiative. From 2021 to 2024, Taiwan’s first Open Government National Action Plan delivered progress on this front and laid a solid foundation. Now, the government has launched the next stage of the action plan for 2025 to 2028, strengthening democracy through public-private cooperation mechanisms, deepening its focus on challenges in five major areas—environment and climate, digital governance, inclusion, anti-corruption, and information access—and introducing seven key commitments. The action plan seeks to address both global trends and domestic needs, enhance digital technology applications, expand diverse civic participation opportunities and increase policy transparency, thus positioning Taiwan as a reliable partner in the international community.
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\r\nSeven key commitments
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\r\n■ Climate change engagement and social discourse: Establish a one-stop, open platform for climate information that consolidates government reports and data. Foster civic participation and discussion through a climate public dialogue platform. Implement four sandbox trials of green energy projects. Expand bottom-up approaches toward Taiwan’s transition to net-zero carbon emissions.
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\r\n■ Mechanisms for the management and transparency of government collection of personal data: Review the personal data disclosure practices of government institutions. Clarify data requirements and feasible data practices. Establish governance, management and transparency mechanisms to ensure a balance between personal data protection and AI data development.
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\r\n■ Enhanced cross-ministry data sharing and public code development: Strengthen data governance and diversify participation mechanisms for government data sharing. Design data frameworks suitable for AI development. Create public code services accessible to everyone, and establish coding standards for government-developed software.
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\r\n■ Programs promoting youth engagement in Hakka affairs: Convene a Hakka youth advisory committee to expand young people’s participation in Hakka public affairs. Encourage Hakka youth to get involved in activities such as Hakka pop music (H-pop), Hakka language teacher training, youth tourism in Hakka villages, and relocation programs.
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\r\n■ Narrowing of the digital divide for indigenous communities: Strengthen digital infrastructure, strategically allocating resources to improve internet coverage and digital education opportunities. Build online learning networks and digital resource support for indigenous communities.
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\r\n■ Greater transparency in political donations: Raise the transparency of political donations and conduct a thorough review of related issues, drawing on international legislative examples for guidance. Invite participation from all sectors in related discussions.
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\r\n■ GoOcean – a service platform offering safety information on marine recreational activities: Deliver real-time risk alerts through GoOcean to reduce the occurrence of marine recreation accidents.
With the development of the internet, gender-based violence has taken on new forms, no longer limited to verbal and physical abuse. To effectively prevent such violence, the government, in addition to its ongoing efforts to improve the legal system, has proposed a 2025-2027 national action plan. This marks the first time that gender-based violence prevention has been incorporated into the government’s overall development strategy. The plan calls for horizontal coordination and integration among ministries and agencies to address all types of gender-based violence, manage the existing violence prevention network, eliminate biases and discrimination that underpin such violence, and strengthen prevention, protection, prosecution, compensation, monitoring and data collection efforts. Through this approach, the plan aims to swiftly build a society that has no place for this type of violence.
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\r\nFour key goals and priorities
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\r\n■ Eliminating root causes of gender inequality to promote zero tolerance: Strengthen safety measures in schools and public spaces, and implement policies against voyeuristic filming. Conduct a diverse range of awareness campaigns and educational training, and enhance the awareness and prevention capabilities of the public sector and specific groups. Avoid victim-blaming.
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\r\n■ Building an effective, welcoming and trustworthy victim services system: Continue to optimize assistance and reporting channels, and implement diverse and individualized support measures. Focus on the needs of disadvantaged groups (children and adolescents, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, diverse genders and economically vulnerable groups), and provide various mid- to long-term shelter options to help victims become self-reliant and reintegrate into society.
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\r\n■ Enhancing legal measures to protect victims' legal rights: Enhance legal and administrative measures to increase the overall effectiveness of efforts to combat digital/cyber gender-based violence. Strengthen image matching efforts through the Sexual Image Abuse Reporting Center, which will notify online platform operators to remove, take down or restrict access to content involving gender-based violence. Ensure that victims do not suffer further harm while seeking help.
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\r\n■ Compiling gender-based violence statistics and advancing research in this area: Establish a cross-ministry research center for gender-based violence prevention, develop localized survey tools and assessment metrics, and advance the application of statistical data and analytical findings.
To address changing patterns in delinquent behavior and crime among children and adolescents, and to protect them from peer, financial or family pressures that could lead them into crime or conflict with the law, the government has approved an updated plan to prevent child and juvenile delinquency (2025-2028). The plan integrates resources from across the country’s child and juvenile protection systems to implement a three-tier prevention strategy, enhancing career counseling, health care and other support services to improve the circumstances of youngsters at the root level. Special emphasis is placed on helping disadvantaged youths overcome unfavorable conditions and intervening to support those who may be inadvertently caught in the justice system, ultimately fostering an environment for the safe development of all children and adolescents.
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\r\nThree-tier prevention strategy
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\r\n■ Primary prevention: For all children and juveniles, strengthen awareness and education to ensure they understand legal responsibility and reject criminal influences.
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\r\n■ Secondary prevention: For children and juveniles displaying wayward behaviors or tendencies, offer enhanced counseling, guidance resources or family support to avoid an escalation into criminal activities.
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\r\n■ Tertiary prevention: For juveniles who have broken the law, employ protective measures and correctional institutions, providing intensive counseling to minimize harm and prevent repeat offenses, and coordinating relevant resources to assist their healthy reintegration into society.
Promoting organic agriculture helps create an ecosystem that protects the environment and public health, while also encouraging the sustainable development of Taiwan's agricultural sector and serving as a key strategy for the nation's transition toward net-zero carbon emissions. In August 2024, the Executive Yuan, responding to the growing public awareness of health issues and environmental sustainability in recent years, passed a plan to promote organic agriculture from 2024 through 2027. The plan provides a guiding framework for fostering the development of organic agriculture in Taiwan, offering systematic and long‑term support to help advance this field and steer Taiwan toward a bright future for sustainable agriculture.
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\r\nAreas of focus
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\r\nTo ensure the well-rounded development of organic agriculture across multiple areas, the plan sets nine key performance indicators: (1) total production area for organic agriculture, (2) market growth rate of organic agricultural products, (3) annual growth rate of organic agricultural exports, (4) increase in the range and management area of forest by‑products from the under-forest economy, (5) promotion and upgrading of animal-friendly and organic livestock farming systems, (6) increase in the number of certified product categories and the certified area for organic aquaculture, (7) establishment of quantitative valuation indicators for ecosystem services in organic agriculture, (8) reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and (9) increase in internet traffic to organic agriculture-related platforms.
To ensure pedestrians’ safety and right of way, the Executive Yuan is allocating NT$40 billion (US$1.2 billion) over four years to fund a sustainable pedestrian safety enhancement program (2024-2027). The program provides subsidies and guidance to local governments to improve pedestrian safety through road projects, and promotes assessment mechanisms that utilize citizen reporting to identify the critical road areas and intersections in need of most attention. This initiative will accelerate the improvement of pedestrian environments and overall road quality, creating a safe and secure environment for all road users.
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\r\nKey areas of action
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\r\n■ Pedestrian facilities at intersections: Review the current condition and safety of pedestrian facilities at road intersections. Construct or improve the design of pedestrian refuge islands, warning systems and other safety facilities to shorten crossing distances and reduce blind spots in drivers’ field of view.
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\r\n■ Sidewalk improvements: Implement sidewalk improvement programs proposed by local governments and subsidized by the central government. Use the “Street Doctor” online platform to enable the public to propose street improvements and prioritize cases.
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\r\n■ A program to improve roads and traffic safety around school campuses: Assess and improve the intersection designs, as well as the traffic signs, markers and signals, of dangerous roads in and around urban school campuses of all levels.
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\r\n■ Pedestrian and elderly-friendly demonstration zones: Through public input and active reviews by local governments, designate suitably walkable areas in various counties and cities as demonstration zones. These zones will be prioritized for the improvement of pedestrian flow and sidewalk spaces.
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\r\n■ Reduction of roadside obstacles: Strengthen road management and use subsidy programs to encourage county and city governments to remove unnecesary traffic posts and other roadside obstacles.
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\r\n■ Intersections that lack traffic signals: At road intersections that currently have no traffic signals, introduce traffic markers and other measures to control traffic and reduce vehicle speed.
Taiwan’s climate change has intensified in recent years, and its risk of experiencing extreme weather events is growing. To address these challenges in the context of strengthening water security, the government has promoted a range of water resource-related policies and implemented strict water management. It has also completed various water conservancy projects—part of a water environment infrastructure project under the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program—effectively reducing the impact of multiple droughts. To further ensure a stable water supply across industries, a national water resources management master plan was approved in August 2021 to serve as a blueprint for future infrastructure construction and the management of the nation’s water supply, incorporating a number of strategies for water management, water resource development, water conservation measures, water allocation adjustment, and the creation of auxiliary networks. The master plan centers around the promotion of three major initiatives that will bolster the water supply capabilities and water resilience of each region.
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\r\nThree major initiatives
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\r\n■ Comprehensive watershed management: At the upstream level where water is collected by the natural landscape, strengthen conservation in catchment areas and reduce siltation in order to increase the storage capacity of water reservoirs. At the midstream level where usable water supplies are developed, build infrastructure for a wide range of water sources including artificial lakes, subsurface water, reclaimed water and seawater desalination plants. At the downstream level where water is accessed by users, implement measures to promote water conservation among the general public and improve agricultural water conservation, in addition to further minimizing water pipe leakage to achieve the goal of reducing the leakage rate to 9.77% by 2032.
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\r\n■ Western corridor water supply network: Connect water infrastructure along the western corridor of Taiwan to ensure a stable regional water supply with more flexible allocation to supplement the needs of different areas. For example, the already completed second phase of the Banxin region water supply improvement project, an auxiliary pipeline linking Taoyuan’s Shihmen Reservoir with the Hsinchu area, and the Tainan-Kaohsiung combined water resource project, can together transfer up to 1.31 million metric tons of water per day.
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\r\n■ Artificial water source development: Promote reclaimed water as a resource for industrial use. Promote the desalination of seawater, reducing dependence on rainfall. This strategy will increase backup water supplies and ensure more usable water during dry seasons.
To achieve balanced development across Taiwan, the government is implementing six major regional flagship projects to develop the unique industries and living spaces in six regions comprising Taiwan. One of these flagship projects is a plan to promote a new Silicon Valley in the greater southern region of Taiwan. The plan aims to create an AI-focused industrial ecosystem centered around Tainan’s Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City and extending outward to the surrounding S-shaped semiconductor cluster, developing and integrating science parks and technology industrial parks in Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung. This initiative will comprehensively upgrade industrial capabilities, from AI technology R&D to systems development, propelling Taiwan into the era of AI applications and driving digital and net-zero transformations across all industries, thereby boosting the nation’s overall competitiveness in the global tech industry and promoting Taiwan as an “AI island."
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\r\nMajor strategies
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\r\n■ Augment computing power: Public-private collaboration will foster environments for the research and development of high-performance computing, large-scale data storage and AI applications. These efforts will enhance the nation’s overall computing capacity, advance the innovation and adoption of AI technologies and accelerate the growth of the AI industry.
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\r\n■ Attract talent: The plan will promote wider adoption of AI applications and AI talent training for small and medium-sized enterprises through platforms such as the Shalun cybersecurity service base, a chip and system integration service platform, and a compound semiconductor technology talent training base. This will foster cross-domain expertise and attract international talent, providing the human resources needed for the digital transformation of industries in southern Taiwan.
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\r\n■ Connect the ecosystem: The S-shaped semiconductor cluster of science parks and technology industrial parks, spanning from Chiayi to Pingtung, will be connected with Tainan’s Shalun Smart Green Energy City and Kaohsiung’s Asia New Bay Area Intelligent Technology Innovation Park. This connection aims to spur industrial system integration and create an economic ecosystem for semiconductors and AI.
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\r\n■ Expand AI applications: AI software and hardware will be leveraged to develop key industries in southern Taiwan, such as smart dining, health care, smart retail, lifestyle applications, information and communications technologies, metal processing and automotive components, thus establishing the southern region as the leading AI technology hub for all industries.
The Statute for Industrial Innovation, enacted in 2010, has undergone multiple amendments in response to shifts in the global economy and industrial development trends, and has effectively improved Taiwan’s industrial innovation, industrial environment and overall competitiveness. With the statute’s tax incentives for investments in smart machinery, fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems and information security scheduled to expire at the end of 2024, as well as to align with the latest global trends in innovative artificial intelligence (AI) applications, energy conservation and carbon reduction, the Executive Yuan approved another round of amendments on December 19, 2024 (Update: passed by the Legislature on April 18, 2025). These amendments aim to guide industries to invest in equipment that contributes to achieving AI and low-carbon transformation goals.
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\r\nKey Amendments
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\r\n■ Extend tax incentives for equipment investment, expand scope of eligible investments and increase expenditure cap: Extend tax incentives for investments in smart machinery, 5G and information security to December 31, 2029. Expand scope of items eligible for tax incentives to include AI products and services, as well as energy-saving and carbon-reduction initiatives. Increase the expenditure cap to qualify for tax incentives to NT$1.8 billion (US$55 million). These changes serve to accelerate digital and low-carbon transformations across industries.
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\r\n■ Optimize tax incentives for investments in startups: For venture capital limited partnerships investing in startups, lower the minimum paid-in capital threshold to qualify for tax incentives to NT$150 million (US$4.6 million), and increase the required investment amount or ratio starting from the third year after establishment. Ease the qualifying conditions for angel investor tax incentives to boost startup fundraising, such as extending the eligible age for startups to under 5 years and requiring a minimum NT$500,000 (US$15,300) investment with a holding period of 3 years in a startup.
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\r\n■ Safeguard key technologies: Strengthen the regulatory mechanism for outbound investments. In addition to prior approval for investments exceeding specific amounts, approval will also be required for investments in specific countries, regions, industries or technologies to prevent the outflow of critical technologies.
The government has launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan (2025-2028) to attract private funding from both domestic and foreign investors into Taiwan’s public infrastructure and industrial development. Through innovative partnership models that combine private sector commitments with government support, the plan will direct trillions in capital investment into Taiwan. This will alleviate the government’s fiscal burden, provide the private sector with high-quality investment opportunities, and reduce the hedging costs associated with businesses’ overseas investments, thereby injecting momentum into Taiwan’s economic development and creating a win-win outcome for both the government and private sector.
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\r\nMain strategies
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\r\n■ Innovative mechanisms to advance public-private partnerships (PPPs): During the planning stage for new public infrastructure programs, ministries and agencies will first assess the programs for PPP feasibility while gathering a broad range of PPP proposals, thereby expanding program opportunities from the outset. In addition, Cabinet-level project meetings have been established to provide a platform to facilitate PPP implementation and solve regulatory issues, thus increasing the private sector’s willingness to invest on a larger scale in public infrastructure.
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\r\n■ Improved financing and investment conditions for public construction: The plan aims to reduce the risk factor for insurance companies’ 100% investments in public infrastructure through domestic private equity (PE) funds and venture capital (VC) enterprises. It also identifies strategic industries closely linked to public construction (such as offshore wind power, AI data centers, etc.) to enable the application of a higher investment ceiling for the insurance industry, while also raising financing guarantee ratios under the national financing guarantee mechanism. These measures will help reduce private investment management costs and enhance capital utilization efficiency.
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\r\n■ Expanded financial products related to public construction: Through diverse financial product strategies such as promoting fund-structured real estate investment trusts (REITs), expanding the issuance of sustainable development bonds, and securitizing public construction projects, the plan will reduce the government’s financing costs for public infrastructure while also offering high-quality financial products for private sector investors.
Taiwan became an aged society in March 2018, and is on course to become a hyper-aged society by 2026. To adapt to the enormous rising need for long-term care and to mitigate the burden of family caregivers, the government launched the 10-year Long-term Care Plan 2.0 in 2017. The plan actively expands home, community and residential care services; promotes a new subsidy schedule to support customized care plans; and strengthens comprehensive community care systems. These initiatives create a quality, affordable and accessible long-term care system that meets the diverse needs of the people of Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nThe 2.0 plan’s features and measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Community-based, three-tier system to promote aging in place: To provide the public with integrated, flexible and convenient care services close to home, the plan established a three-tier system consisting of community-based integrated service centers (Tier A), combined service centers (Tier B), and long-term care stations in alleys and lanes (Tier C).
\r\n
\r\n■ Expanded coverage and services: In addition to people with disabilities age 65 or over, the plan covers indigenous people with disabilities age 55 or over, people with dementia age 50 or over, and individuals of any age with a disability card or other proof of mental or physical disability. New services have also been added, ranging from early preventive care to minimize and delay the onset of disabilities, to palliative care later on in life.
\r\n
\r\n■ Easy-to-find, easy-to-access services: Long-term care management centers and branch offices have been set up in 22 counties and cities across the nation, while a \"1966\" long-term care hotline provides service consultation.
\r\n
\r\n■ New subsidy schedule, customized care plans: Long-term care services have been consolidated into four categories, and care plans can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Government subsidies are now paid according to the services provided—rather than simply the number of care hours—to increase efficiency of care delivery.
\r\n
\r\n■ Lighter burdens for families of physically or mentally disabled people: Amendments to the Income Tax Act have added a special deduction for households with a disabled family member needing long-term care. In addition, the government has established a subsidy plan for users of residential long-term care institutions, and eased restrictions on respite care services for households employing foreign caregivers.
\r\n
\r\n■ Higher-quality residential long-term care institutions: A government program to reward quality care at residential long-term care institutions is encouraging greater adoption of information technologies to meet the needs of moderately to severely disabled individuals and their families.
\r\n
\r\n■ Stronger community preventive care service networks: The plan focuses on expanding primary prevention services for frail, sub-healthy and healthy seniors, integrating local service resources and organizing classes to support health and stave off disability.
\r\n
\r\n■ Age-friendly health care institutions: The plan promotes a certification system for age-friendly health care organizations to enhance the availability of higher-quality, senior-friendly environments.
To reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the government has launched a second energy transition and is proactively developing a diverse range of renewable energy sources. A key area of focus is solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, particularly rooftop solar PV, which brings benefits such as thermal insulation, energy savings and the potential for generating extra income. This technology is well-suited to Taiwan’s climate and supports the nation’s transition to net-zero buildings. Currently, only 10% of private buildings with rooftop areas of 1,000 square meters or less have installed solar PV, indicating significant growth potential. In light of this, the Executive Yuan has approved the Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Installation Acceleration Plan (2025-2028), offering reward incentives to encourage public adoption, lower entry barriers, and enable rooftop solar PV to continue driving forward the development of renewable energy. The plan is expected to install an additional 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of capacity from rooftop systems, generate an additional 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, stimulate approximately NT$72 billion (US$2.2 billion) in industry investment and expand solar PV installations to 120,000 new households.
\r\n
\r\nImplementation approach
\r\n
\r\nThe plan will allocate a total budget of NT$4.08 billion (US$125.5 million) over four years to provide incentives targeting solar PV businesses and homeowners with rooftops that have a surface area of 1,000 square meters or less. Each case can be awarded up to NT$300,000 (US$9,229), funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and distributed through local government implementation. In addition, local governments can increase the available incentives and streamline the application process.
In order to effectively respond to the ever-evolving forms of fraud, the government launched its next-generation anti-fraud strategy guidelines in June 2022 and passed four pieces of anti-fraud legislation (the Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act, along with amendments to the Communication Security and Surveillance Act, Money Laundering Control Act, and Code of Criminal Procedure) in July 2024 granting law enforcement agencies more powerful tools for enforcement and regulation. In November 2024, the government passed version 2.0 of the anti-fraud guidelines (2025-2026). In addition to the existing strategic framework of identifying, preventing, intercepting and punishing fraud, the updated guidelines introduce a new focus on combating fraud by strengthening oversight in digital economy industries, as well as new measures that enhance AI-based prevention, deepen cross-border cooperation, regulate anti-fraud industries and strengthen victim protections. The guidelines’ main goals are to raise fraud awareness, reduce the number of incidents and minimize financial losses, thus enabling the public to live in greater safety.
\r\n
\r\nMajor strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Identifying fraud (via awareness campaigns): Foster proper understanding of the rule of law among young people and promote anti-fraud awareness campaigns targeting key topics and different age groups. Encourage financial institutions to ask confirmation questions whenever customers conduct in-person higher-risk transactions and to promptly block suspicious transactions.
\r\n
\r\n■ Preventing fraud (via telecommunications networks): Require telecom companies to interface with designated databases to assist in verifying user identities. Set up a regular review process to confirm the eligibility status of prepaid card users who are not Taiwanese nationals. Establish a joint security mechanism with telecom providers and the Criminal Investigation Bureau that classifies users as high-risk if they have been reported a certain number of times for fraudulent activity. Require commercial SMS messages containing a URL to be reviewed in advance to ensure they match the company’s registered information.
\r\n
\r\n■ Combating fraud (via the digital economy): Require online advertising platform operators to verify the identities of advertisers and sponsors and disclose those identities within advertisements. Develop fraud pattern analysis tools to automate reporting and accelerate removal of fraudulent online advertisements. Create an inquiry platform that compiles account data from third-party payment service providers to facilitate investigations.
\r\n
\r\n■ Intercepting fraud (via money flows): Establish an early warning mechanism to detect domestic bank accounts suspected of fraudulent activity. Encourage card-issuing institutions to enhance their credit card transaction monitoring systems to combat credit card fraud. Promote anti-fraud regulations and self-regulation among virtual asset service providers (VASPs). Intensify measures against cash-on-delivery scams.
\r\n
\r\n■ Punishing fraud (via law enforcement): Broaden the scope of fraud investigations to track down and hold accomplices liable. Strengthen protections for fraud victims, expand confiscation of criminal proceeds and increase restitution of stolen assets. Raise awareness among law enforcement personnel and broader society regarding victim protection laws. Provide victims with consultation and referral services to lighten the burden of civil litigation. Promote international cooperation channels to curb cross-border crime.
Young people are the driving force behind Taiwan’s sustainable development and transformative innovation. To provide more opportunities for the younger generation to explore the world and achieve personal success, the Executive Yuan approved the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative in November 2024. Starting in 2025, the initiative will allocate NT$10 billion (US$306.8 million) in funding over a four-year period to assist young people aged 15 to 30 through one of its “dream workshop,” “soaring overseas” or “annual flagship plan” pathways. By leveraging national resources, the initiative aims to encourage youth in various fields to engage in international exchanges, broaden their global horizons and acquire professional expertise, so that upon completing their studies, they can return to Taiwan and contribute what they have learned, thereby enhancing the nation’s competitiveness in the new era.
\r\n
\r\nPathways to new horizons
\r\n
\r\n■ Dream workshop: Young people can submit proposals for their own overseas aspirations, and the government will provide specialized resources and institutional guidance to help bring their ideas to life. Each case can receive a maximum subsidy of NT$2 million (US$61,000), ensuring that even young people from difficult financial backgrounds have the chance to fulfill their dreams.
\r\n
\r\n■ Soaring overseas: Taiwanese ministries, agencies and non-governmental organizations are working with international organizations, foundations, think tanks, youth councils, etc. to provide opportunities for overseas internships and training programs in various thematic categories. For example: study animal conservation at a zoo in Japan, intern with the French Parliament or at a French entrepreneurial hub, learn culinary skills in Italy, join an environmental sustainability organization in Sweden, or work with Major League Baseball in the U.S. Each case can receive a maximum subsidy of NT$1.5 million (US$46,000).
\r\n
\r\n■ Annual flagship plan: The plan’s main theme for 2025 will be “environmental sustainability,” reflecting the government’s policy goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Environment are actively developing opportunities for 60 or more applicants to participate in exchanges and work programs with various international environmental sustainability groups.
\r\n
\r\n■ A “wishing pool” for dreams: Young people can visit the iYouth platform website to share their dreams and let the government lend a helping hand.
Traditional industries and micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have long been vital pillars of Taiwan’s economy, collectively building a foundation for the nation’s robust industrial supply chains. To support these sectors, the government is allocating NT$11.6 billion (US$356.6 million) in 2025 to promote a plan for the diversified revitalization and development of MSMEs. In addition to the three major strategies outlined below, the plan will implement the three complementary measures of inclusive loans, tax benefits, and guaranteed financing amounts and ratios, while also establishing a one-stop service window to assist businesses with digital transformation, net-zero transition and channel development. The plan aims to realize the government’s policy goals of increasing employee salary levels and achieving inclusive growth.
\r\n
\r\nThree major strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Digital transformation: Provide free online courses and facilitate introduction of digital software. Smoothen the AI transformation of the service industry, promote AI applications in the manufacturing industry and offer customized assistance to companies according to their AI capabilities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Net-zero transition: Help businesses understand carbon footprint verification, methods for reducing carbon emissions, and carbon fees; provide both online consultations and on-site consultation visits. Match businesses with energy-saving services from energy service companies (ESCOs), and expand support for the replacement of old equipment with more energy-efficient equipment. Facilitate businesses’ green energy procurement and green leasing.
\r\n
\r\n■ Channel development: Bolster local economies by optimizing business environments, integrating the tourism industry to expand resources, and providing guidance for the development of distribution channels—for example, through the Executive Yuan’s program to promote urban and rural industries (2025-2028), which develops the unique industries and tourism potential of local communities nationwide in order to assist industry upgrading and transformation, as well as expand their marketing and distribution channels. Help companies expand into overseas markets, such as by encouraging the formation of industrial holding companies, supporting the export of competitive products, and promoting products under the national brands of Taiwan Select and Taiwan Excellence.
The World Drug Report 2024, published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), indicates that the number of drug users worldwide has risen by 20% over the past decade. In contrast, Taiwan has made significant progress through its implementation of the New Generation Anti-Drug Strategy Guidelines, phase one and phase two (2017-2020 and 2021-2024). Integrating cross-ministerial capabilities, the government has seized large quantities of drugs while successfully reducing both the overall population of drug users and the number of first-time offenders year after year.
\r\n\r\nThe fight against drugs is an ongoing, long-term campaign. To continue tackling the domestic drug issue, the Executive Yuan in November 2024 passed phase three of the strategy guidelines (2025-2028), which will allocate about NT$15 billion (US$461.4 million) to areas such as drug enforcement and rehabilitation. Moreover, it will proactively expand addiction recovery resources and strengthen medical counseling and community support for drug users, with the goals of facilitating stable reintegration and reducing re-offenses. These efforts aim to build a more comprehensive, fine-tuned and sturdy social safety net.
\r\n
\r\nKey strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Drug enforcement: Focus on leveraging technologies to combat drugs. Cooperate internationally on counter-narcotics operations. Enhance maritime enforcement capabilities. Tighten border controls to stop smuggling. Expand drug sweeps under the operation “safe home” initiative. Crack down on drug dealing among youth and on school campuses. Prevent the spread of drugs within the military.
\r\n
\r\n■ Drug screening: Tighten regulation of industrial precursor chemicals. Prevent illegal use of concerned chemical substances. Develop a comprehensive inventory of reference standards for emerging drugs. Bolster the capabilities of private sector drug testing institutions. These efforts will help judicial authorities improve their ability to detect emerging drugs in seized evidence.
\r\n
\r\n■ Drug rehabilitation: Cooperate closely with drug abuse prevention centers in each county and city, as well as with civic society organizations, utilizing medical treatment, education and other methods to help drug users overcome their addictions and reintegrate into homes and communities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Drug education: Promote public advisories regarding emerging drugs and cannabis. Strengthen drug use inspection and reporting networks. Improve service networks and individual drug counseling for students. Reinforce family support services and protective networks to prevent children from becoming involved with drugs. These efforts will ensure the public clearly understands the harmful effects of drugs and avoids their use.
Food safety is of critical concern to the public’s health. To ensure the comprehensive monitoring of food products, in June 2016 the government introduced a Five-point Food Safety Policy, followed by a food safety improvement plan in two phases (2017-2020 and 2021-2024).
\r\n
\r\nIn 2024, to further improve the national food safety network, the government began promoting version 2.0 of the Five-point Food Safety Policy, and has additionally approved a program for achieving excellence in food safety management (2025-2028). Focusing on three main areas—food source risk management, chain of custody certification and community monitoring—this program will advance the integration of food safety mechanisms, strengthen their management, inspection and guidance processes, and expand the application of AI technologies, thereby protecting the public and upholding food safety from farm to table.
\r\n
\r\nThree main areas
\r\n
\r\n■ Food source risk management: Build a digital online audit system and carry out a consultation process to facilitate the formulation of management standards and measures for detecting potential safety concerns before they occur. Use smart monitoring and early warning methods to strengthen food safety risk management and improve alert mechanisms. Proactively seek the establishment of cooperative networks with the food safety and health authorities of other nations and international organizations.
\r\n
\r\n■ Chain of custody certification: Employ AI enhanced customer service systems and an integrated health and safety management platform for food distribution and sales, to provide industries with information on professional competencies as well as domestic and foreign laws and regulations required by the market. Digitize the application and registration process for food safety inspections to boost efficiency and promote the development of digital monitoring.
\r\n
\r\n■ Community monitoring: Strengthen monitoring for non-compliant advertisements across electronic media and encourage the public to report suspected violations. Build a smart customer service system to provide comprehensive food safety consultation services and employ a broad range of communication channels to enhance the public's awareness of food safety.
To reduce the impacts of climate change and global warming, over 150 countries around the world have pledged or made plans to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. On February 15, 2023, Taiwan’s Climate Change Response Act was promulgated and came into effect, incorporating the target of net-zero emissions by 2050. For Taiwan’s construction sector in particular, the government has developed an outline for pathways and measures to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, which can be divided into three stages: ensuring all newly built, publicly owned buildings are either nearly zero carbon buildings or level 1 on Taiwan’s Building Energy-Efficiency Rating System (BERS) by 2030; upgrading 50% of existing buildings to reach nearly zero carbon status or energy efficiency level 1 by 2040; and ensuring 100% of newly built buildings and over 85% of existing buildings achieve nearly zero carbon status by 2050.
\r\n
\r\nFour key measures
\r\n
\r\n■ For new public buildings: The government has mandated that all newly constructed publicly owned buildings meet energy efficiency level 1 or nearly zero carbon status (level 1+). While specific deadlines vary by building type, current progress indicates that all new public buildings can meet this requirement by 2026. In addition, all social housing is required to meet green building standards; the National Housing and Urban Regeneration Center since 2023 has fully adopted planning and design for an energy efficiency level of 1 or better. New social housing under local governments will also be built at energy efficiency level 1 or better beginning July 1, 2025.
\r\n
\r\n■ For existing public buildings: Infrastructure funding approved in 2024 has enabled central and local governments to carry out building energy efficiency improvements and set up renewable energy and energy storage systems, which are projected to annually save 23 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) and reduce emissions by 9,660 metric tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). Moving forward, a 2025-2026 program to advance the net-zero transformation of buildings will expand the scope of funding and bolster promotion efforts.
\r\n
\r\n■ For new private buildings: The government will communicate and coordinate with all stakeholders as it formulates a building energy efficiency assessment system for the regulation of new building construction in the private sector, which will be codified in a draft bill in 2025.
\r\n
\r\n■ For existing private buildings: The government is offering incentives and subsidy rewards to encourage energy efficiency, and is continuing its program to subsidize the replacement of old home appliances with new ones that meet the highest energy efficiency standards. Energy-saving advisory teams have also been established to help local communities identify ways to reduce their energy consumption, and support the transformation and upgrading of the energy-efficient building industry.
In accordance with the government’s talent investment policy under the National Project of Hope, and to help the nation transition to digital technology and net zero, in September 2024 the Executive Yuan approved a jumpstart program to enhance national talent competitiveness. The program will augment efforts to cultivate, attract and retain talent, and is founded upon two main pillars: strengthening the competitiveness of the nation’s future talent and global talent recruitment, with the goal of providing professional training for 450,000 people in artificial intelligence (AI), the green economy and interdisciplinary digital humanities, and recruiting 120,000 additional foreign professionals and 80,000 additional foreign technical specialists by the year 2028. This will enrich the talent pool needed for the next stage of national development, and realize the vision of building an innovative and prosperous Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nTwo main pillars
\r\n
\r\n■ Domestic talent competitiveness: Encourage universities and colleges to work with businesses to cultivate AI, green-collar and interdisciplinary digital humanities talents through a wide range of channels; foster technologically competitive and innovative digital humanities talents through the basic and higher education curricula, lifelong learning, and the promotion of related policies; and facilitate the circulation of talent by expanding the enrollment of international students and subsidizing young Taiwanese to travel abroad and broaden their research horizons.
■ Global talent recruitment: Create an internationally competitive system for attracting talent, including through amending the law to allow holders of a planned “global elite card” (with an annual income of NT$6 million (US$189,567) or more) to apply for permanent residence after one year's stay; investigating the feasibility of issuing individual work permits for graduates of top international universities; adding a new category of “digital nomad” visa; and increasing the retention of international students and overseas compatriot students. Build a comprehensive ecosystem for retaining foreign talent by optimizing financial services, children's education and rental accommodation aimed at foreigners. Additionally, expand visa categories for mid-level technicians to enlarge the foreign skilled labor workforce.
", "上版日期": "113-09-30", "更新日期": "113-10-14", "發布日期": "113-10-14", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/AEB7F3E2C7D83F8F", "相關連結": "/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/28bb7017-5bd2-46d0-923f-d13a333cf3a0,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/2a154eb0-3f15-4db1-be39-2dfb325529c9,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/db4a037d-7eeb-49cd-b85d-9f7e74b80ab8,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/aaf2b7e1-0680-4408-9418-269ece66ce10" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/f3a46382-e4b0-4e55-b1db-a99137b75bb4", "標題": "Reconstruction of Taiwan's Art History 2.0", "內容": "In recent years, the government has carried out important policies to nourish, conserve and promote Taiwanese culture, such as the Taiwan Cultural Memory Bank, the Regeneration of Historic Sites project, and the Reconstruction of Taiwan’s Art History project. In addition to reinvigorating local areas by re-establishing their ties to the history and knowledge passed down over time, these policies also help bring Taiwan’s rich stories and artworks to a wider global audience, thus enhancing the nation’s soft power.
\r\n
\r\nNow, the Executive Yuan has approved version 2.0 of the Reconstruction of Taiwan's Art History project (2025-2028) to continue enriching the country’s culture and building upon Taiwan’s cultural DNA and cultural memory, as well as to realize President Lai Ching-te’s vision of revitalizing the nation through art. The updated project will support the collection, research and promotion of the history of Taiwan’s art, music, literature, architecture and traditional opera, thereby inspiring dialogue about the interplay between land, culture and different generations, as well as sparking rediscovery of Taiwan’s art history and cultural identity.
\r\n
\r\nFive areas of focus
\r\n
\r\n■ History of art: Upgrade the capabilities of art institutions, and strengthen their ability to purchase, collect and conserve important works from Taiwan’s art history. Continue gathering and studying art history materials and curating diverse exhibitions. These initiatives will help promote Taiwanese art in mainstream culture.
\r\n
\r\n■ History of music: Incorporate digital technologies into music archival, facilitate research on specific topics in music history, and encourage a broader range of music commentary, thereby breathing new life into old music and forgotten history.
\r\n
\r\n■ History of literature: Accelerate the collection of historical Taiwanese literary materials, revitalize literary works by translating them into new forms of popular media and applications, and raise the international profile of Taiwanese literature.
\r\n
\r\n■ History of architecture: Facilitate reconstruction of a historical framework to understand Taiwanese architecture; create an inventory of the current status of Taiwan’s classical architecture; research specialized subjects in architecture and curate related exhibitions; and encourage documentary filmmaking on major architectural works. These initiatives will explore and deepen appreciation of Taiwanese architectural styles.
\r\n
\r\n■ History of Taiwanese opera: Support the health and sustainability of traditional Taiwanese opera by conducting surveys and data collection of the current cultural ecosystem, as well as by developing digital applications of cultural databases.
The Executive Yuan has approved a plan to promote Taiwan's Five Trusted Industry Sectors—semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), military, security and surveillance, and next-generation communications—as key global growth industries of the future. Focusing on these five sectors will help Taiwan to capitalize on new business opportunities created by shifting geopolitical trends and secure pivotal positions within global supply chains, thereby enhancing national strength. The plan will help to make Taiwan an indispensable and trusted technological partner of democracies around the world, and by advancing innovation-driven industrial development, create high-paying jobs and strengthen national security and resilience.
\r\n
\r\nPolicy outline
\r\n
\r\n■ Semiconductors: Continue strengthening R&D capabilities in integrated circuit (IC) design, build a base for advanced semiconductor R&D and pilot mass production, and assist manufacturers in developing advanced manufacturing processes and packaging to secure Taiwan’s leading global position; proactively develop semiconductor materials and equipment to make Taiwan a dominant player across all aspects of the global semiconductor supply chain.
\r\n
\r\n■ Artificial intelligence: Transform Taiwan into a global center of excellence for AI by developing high value-added AI applications, as well as by expanding computing power and introducing low energy consumption solutions, such as building a smart energy-saving data center and pursuing international cooperation.
\r\n
\r\n■ Military: Continue to advance the nation’s indigenous aircraft and shipbuilding programs, and proactively build a supply chain for drones, to enhance the self-reliance of the defense industry.
\r\n
\r\n■ Security and surveillance: Actively assist the security and surveillance industry to master future-oriented data security technologies and develop trusted products and solutions, guiding their integration into core industries such as semiconductors and defense, to strengthen industrial data security resilience and turn Taiwan into a leading power for trusted security and surveillance.
\r\n
\r\n■ Next-generation communications: Deploy key sovereign technologies required for the development of 6G, integrate terrestrial and satellite communication networks, and develop a variety of applied fields and solutions to strengthen the resilience of Taiwan's wide area communication networks.
The Executive Yuan has approved the Asia Silicon Valley Development Plan 3.0 (2025-2028) to prioritize advancements in artificial intelligence, 5G, satellite networks and other technologies, to accelerate the digital transformation and net-zero transition of industries, and to expand Taiwan’s global footprint. One of the plan’s vital components is a new program to develop infrastructure and applications for digital modeling and digital twins of locations in Taiwan’s cities and countryside. This program will take the distinctive features of urban and rural locales and combine them with digital technologies such as 3D modeling, augmented reality (AR) and 5G, to develop business models for 12 immersive virtual experience scenarios (entertainment, e-commerce, education, sports, culture, animation, film and television, tourism, travel, competitions, performances, and public services). Under the program, funding for non-hardware digital content will be considered part of the public infrastructure budget for the first time. By advancing these innovative digital services, the government will accelerate the upgrade and transformation of industries and local economies.
\r\n
\r\nKey points
\r\n
\r\n■ Enhance the digital modeling development ecosystem: Assist local government investment in digital infrastructure by analyzing both international and domestic needs and development strategies; planning use cases and scenarios in various Taiwanese urban and rural settings; and releasing standards, specifications and open application programming interfaces (APIs) for digital twin platforms.
\r\n
\r\n■ Develop and implement digital modeling applications: Facilitate the execution of digital modeling application proposals by assessing the needs of local governments; setting up central and local government coordination mechanisms; creating showcase examples of digital modeling by the central government; and establishing subsidy measures for local governments.
\r\n
\r\n■ Build international exchange and cooperation networks: Use conferences and exhibitions to demonstrate digital modeling and digital twin applications in specific fields (such as immersive virtual experiences aimed at education, tourism or sports). Exchange development experiences with relevant international partners in industry, academia and research. Support overseas promotion of the program’s application services.
To consolidate Taiwan’s social safety net and facilitate a new version of the Mental Health Act effective by the end of 2024, the Executive Yuan has approved a NT$5.63 billion (US$176.3 million) plan to strengthen whole-of-society mental health resilience (2025-2030). The plan is designed to align Taiwan with the World Health Organization’s concept of mental health as a universal human right, and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals of reducing inequalities and promoting good health and well-being. By combining the resources of ministries and agencies, and enhancing collaboration between the central and local governments, the plan tackles the issue from the perspectives of resource deployment, primary prevention, medical care and crisis management, to comprehensively improve the mental health of the public and realize the national policy vision of a Healthy Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nSix major strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote holistic mental health: Initiate age- and population-specific mental health promotion programs, deploy mental health resources with a diverse range of service channels, and raise public awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.
\r\n
\r\n■ Develop a continuous mental care network: Upgrade the quality of mental health care services, establish a mechanism for handling mental health emergencies, strengthen care and community support for psychiatric patients, and promote the de-stigmatization of mental illness.
\r\n
\r\n■ Increase capacity of diversified addiction treatments: Enhance public awareness of mental illnesses, expand subsidies for alcohol addiction treatment, develop intervention programs for internet addiction, and increase the capacity of treatment services.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve therapeutic treatment for perpetrators of domestic violence and sexual assault: Develop scientifically validated models for the treatment of perpetrators, conduct research into tools for assessing the level of risk, strengthen community monitoring mechanisms, and improve the professional knowledge and capabilities of therapists.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enhance the judicial system for psychiatric criminal treatment: Expand the manpower of judicial psychiatric evaluation teams and deploy associated medical resources, and assist individuals’ reintegration into society.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen technological and digital mental health infrastructure: Establish a mechanism for conducting mental health surveys, integrate mental health data, and enhance the effectiveness of mental health care through the use of digital technology.
The government is promoting a social housing policy to meet the housing needs of young people and the disadvantaged, which will not only help achieve housing justice but also build a sound residential home market. The end of 2024 will see the fulfillment of an eight-year (2017-2024) policy objective to increase the supply of social housing by 200,000 units (including 120,000 newly constructed homes and 80,000 units subleased from private owners or managed on their behalf).
\r\n\r\nMoving forward, the government will implement a 2025-2032 program to support 1 million renter households (including 250,000 newly constructed social housing units and 250,000 subleased or managed units over the eight-year period, as well as rent subsidies provided annually for 500,000 homes), which will more swiftly fulfill the housing needs of renters and young people, and substantially ease the burden of housing costs.
\r\n
\r\nConcrete actions
\r\n
\r\n■ The Housing Act has been amended to provide a legal basis for promoting the social housing policy. In accordance with the act, the central government also assists local governments with land acquisition, financing, taxation issues and the formation of implementation teams.
\r\n
\r\n■ State-owned land or buildings not designated for public use may now be leased on a long-term basis or utilized without remuneration. Land owned by the Ministry of National Defense may also be used for social housing purposes. These measures have created more avenues for local governments to acquire land and resources.
\r\n
\r\n■ To alleviate the financial burden on local governments, a social housing financing service platform has been created as a means of providing local governments with low-interest, long-term loans for social housing projects.
\r\n
\r\n■ The subleasing and management services system offers below-market rent rates for lower-income households, disadvantaged groups, and workers and students in need of housing, and encourages landlords to join the system by offering concessions on house tax, land value tax and income tax, thus expanding housing access. The government is also promoting an NT$30 billion (US$938.2 million) expanded rent subsidy program (2022-2026) to comprehensively ease the burden of rentals for young singles, newlyweds, childrearing households, and socially or economically disadvantaged households.
\r\n
\r\n■ The National Housing and Urban Regeneration Center has been established to help the central government apply business principles to running social housing projects.
\r\n
\r\n■ To create quality residences that people can appreciate, social housing units are incorporating green and smart technologies, seismic-code standards, and accessibility features for people with disabilities. The homes are also linked to community child care and long-term care facilities.
To cater to the housing needs of disadvantaged groups and young people, in addition to promoting its social housing policy, the central government has introduced an expanded rent subsidy program for the period 2022-2026. The expanded program provides annual total rent subsidies of NT$30 billion (US$938.2 million) and loosens application requirements, thereby boosting the number of subsidized households from 120,000 to 750,000. With the size of subsidies given to each household also increased, the program will comprehensively ease the burden of rentals for young singles, newlyweds, childrearing households, and socially or economically disadvantaged households. This administration’s social housing policy is the most expansive in history: It has the largest budget, assists the greatest number of households, contains the broadest eligibility criteria and provides the most generous rent subsidies.
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\r\nKey points and complementary measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Relaxed eligibility requirements: The maximum personal income threshold for rent subsidy applicants will be raised from 2.5 times to 3 times the average minimum monthly cost of living in their local area.
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\r\n■ Subsidy amounts: Non-homeowning individuals or families with an income below a certain level are eligible to receive a monthly subsidy of between NT$2,000 (US$63) and NT$8,000 (US$250) per household.
\r\n
\r\n■ Larger subsidies: Four target groups—single adults aged under 40, couples married for two years or less, households with minor children (including unborn children), and economically or socially disadvantaged households—enjoy between 1.2 and 1.8 times larger rent subsidies.
\r\n
\r\n■ Easier application procedures: New households can apply online. Currently subsidized households can join the online system without reapplying.
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\r\n■ Benefits for landlords: Landlords who lease residences to subsidized households can enjoy concessions on income tax, house tax and land value tax.
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\r\n■ Fuller coverage for on- and off-campus rentals: Raise subsidies and loosen application restrictions for off-campus rentals for college and university students from disadvantaged households; and additionally provide on-campus accommodation subsidies for college and university students.
In line with the global push toward net-zero carbon emissions to combat climate change, Taiwan pledged in 2021 to achieve net-zero status by 2050. The government followed up in 2022 by issuing 12 key strategies for the transition to net zero, including one strategy to proactively expand energy saving efforts—encouraging companies to invest in low-carbon processes, and facilitating industry and lifestyle transformations. Over the past five years, Taiwan has striven to advance energy transition, energy conservation and improved manufacturing processes. Taiwan’s average annual rate of energy efficiency improvement has reached 5.1%, thus upholding the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference’s (COP28) pledge of exceeding 4% each year until 2030. Since 2024, the government has also launched a second energy transition initiative, developing a diverse range of green energy sources and implementing a program to promote deep energy saving (2024-2027) to continue upgrading energy use efficiency.
\r\n
\r\nThree main measures
\r\n
\r\n■ For large energy users: Through regulatory requirements, raise the annual energy-saving target from 1% to 1.5% for large energy users that reserve a capacity of 10,000 kilowatts (kW) or more. Foster collaboration between large manufacturers and smaller firms along the supply chain to improve energy-saving processes. Offer tax incentives for investing in energy saving, thus encouraging lower energy consumption.
\r\n
\r\n■ For medium and small energy users: Help energy service companies (ESCOs) provide businesses with specialized assistance in implementing suitable cost-effective means to save electricity and reduce carbon emissions. Expand ESCO service capacity by injecting funds from financial institutions, backed by a government credit guarantee program for ESCO industry loans.
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\r\n■ For residential energy users: Continue to promote a subsidy program that encourages people to replace old home appliances by purchasing new ones that meet Taiwan’s highest energy efficiency labeling standards.
In a globalized world of shifting population structures, Taiwan is home to a burgeoning population of new immigrants, as well as foreign professionals from a wide variety of countries, who have come to work and invest in Taiwan. On July 16, 2024, a basic law for new immigrants passed its third and final reading in the Legislature. The law aims to comprehensively enhance rights protections for new immigrants, while simultaneously responding to the demographic challenges posed by low birth rates and an aging population, and strengthening incentives for retaining and attracting talent. It is hoped that the law, which provides for a dedicated government body to handle new immigrant affairs, will create a more friendly living environment for foreigners, and through expanding the legal definition of new immigrants, signal to the world that Taiwan welcomes foreign professionals to bring their skills and capital, put down long-term roots, integrate into local life, form a bond with Taiwan, and ultimately become naturalized citizens, to create mutually beneficial, harmonious community relations.
\r\n
\r\nKey aspects
\r\n
\r\n■ Expanded legal definition of new immigrants: In addition to foreign spouses, the definition will be widened to include residents in Taiwan for professional, technical and investment reasons; Mainland Area citizens residing in Taiwan for economic, technological and cultural considerations; and people from Hong Kong and Macau residing in Taiwan for reasons of employment, investment or as a family dependent. The rights protections will be extended to the children of new immigrants.
\r\n
\r\n■ Dedicated government body for new immigrant affairs: The new body will be a third-level government agency, and will be responsible for coordinating and promoting matters related to new immigrants’ education, employment and empowerment, in addition to a range of other bespoke services.
\r\n
\r\n■ Quinquennial reviews: The government will conduct a review and formulate a revised plan once every five years, and publish the results of the review, in order to ensure that the support measures are meeting the needs of new immigrants.
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\r\n■ New immigrant development fund: The fund aims to provide new immigrants and their families with care and counseling services; human resources training and development; and a barrier-free language environment, as well as facilitate the creation of a multicultural society.
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\r\n■ Measures to protect the rights and interests of new immigrants: Advance eight major care service measures, including life adaptation, reproductive health, employment protection, and personal safety, to ensure the rights and interests of new immigrants and their children.
To protect children’s health, since 2021 the government has promoted the first phase of a children’s health care improvement program (2021-2024), allocating NT$2.8 billion (US$85.3 million) to enhance perinatal and pediatric emergency and critical care, as well as to strengthen pediatric primary care and health management. The second phase of this program (2025-2028) will allocate NT$13.5 billion (US$411.1 million) to implement a ranking system for major hospitals based on their ability to provide perinatal and pediatric critical care; improve personnel capacity and retention of relevant medical specialists; and deliver better integrated health care services for children.
\r\n
\r\nKey points of the program’s second phase
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\r\n■ Enhance perinatal, neonatal and pediatric continuity of care: Create a ranking system for major hospitals based on their perinatal and pediatric care capabilities, and reward those hospitals for maintaining or improving their quality of care. Continue supporting follow-up care for high-risk pregnancy cases, as well as home care for newborns with low or very low birth weight.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen integration and coordination of medical resources for severe pediatric diseases: Emphasize training and retention of medical specialists for severe and rare diseases at core hospitals in four key areas (neonatology, pediatric cancer, severe pediatric diseases and pediatric genetics). Integrate vital children’s health services such as child and adolescent psychiatry, and vision care for children with multiple disabilities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Optimize child-centered primary care and health management: Incorporate all neonatal care into the dedicated pediatrician system, gradually expanding the system’s scope of practice. Link together the medical, public health and social welfare systems to improve child health care services. Continue to improve the accuracy of child development screenings and the efficacy of child development joint assessment services. Integrate services such as infant oral care, child injury prevention and control, and child obesity prevention and management.
Taiwan is surrounded by seas blessed with abundant natural resources. To foster a high-quality environment for the development of ocean-related industries, and balance ecological conservation and environmental sustainability, in 2023 the government approved additional amendments to the Marine Pollution Control Act and passed the Marine Industry Development Act. In February 2024, the Executive Yuan further approved a draft bill for the Marine Conservation Act, which was passed by the Legislature on July 12. This latter act will enable Taiwan to make strides in improving the protection of marine ecosystems, the effective administration of marine protected areas (MPAs), and the conservation and restoration of marine biodiversity. In tandem with the Climate Change Response Act and other related laws, the Marine Conservation Act will help create a healthy marine ecosystem that balances sustainable resource use alongside the "blue economy" of ocean-related industries, enabling humans and nature to coexist in harmony.
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\r\nMain points of the act
\r\n
\r\n■ Five powers: The act grants powers to managing government authorities to (1) designate sanctuary areas wherever special protections are necessary for the marine ecosystem; (2) determine overall policy guidelines for MPA management to ensure proper administration of protected areas; (3) declare restrictions and prohibitions on marine recreation, ship navigation, use of fishing equipment, and other maritime activities; (4) study and implement measures related to marine conservation and restoration; and (5) dispatch observers to survey, monitor and collect maritime data.
\r\n
\r\n■ Three guarantees: The act guarantees rights for users of marine resources by (1) establishing an advisory committee mechanism to review the designation of sanctuary areas, as well as restrictions and prohibitions on maritime activities; (2) permitting policy-compatible use of marine resources at appropriate times within buffer areas and sustainable use areas; and (3) upholding until its expiration date any maritime agreement, permit or other authorization that was lawfully obtained prior to the designation of a marine sanctuary area, based on the doctrine of legitimate expectation.
\r\n
\r\n■ Two pathways: The act provides pathways for citizen watchdogs to ensure the law is upheld by (1) rewarding law enforcement personnel, private citizens, legal entities, or organizations that actively join or assist the managing government authorities in stopping or reporting illegal incidents; and (2) enabling harmed parties or public interest groups to bring lawsuits directly to the high administrative courts if the managing government authorities are negligent in enforcing the Marine Conservation Act.
From 2010 to 2024, a series of programs have promoted the development of highway public transportation and its increased use by the public. Building upon these initiatives, the government will launch a new 2025-2028 program focusing on sustainable highway public transportation and transportation equality to provide better quality, more accessible services; strengthen bus operational safety; and enhance the overall utilization rate through adopting smart transportation and digital management, and increasing the proportion of barrier-free buses. These measures are expected to help accelerate the return to pre-pandemic passenger numbers and create a highway public transportation system that is human-centered, equitable, low-carbon and green.
\r\n
\r\nFour main strategies
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\r\n■ Restored and improved services: Improve the bus fare structure and subsidy system, alleviate bus operator labor shortages, and promote integrated public transportation ticketing and transfer discounts.
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\r\n■ People-centered, accessible transportation: Promote diversified transport services in remote locations and areas with super-aged populations, enhance the environment of bus shelters, and strengthen bus safety management.
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\r\n■ Smart services and digital management: Advance innovative and smart public transport services, promote data-based driving behavior analysis, and construct a highway public transport safety management platform.
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\r\n■ Low-carbon green operations: Increase the range of green public transport services and reduce the use of private vehicles.
Taiwan is home to a rich tapestry of linguistic cultures. Except for Taiwan Mandarin, however, other local languages all face a risk of disappearance. To ensure the sustainable transmission and development of at-risk languages and cultures, the government in 2017 declared Taiwan Indigenous Languages and Taiwan Hakka to be national languages, and in 2019 further stipulated that the natural languages and sign languages used by the different ethnic groups in Taiwan are all considered national languages. In 2022 the government launched a 2022-2026 plan for comprehensive development of national languages, which utilizes seven major implementation strategies to promote the revitalization and advancement of national languages, in order to achieve linguistic and cultural equality and bolster the multicultural development of Taiwan. Moreover, the Executive Yuan in June 2024 approved a draft act for the establishment of a center for the research and development of national languages, which would serve as an institution dedicated to the languages’ preservation, study and transmission.
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\r\nSeven major strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve preservation of linguistic materials: Interview elderly people and experts in the field to preserve linguistic data. Build corpuses for Taiwan Indigenous Languages, Taiwan Hakka, Taiwan Taigi, Matsu Language and Taiwan Sign Language, and combine the materials through a data integration platform. Promote publication, digitization and technological applications of linguistic materials.
\r\n
\r\n■ Standardize writing systems: Encourage standard wording of national languages in popular music lyrics and entertainment news. Establish input methods and online pronunciation search tools for local languages.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve language certification: Expand question banks and improve online examination methods for national language certification tests.
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\r\n■ Broaden promotional activities: Expand initiatives encouraging nationwide language contests, speech and theatrical contests, and language camps, as well as fostering native-speaking households and communities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Create friendly environments (including broadcast media): Produce flagship movies and media programs that showcase national languages. Subsidize or collaborate with the private sector to develop audiovisual media, comics, games and cultural content incorporating forward-looking technologies.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen educational resources: Strengthen support for teacher training, curriculums and immersive preschools for national languages. Establish comprehensive e-learning platforms for national languages.
\r\n
\r\n■ Build up supplementary resources: Create websites offering digital resources for national languages. Encourage industry-academia cooperation on the development of language software translation platforms.
The cost of housing is a crucial component of the public's cost of living. In December 2020, the Executive Yuan thus approved the Healthy Real Estate Market Plan to strengthen regulation of real estate transactions and expand social housing and rent subsidies. To curtail short-term speculation of real estate, in July 2021 new measures regarding income tax on house and land transactions came into effect, and on February 8, 2023 the revised Equalization of Land Rights Act was promulgated. On July 6, 2023 the Executive Yuan also passed a scheme to apply new differential tax rates on housing, with lower taxes for owners that occupy their own properties and higher taxes for owners of multiple properties that are not all in use. Related amendments to the House Tax Act were promulgated on January 3, 2024 and came into effect on July 1, 2024. These, in addition to a range of other government measures, will set the real estate market on a healthy development path by curbing rampant speculation, combating tax evasion and tax avoidance, and reducing excessive capital inflows, to achieve housing justice and build high-quality living environments.
\r\n
\r\nFive principal measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Curb presale speculation: Local real estate markets have seen speculation in "purchase orders" for presold houses—which offer agreed-upon sale prices issued by builders or agents on receipt of deposits—in addition to profit-making through real estate swaps. Once the sale officially begins at a higher price, speculators profit by selling these purchase orders to later buyers. To combat such practices, regulation of presold house purchase orders and real estate swaps has been tightened up to deter entities from using fictitious transactions to inflate real estate prices.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enforce amended Equalization of Land Rights Act: Headline amendments include restrictions on reselling and swapping of sales and purchase agreements (SPAs) for presold houses or new buildings; the introduction of a permit system for purchases of residential property by private entities; heavily penalizing real estate speculation and requiring the registration of contract cancellation for presold houses; and establishing a whistleblower reward scheme to encourage the public to monitor real estate sales and transactions and report any evidence of actual transaction prices that have not been accurately registered, in order to curb speculation within the market.
\r\n
\r\n■ Suppress short-term speculation and crack down on tax evasion: The tax code has been amended to require that short-term transactions be heavily taxed. Income associated with equity transactions in unlisted corporations must now be reported together with personal income for tax purposes. Furthermore, income taxes for profit-seeking enterprises are calculated based on rates that depend on the length of time property is held, as is the case for individuals. This will eliminate the practice of individuals establishing corporations to engage in short-term property speculation. Additionally, the amended House Tax Act prevents owners from subdividing single, high-value properties into many low-value units to evade property taxes, and higher housing tax rates will also be levied on owners of multiple properties that are not all in effective use, to encourage more housing to be put on the market and reduce the number of unoccupied properties.
\r\n
\r\n■ Prevent capital flooding into property markets: Banks are supervised and encouraged to exercise caution when extending credit to finance new residential construction by developers and the purchase of residential real estate by investors for other than personal use, while selective credit control measures have also been adopted. To strengthen management of credit risk at financial institutions, special audits of real estate credit extension as well as standard operational auditing will continue, bolstered by already-announced risk management measures.
\r\n
\r\n■ Ease housing costs for the public: The central government established the National Housing and Urban Regeneration Center, and has worked together with local governments to complete construction of 120,000 social housing units as targeted. Incentives for private landlords have been increased to drive their participation in a subleasing and management program. An expanded NT$30 billion (US$967.9 million) rent subsidy program has benefited 500,000 households per year. The government is also offering policy-based subsidies for loan interest (such as through an enhanced program to provide preferential housing loans for young homebuyers, and a program to provide personal housing loan support for households of middle-class incomes and below), thus lightening the financial burdens of homebuyers.
Since December 2010, the government has offered preferential loans to help non-homeowning households purchase new homes. In August 2023, responding to recent trends of rising global inflation, housing prices and interest rates, the government rolled out a new housing loan program targeted at young homebuyers (open for applications until July 31, 2026) which further alleviates the difficulties of loan repayment. In addition, enhanced oversight measures have been put in place to prevent disruptions to the orderly functioning of the real estate market by misuse of the loans—such as by speculative investors, dummy buyers, or loan borrowers who sublease the property. These measures include administering audits of loan applicants, strengthening checks and supervision of loan debtors, requiring new loan borrowers to sign an affidavit of owner-occupancy, and restricting loans to one per person.
\r\n
\r\nKey points of the new program
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\r\n■ Requirements to apply: Adults aged 18 or above who own no residential property under their own name, their spouse’s name, or their minor children’s names are eligible to apply for a loan to purchase an existing home property (not including off-plan properties). Starting from June 27, 2024, those who have had the loan approved by a bank after August 1, 2023 cannot apply for another loan.
\r\n
\r\n■ Better terms and conditions: Loan amounts have been increased to a maximum of NT$10 million (US$308,000), repayment periods extended to a maximum of 40 years, and grace periods extended to a maximum of five years. State-owned banks have lowered the loan interest rates by 0.125 percentage points, and the government subsidizes an additional 0.375 percentage points, resulting in a total reduction of 0.5 percentage points in loan interest rates.
In an effort to comprehensively improve pedestrian traffic safety, the Executive Yuan in May 2023 approved a set of traffic safety guidelines prioritizing pedestrian right of way, and on August 17 approved a higher-level set of policy guidelines for pedestrian traffic safety (2023-2027). The policy guidelines lay out a set of major initiatives with short-term (half-year), medium-term (one-year) and long-term (four-year) action items. In addition, on January 1, 2024 the Road Traffic Safety Basic Act came into effect, establishing a national pedestrian traffic safety policy with the aim of achieving 50% fewer pedestrian traffic deaths by 2030—and ultimately attaining the "Vision Zero" goal of zero road traffic deaths—through collaboration between the central government, local governments and the general public.
\r\n
\r\nThree major initiatives
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\r\n■ Enact the Road Traffic Safety Basic Act: This basic law stipulates that meetings are convened at a central government level to discuss road traffic safety. Chaired by the premier, the meetings review policy planning every four years to refine the systems promoting road safety.
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\r\n■ Develop a comprehensive system of public transportation: Greater usage of public transportation will be encouraged through measures such as promoting a highway public transportation plan, popularizing accessibility in transportation services, expanding Happiness Bus and Happiness Taxi services in rural areas, and offering bicycle-sharing programs with both bikes and e-bikes, to help travelers cover the last mile to their destinations.
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\r\n■ Implement improvements to pedestrian traffic safety: This initiative includes administering a plan to sustainably increase pedestrian safety, formulating an act to govern pedestrian-friendly traffic facilities, requiring those who seriously violate traffic laws to periodically renew their driver’s license, expanding subsidies for motorcycle driving classes, promoting motorcycle road driving classes, applying heavier traffic fines, and imposing stricter enforcement for key traffic violations. These measures will help protect the safety of pedestrians, especially the disabled, children and elderly.
Taiwan is home to a variety of world-class scenic attractions, a unique culture comprising diverse ethnic traditions, and exciting holiday events all year round. As a travel destination, it has long garnered favorable reviews from the international media, but it now faces fierce competition in the post-pandemic global tourism market. The government is thus striving to expand the nation’s tourism attractions while striking a balance between quality and quantity. As part of this campaign, the government has unveiled a new tourism slogan, “Taiwan – Waves of Wonder,” and is implementing four major strategies: build a tourism brand that attracts 10 million visitors, boost marketing of islandwide travel, integrate local resources to develop local attractions, and upgrade scenic areas through smart technology. These strategies will help the tourism industry embrace the global development trends of sustainability and digitization, attract more international visitors, and grow tourism into a new trillion-NT-dollar industry for Taiwan.
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\r\nFour major strategies
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\r\n■ Build a tourism brand that attracts 10 million visitors: Develop diverse international markets, such as by strengthening tourism from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam; expanding the visitor base from Indonesia and India; deepening the market from Europe and America; breaking new ground in the Middle East; and opening up new markets with Muslim populations and newly wealthy demographics in the 18 countries promoted under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy. Extend visa facilitation measures for New Southbound Policy markets. Promote multi-destination itineraries where transit passengers can stop over in Taiwan, and bid to hold more large-scale international events in Taiwan. Transform Taiwan into a major market for cruise tourism in Asia, promoting international cruises that visit Taiwan’s outlying islands, fly-cruise package tours, and other modes of travel to win over new customer bases.
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\r\n■ Boost marketing of islandwide travel: Combine the resources of central government institutions, county and city governments, and private sector industries to advertise 100 top tourist spots in Taiwan, publicize package tours and year-round seasonal activities, and offer special deals for lodging and transportation in order to entice both domestic and foreign tourists to travel Taiwan. Issue subsidies for tour group travel, as well as discounts on lodging and transportation for self-guided travel, within the Hualien and Taitung area to revitalize the local tourism industry that was impacted by the recent earthquake.
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\r\n■ Integrate local resources to develop local attractions: Invest in the forward-looking development of 12 scenic areas that appeal to international visitors. Develop six local tourism corridors connecting significant sightseeing attractions. Promote regional tourism unions to spur development of regional industries.
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\r\n■ Upgrade scenic areas through smart technology: Incorporate innovative use of smart technologies into the administration, services and marketing of national scenic areas, thereby enhancing management of tourism safety, optimal tourism carrying capacity, energy conservation and precision marketing.
In the last few years, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded in popularity, spawning a plethora of diverse new applications and services with profound and wide-ranging implications for the future. Generative AI is a strategic technology of vital importance to a nation’s development, but it is also increasingly being adopted by industries as a tool for diverse innovation. For this reason, national governments and technology giants alike are pouring resources into the development of large language models (LLMs).
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\r\nTaiwan is among the world’s foremost semiconductor powers. In order to maintain this key strategic position, the nation must integrate silicon chips with contemporary trends in AI development and expand AI infrastructure. Building a Taiwan-specific LLM is one of the most vital tasks in this endeavor.
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\r\nIn April 2023, the government initiated the Trustworthy AI Dialogue Engine (TAIDE) project to produce a generative AI chatbot with Taiwanese features and traditional Chinese character support. TAIDE is optimized for writing articles, letters and summaries, as well as two-way Chinese-English translation. TAIDE will also help to popularize generative AI applications and drive forward development in related industries.
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\r\nLooking to the future, the government will continue to closely monitor international trends in generative AI and will introduce new technologies in a timely manner, so that TAIDE is able to keep up with the pace of evolution and become the benchmark LLM for Taiwan. This administration will also assist in promoting TAIDE as an innovative application for use in both the public and private sectors, to ensure the nation remains competitive within the field of generative AI, and help turn Taiwan into an “AI island.”
In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in new forms of online and telephone fraud. To crack down on these offenses and protect society, the Executive Yuan formulated a set of next-generation anti-fraud strategy guidelines in July 2022, and issued an upgraded version 1.5 of the guidelines in May 2023. Version 1.5 focuses on the four areas of identifying, preventing, intercepting and punishing fraud, to accomplish the three goals of reducing exposure, reducing deception and reducing harm caused by fraud.
\r\n\r\nThe government has recently amended five laws to fight fraud—the Criminal Code of the Republic of China, Human Trafficking Prevention Act, Personal Data Protection Act, Money Laundering Control Act, and Securities Investment Trust and Consulting Act. On May 9, 2024 the Executive Yuan furthermore approved a draft bill on fraud crime harm prevention (Update: passed by the Legislature on July 12), as well as a complementary draft bill on the use and oversight of science and technology in investigations (Update: passed by the Legislature as amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure on July 16), and complementary draft amendments to the Communication Security and Surveillance Act (Update: passed by the Legislature on July 12) and Money Laundering Control Act (Update: passed by the Legislature on July 16). This new raft of legislation aims to tackle the ever-evolving forms and methods of criminal fraud, and ensure greater security for people's property and assets.
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\r\nMain points
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\r\n■ Identifying fraud (via educational campaigns): Promote awareness campaigns across all fields and industries, enlisting cooperation between central and local governments, and between public and private sectors. Introduce anti-fraud concepts into legal education.
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\r\n■ Preventing fraud (via telecommunications networks): Promote digital trust technologies, such as the establishment of the “111” SMS short code used exclusively for official government messages. Encourage e-commerce companies to strengthen data security and adopt technology that substitutes a recipient's phone number on delivery orders with a proxy number, thus protecting personal data and trust in online shopping environments. Work with telecom companies to block calls from overseas fraudsters who spoof Taiwanese phone numbers, and to raise public vigilance by playing audio warnings when calls from international numbers are received.
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\r\n■ Intercepting fraud (via money flows): Interrupt illegal transactions by encouraging financial institutions to ask confirmation questions when customers conduct large in-person transactions; strengthening anti-fraud measures in applications for designated accounts for wire transfers; introducing gradual regulation of virtual asset trading platform operators; blocking investment-related advertisement scams from online platforms; instituting internal control mechanisms within online game companies and locking in-game credit purchases when suspicious activity is detected; requiring third-party payment providers to establish review mechanisms for their clients; and promoting awareness campaigns across financial institutions nationwide.
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\r\n■ Punishing fraud (via law enforcement): Establish the Fraud and Cybersecurity Center with a focus on cracking down on violent gangs, punishing fraudulent groups and cutting off illegal money flows. Improve the confiscation of criminal proceeds, restitution of stolen assets, and assistance for fraud victims. Strengthen mechanisms to transfer, freeze and seize domestic and international virtual currencies.
To respond to the challenges of the post-pandemic global economy in 2023, and to maintain Taiwan's economic momentum, the government has increased both general budget expenditure and the public infrastructure budget. In addition, the government introduced a special law and associated special budget to boost economic and social resilience and share the proceeds of growth in the post-pandemic era. The special budget makes full use of the 2022 central government budget surplus. Approximately NT$380 billion (US$11.7 billion) of surplus tax revenue is being used according to 10 policy directions, with the goal of strengthening the overall economy, bolstering social resilience and adaptability, and sharing the proceeds of growth with the public.
\r\n
\r\n10 policy directions
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\r\n■ Inject NT$100 billion (US$3.1 billion) into the state-run Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) to offset its operating losses, and the nation's Labor Insurance and National Health Insurance funds.
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\r\n■ Provide an NT$6,000 (US$184) one-off cash payment to every person.
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\r\n■ Promote transformation and upgrade of industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): Provide special loans and loan interest subsidies; assist manufacturing industries with transformation and upgrade, as well as facilities improvement; revitalize the development of shopping districts, characterful neighborhoods and traditional markets; and help SMEs to expand sales.
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\r\n■ Alleviate housing costs: Provide a one-time NT$30,000 (US$921) payment to households that meet the twin criteria of a household income below a specified threshold and an approved owner-occupied housing loan below a certain threshold.
\r\n
\r\n■ Widen public transport subsidies: Provide a range of discounted monthly commuter tickets for intra- and inter-district travel within metropolitan areas in northern, central and southern Taiwan. Additionally, roll out localized incentive packages tailored to the regional needs of other areas.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve care for vulnerable groups: In addition to existing subsidies, provide further monthly living allowances of NT$750 (US$23) per person to low income households and NT$500 (US$15) per person to lower-middle income households. Subsidize the augmentation of cold storage facilities at community food bank hot spots in order to increase the range of food items available to economically disadvantaged individuals and families.
\r\n
\r\n■ Increase incentives to attract international tourists: Provide e-vouchers and rewards to promote travel to Taiwan by foreign independent travelers and tour groups. Stabilize the service capacity of the hotel industry by distributing subsidies to businesses for increasing the hiring of housekeepers and cleaners, providing direct subsidies to staff and incentivizing college and university students to work in the industry during the summer.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen agricultural infrastructure and care for farmers and fishermen: Facilitate the expanded provision of meals in rural areas, anti-food waste zones and affordable food zones; strengthen the resilience of rural water resource infrastructure, promote multipurpose fishing ports and improve agricultural roads and other rural infrastructure; guide the upgrade of poultry farms and poultry houses; incentivize fish farms to integrate green energy systems into their aquaculture operations; and promote the use of smart and sustainable net-zero equipment and facilities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Lighten the financial burdens of student loan borrowers: Cover one year of tuition loan repayments (principal and interest) for disadvantaged students who have applied for a tuition loan during the course of their studies, graduates caring for a child aged 12 or below, and graduates with a monthly income of NT$40,000 (US$1,229) or less. Additionally, lower the student loan application and loan deferment (principal and interest) thresholds, and increase the number of times a loan borrower may apply for a loan deferment on the principal, or on the principal and interest.
\r\n
\r\n■ Revitalize arts and cultural industries and stimulate related spending: Expand and regularize the Ministry of Culture's NT$1,200 (US$37) voucher program for young people to spend on arts and cultural activities and products; promote an initiative to revive physical bookstores and micro cultural and creative enterprises; facilitate tours of rural and remote areas by traditional opera troupes and other performance groups; embed cultural experiences into the education system; and strengthen artistic content and broaden arts appreciation for the public.
To keep pace with economic and technological changes, the government is engaged in ongoing collaborations with industry, academia and research institutions to cultivate mid-level and high-level skilled talent to promote the development of fields of critical national interest and enhance Taiwan’s industrial competitiveness.
\r\n
\r\nTo meet the current demand for manpower in national key industries, in 2021 the government enacted the National Key Fields Industry-University Cooperation and Skilled Personnel Training act, establishing specialized research colleges through a joint undertaking between public universities and private companies at the forefront of research. Through these research colleges, industries can more effectively cooperate with academic institutions for R&D, while universities can promote innovation and expand recruitment of highly skilled talent.
\r\n
\r\nSince 2022 the government has also been implementing the Project for the Establishment of Regional Training Bases for Industrial Talents and Technology to foster the intermediate and highly skilled manpower called for by the Six Core Strategic Industries, “five plus two” innovative industries and other industries of key national interest.
\r\n
\r\nMain points
\r\n
\r\n■ Establish research colleges for national key fields: Specialized research colleges (offering master’s and doctorate degrees) are established through collaboration between public universities and private companies; qualified instructors include industry professionals as well as professors from other on-campus colleges. The research colleges are funded primarily by the collaborating companies, in addition to government backing from the National Development Fund. Research colleges are encouraged to participate in international alliances with other academic and research institutions, as well as to partner with Taiwanese local governments. Currently, 12 research colleges at 11 public universities have been inaugurated, enrolling over 1,000 additional students to the universities each year and receiving resources from over 140 collaborating companies.
\r\n
\r\n■ Set up regional training bases to foster industrial talent and technology: In accordance with the government’s policy to promote key industries (including semiconductors, drones, electric vehicles and offshore wind power), subsidies are provided to colleges and universities to establish environments for practical instruction. Industries are invited to actively contribute to this talent training process by providing mentors, internships and other resources, thus cultivating conditions favorable for employing and retaining talent, and attracting students to local industry jobs. Currently, 18 talent training bases have been inaugurated, primarily offering bachelor’s degree programs, and the establishment of two more bases is expected soon.
The Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli region is a major center for semiconductor industries, endowed with well-developed industrial and science park infrastructure and a burgeoning local tech corridor. To balance the demands of regional development alongside the nation’s overall future development, the government is launching a plan in 2024 to create Taiwan’s own version of a Silicon Valley in the Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli region, building a world-leading industrial ecosystem that links local industrial technology hubs, startup clusters, and industrial and science parks. The plan will help the region attract talent, create high-quality job opportunities and spur economic development. The region’s infrastructure will also be consolidated with the southern semiconductor cluster in Tainan and Kaohsiung to form a continuous tech corridor spanning all of western Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nFour main strategies
■ Cultivate future-oriented technologies locally to propel industry-wide innovation: Invest in forward-looking technologies, develop the technologies demanded by each industry and promote next-generation industrial applications. Upgrade innovation in local industries by utilizing technologies including integrated circuits, generative AI and 5G. Create business opportunities in emerging industries such as biomedicine, low Earth orbit satellites and electric vehicles.
\r\n\r\n■ Support the growth of deep tech startups: Help local universities and research institutions transform their research and patented technologies into practical applications for the marketplace, industries and wider society. Bolster investment in deep tech startup companies through the National Development Fund and domestic and foreign venture capital firms. Encourage companies in Hsinchu Science Park to collaborate with local startups, and facilitate those companies investing in, merging with or acquiring startups. Expand industries’ overseas presence and invite international semiconductor startups to work with the Hsinchu Science Park supply chain.
\r\n\r\n■ Meet local demand for talent recruitment and training: Invest in regional talent training bases and specialized colleges for research in key industry-related fields; expand specialized education programs developed through industry-academia collaboration; and attract and retain more international and overseas compatriot students. Establish a regional service center dedicated to the recruitment and support of international talent. Review the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals and propose amendments to continue optimizing talent recruitment environments.
\r\n\r\n■ Improve infrastructure to facilitate the creation of technology corridors: Expand the development scope and accelerate the upgrade and transformation of industrial and science parks, activating unused spaces and optimizing usage of existing spaces, upgrading and incorporating smart technology into their public facilities, and orienting parks toward net-zero emissions and circular economy models. To increase the supply of usable land, take an inventory of unused spaces available for urban science park development, and continue promoting the vertical expansion of industrial zones.
", "上版日期": "113-03-15", "更新日期": "114-09-23", "發布日期": "113-03-25", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/8652EEC5779B215F", "相關連結": "https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=A0030295,News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/dcb69436-950a-4693-a3ec-f091c2863eb2,News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/a705390f-f9b2-4232-b4ba-8fdc34d75faf,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/f1185ac5-55c8-4a6f-8a14-4b26cc756fea" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/9a2176a6-7576-4850-a832-437deef68f65", "標題": "Asia Silicon Valley 3.0", "內容": "The government has formulated the Asia Silicon Valley Development Plan 3.0 (2025-2028) in response to the growth of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and to help Taiwanese industry meet the twin challenges of transitioning to digital and net-zero carbon business models. The plan aims to bolster exports of artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) and multiply investment in startups, with a focus on 5G private networks, generative AI and miniaturized AI technologies, and developing net-zero emission pilot sites. The plan incentivizes private capital investment and employs breakthrough approaches to multiply startup fundraising and exits. The goal is to foster more future unicorns (unicorns are startup companies with a valuation of more than US$1 billion), build a presence in key overseas markets and accelerate the expansion of Taiwan’s global footprint, so that startups become a major driving force of the nation’s future industrial and economic development.
\r\n
\r\nThree main strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote AI, AIoT innovative applications: Integrate generative AI, miniaturized AI, 5G and satellite networks to promote system integration of hardware and software that enables the development of diverse vertical applications and the conversion of emerging technologies into scalable use cases. Additionally, use AIoT as a means to ease Taiwanese industry’s transition to digital and net-zero carbon operating models, creating new business opportunities in partnership with global industry.
\r\n
\r\n■ Develop a thriving startup “rainforest ecosystem”: Inject fresh momentum into startup growth through the National Development Fund’s strategic investments, and promote capital investment by the insurance industry, venture capital and other private funds. Encourage startups to work with corporations and research institutes in developing tech R&D, proof of concepts and other business partnerships for the creation of mutually beneficial outcomes. Propose expanded tax benefits for angel investors and provide tax incentives for investing in, acquiring or merging with startups. Optimize the environment for startups to grow, assist domestic innovative talent to pursue training abroad, and attract international talent to Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\n■ Expand Taiwan’s global digital presence: Expand promotion of the national brand Startup Island TAIWAN, and establish offices in key markets such as in Tokyo, Japan and California’s Silicon Valley. Additionally, expand the export of smart solutions and attract strategic technology startups in areas such as chips and drones to create synergies with Taiwanese industry and strengthen international cooperation and global presence.
To meet the challenges of a declining population, over-urbanization and development imbalances between rural and urban areas, in January 2019 the Executive Yuan approved the National Strategic Plan for Regional Revitalization. To give the policy added impetus, in 2020 the Executive Yuan approved a plan to accelerate the promotion of regional revitalization for the period 2021-2025 with the goal of improving overall resource use efficiency through integrating inter-departmental resources. The government has now introduced a further update to its regional revitalization plan, covering the period 2025-2028. This third phase incorporates the guiding principles of sustainability, public welfare and common good, focusing on five key tasks to ensure continued strong support for regional revitalization. By encouraging more young Taiwanese to return and stay in their hometowns and villages to pursue their goals, significant progress will be made toward achieving balanced regional development.
\r\n
\r\nFive key tasks
\r\n
\r\n■ Empower youth talent: Unlock the potential of young Taiwanese to participate in regional revitalization in three stages: (1) build knowledge of regional revitalization; (2) cultivate young talent within local communities; and (3) form regional youth partnerships.
\r\n
\r\n■ Support diverse proposals: Integrate inter-departmental resources to support revitalization project proposals from a diverse range of fields, for example, creating thematic tourism experiences by linking together the landscape and cultural characteristics of towns and villages, and promoting agri-food education to highlight the relationship between everyday food and beverage consumption and the agricultural industry.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve local infrastructure: Continue enhancing local environments (such as abandoned old buildings and spaces), and optimizing the amenities of regional cities and towns (such as public transport connections to rural areas).
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote cross-domain cooperation: Encourage collaboration on regional revitalization projects to bolster development capacity and strengthen team business models, as well as guide companies toward procurement and supply chain resource collaboration through the adoption of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) methodology, thereby expanding the reach of regional revitalization.
\r\n
\r\n■ Deepen international ties: Promote global contact including organizing international forums, exchanges and cooperation, and use these experiences and events to generate initiatives that turn Taiwan’s cities, towns and villages into models of diverse development.
The government’s biomedical policy has evolved over time, but has always centered on propelling forward Taiwan’s next generation of industrial growth. Since 2017, the government has promoted the Biomedical Industry Innovation Program as part of its “five plus two” innovative industries plan, focusing on pharmaceuticals, medical devices, applied biotechnology, and health and well-being. In 2019, the government proposed the Precision Health Initiative to develop the three areas of regenerative medicine, precision medicine and digital health. Since 2021, the government has further promoted precision health as a component of Taiwan’s Six Core Strategic Industries, incorporating smart technologies and innovative manufacturing processes by taking advantage of the nation’s strengths in information and communications technology (ICT) and manufacturing. By 2030, the precision health policy aims to ensure health maintenance, disease prevention, diagnostics, therapeutics and long-term care for people of all ages.
\r\n
\r\nMain points
\r\n
\r\n■ Update legislation to foster industry development: To promote the development of industries including precision medicine, regenerative medicine and digital health, many important laws have been revised or enacted to expedite the timeline from academic R&D to industry application, as well as to reward innovation in the development of medical devices and emerging pharmaceuticals.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve science park infrastructure to drive industrial cluster effects: Science and research parks have been built or augmented: the National Biotechnology Research Park, which accelerates completion timelines for new drug research, development and mass production; the Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park, a one-stop location for incubating innovation and developing cross-disciplinary, cutting-edge medical treatments; and the Central Taiwan and Southern Taiwan science parks, which are using their capabilities in system integration and precision machinery to grow specialized clusters featuring industries such as minimally invasive medical devices, intelligent assistive technologies, active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing and generic drug manufacturing.
\r\n
\r\n■ Create integrated biomedical databases as cornerstones for innovation: The National Biobank Consortium of Taiwan maintains high biospecimen quality standards and data standardization, and provides value-added services to expedite precision medicine applications. The Taiwan Gateway to Health Data platform facilitates access to major biomedical databases and connects users together for collaboration.
\r\n
\r\n■ Mobilize technology to fight disease: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government swiftly established the Taiwan COVID-19 Research Network and Database; a COVID-19 screening and analysis technical support platform; and the Research Center for Pandemic Prevention Science. These systems assisted and accelerated the development of related testing kits and pharmaceutical products.
\r\n
\r\n■ Introduce digital/smart technology into the biomedical industry: The government has launched a dedicated office for the development of smart medical devices, which provides guidance and assistance to large ICT manufacturers and ICT start-ups, and reduces barriers to entry for IT manufacturers crossing into the biomedical field. In addition, the establishment of a Bio-ICT alliance between industry, academia, research and medical institutions enables clinical evaluations of medical devices to be carried out simultaneously across institutions, thus bringing devices to the market sooner.
To respond to rapid changes in the domestic and global economies and to address the development needs of newly emerging strategic industries, on December 7, 2021 the Executive Yuan approved a policy designed to optimize five major factors relating to industrial investment for the period 2021-2024, with the goals of creating a favorable business environment and laying solid foundations for the nation's future industrial development. Since the policy's introduction, significant progress has been made. The domestic investment environment is now more favorable and competitive than before, which has helped Taiwan to successfully navigate various threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, a severe drought, shortages in raw materials and manpower, high inflation and rising construction costs. Furthermore, Taiwan’s enhanced investment climate is projected to be able to meet the future development needs of the nation’s key industries.
\r\n
\r\nSpecific measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Land: Build a customized and flexible supply and demand mechanism to proactively assist businesses with land-use requirements by promoting the vertical expansion of industrial parks, strengthening land-matching services, partnering with leading industry players to develop new industrial zones and conducting a national survey of vacant industrial land.
\r\n
\r\n■ Water: Ensure a stable and safe water supply to industries, accelerate leakage reduction and conserve water use within the agricultural sector through the main strategies of diversifying water sources, conserving water, adjusting supply allocation and enhancing backup systems. Construct more trunk mains to support regional water allocation, as well as pipe networks to supply industrial parks, thereby strengthening water supply resilience and the efficacy of the emergency water reserve system.
\r\n
\r\n■ Electricity: Through the primary strategies of enhancing demand management, ensuring stable supplies and strengthening system resilience, improve the adaptability of the electricity grid to short-term risks; accelerate the rollout of smart meters; and maximize use of renewable energy sources and energy storage, thereby ensuring a stable power supply, while also reducing carbon emissions and environmental pollution.
\r\n
\r\n■ Talent: Promote the Key Talent Cultivation and Recruitment Program (2021-2024) to implement the main strategies of cultivating domestic digital talent, recruiting key international talent, and enhancing bilingual capability and international perspective to achieve talent-driven industrial growth and make Taiwanese industry more internationally competitive.
\r\n
\r\n■ Manpower: Promote the strategies of strengthening job-matching and developing a high quality workforce; improving talent cultivation and smoothing the transition from academia to industry; and enhancing the workplace environment and making timely adjustments to laws and regulations, in order to supplement manpower, upgrade labor skills in key industries and build workplaces that are labor-saving, safe and friendly.
In recent years, semiconductors have become the core driver of growth in the global technology industry, while the newly-emerging area of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping up to become the driving force for breakthrough innovations across a wide range of industries in the future. To meet the opportunities and challenges posed by future technological transformations, the Executive Yuan has approved the Taiwan Chip-based Industrial Innovation Program and has earmarked a total of NT$300 billion (US$9.3 billion) for the program's implementation between 2024 and 2033. The program’s first phase will last for five years and focus on leveraging Taiwan's leading global position in chip manufacture, packaging and testing to develop innovative new applications through integrating silicon chips with critical technologies such as generative AI. By laying the groundwork today for the tech industry of tomorrow, Taiwan can secure its technological strength over the next 10 years and spur on the pace of breakthrough innovation across multiple industries.
\r\n
\r\nFour main strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Integrate generative AI with silicon chips to drive innovation: With people-focused end-user application as the target, harness knowledge from across industry and use this accumulated knowledge together with generative AI to advance the development of various sectors including food, medicine, housing, transportation, education, entertainment and manufacturing. Encourage the use of semiconductor and generative AI technologies by creative and innovative companies, as well as research institutions, to develop a wide range of innovative industrial solutions.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve domestic talent cultivation and attract global R&D professionals: Upgrade core academic and research infrastructure, as well as teaching materials, to enable Taiwan to become the world's premier training base for cultivating integrated circuit (IC) design talent. Enhance the recruitment of international talent through collaboration between industry, higher education and research institutes, as well as through overseas talent scouting.
\r\n
\r\n■ Accelerate adoption of heterogeneous integration and other advanced innovation technologies: Build out a comprehensive IC design toolset ecosystem and achieve autonomy in critical technologies to strengthen the nation’s advanced chip design capabilities, as well as accelerate the development of heterogeneous integration designs and interfaces to rapidly progress toward cutting-edge technological breakthroughs in advanced manufacturing processes and IC design.
\r\n
\r\n■ Harness Taiwan's "silicon island" strengths to attract international startups and investment: Connect international chip startups with capital and channel private-sector investment to expand chip startups’ applications; leverage Taiwan’s position as the world's most comprehensive semiconductor industrial ecosystem and largest startup chip cluster brand to attract chip startups to Taiwan and make the nation the best choice for international investors.
In response to the global trend toward carbon reduction and to achieve the concomitant goals of increasing energy independence and enhancing the quality of the public's living environment, in May 2016 the government initiated an energy transition plan aimed at reducing coal usage, increasing natural gas usage, phasing out nuclear power and promoting green energy. The plan comprehensively lays out strategies and pathways for the development of national renewable energy sources. The government has announced a new target of achieving 29 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2025, to be comprised primarily of solar power (20 GW) and offshore wind power (5.6 GW). In addition, this administration is actively developing future-oriented renewable energy including geothermal, biomass, marine and hydrogen, and has amended the Renewable Energy Development Act to optimize the legal environment for the promotion of green energy. These measures will help ensure a stable energy supply, reduce air pollution and atmospheric carbon dioxide, and accelerate the transition to becoming a net-zero nation.
\r\n
\r\nKey areas for promotion
\r\n
\r\n■ Solar power: Promote rooftop photovoltaic systems, such as at agricultural facilities, public buildings, school campuses, industrial sites and community housing. Promote ground-mounted photovoltaic systems in areas including smart fish farms, remediated contaminated land, state-owned land in non-public use and covered sports venues. Require installation of solar photovoltaic systems on newly constructed, extended or renovated buildings that meet specific conditions.
\r\n
\r\n■ Offshore wind power: The offshore wind program's first phase granted subsidy incentives to construct two offshore wind farm demonstration sites. The second phase reviewed potential development site applications and approved projects totaling a capacity of 5.5 GW, which began coming online in 2021 and will be fully operational by 2025. The third phase will carry out zonal development by gradually establishing long-term stable markets for local offshore wind energy based on economies of scale, commissioning 1.5 GW of additional capacity each year from 2026 to 2035 to support the sustainable development of regional supply chains.
\r\n
\r\n■ Other renewable energy sources: Establish a friendly environment for small hydro power generation, such as by relaxing restrictions on fields of application for small hydro power to encourage development of the industry; amend clauses of the Renewable Energy Development Act relating to geothermal exploration, development permits and review processes to expedite the development of geothermal power; promote high-efficiency biomass conversion technology and its applied uses, and relax zoning restrictions for more flexibility over site location.
Green energy is one of the pillars of the "five plus two" innovative industries program. To successfully transform Taiwan's energy sector to lower carbon emissions, reduce the nation’s reliance on imported energy, spur domestic green energy innovation and turbocharge the green energy industry, the Executive Yuan on October 27, 2016 passed a plan to promote an innovative industrial ecosystem for green technologies. The plan encompasses energy production, conservation and storage, as well as system integration capabilities. Taiwan can look forward to green energy technologies emerging as a new engine that will drive energy sector transformation and economic growth nationwide.
\r\n
\r\nKey areas
\r\n
\r\n■ Solar energy: Taiwan aims to strengthen the local solar energy industry and develop an independent domestic supply chain. The goal is to build solar-powered generating capacity of 20 gigawatts (GW) by 2025, with total investment of NT$1.2 trillion (US$37.2 billion) and an annual industry output value of NT$340 billion (US$10.5 billion).
\r\n
\r\n■ Offshore wind power: Build the required offshore wind foundations and heavy cargo wharfs to enable Taiwan’s wind farms to become internationally competitive. The goal is to install approximately 5.6 GW of wind-powered generating capacity by 2025, achieve an annual generation capacity of 21 billion kilowatt-hours, attract investment totaling over NT$865.5 billion (US$26.8 billion) and provide 20,000 job opportunities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) demonstration project: The installation of 3 million advanced meters by 2024 will drive growth in AMI-related industries and push cumulative production value to NT$41.3 billion (US$1.3 billion) from 2017 through 2024.
\r\n
\r\n■ Construction of the Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City: Tainan will host a new industrial innovation cluster in the city’s Shalun area bringing together industry, academia and researchers as part of what will become a national hub for the research, development and demonstration of green energy technologies, as well as a showcase for Taiwan's technology globally, and create a world-class smart eco-city.
To advance the revitalization of local Hakka industries, culture and art, the government carried out the Taiwan Romantic Route 3 project (2016-2021) aimed at boosting Hakka industries and tourism along Provincial Highway 3. Applying the experiences gained from this endeavor, the government is now promoting the Hakka 369 Project (2021-2025) to expand revitalization efforts beyond Provincial Highway 3 to the Hakka communities in the Liudui (or “six settlements”) region of Kaohsiung and Pingtung, as well as along Provincial Highway 9 in Hualien and Taitung. These initiatives continue to stimulate Hakka cultural industries, develop spheres of culture that preserve local life, and spur the economic development of Hakka village communities.
\r\n
\r\nKey points
\r\n
\r\n■ Organize the first World Hakka Exposition and the second Romantic Route 3 Arts Festival in 2023
\r\n
\r\n■ Transform Hakka village environments: Transform spaces and introduce software resources in township-level libraries so that local cultural workers can utilize them in diverse ways. Preserve, build or artistically transform the people, spaces, landscapes, place names and architecture that make up the memories of the local villages.
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote tourism in Hakka villages: Guide the digitization of small-scale enterprises and establish local brands. Assist the public in planning travel to Hakka villages by integrating local village data to create up-to-date, interactive tourism maps.
\r\n
\r\n■ Revive the Hakka language in the “369” communities: Create an environment friendly to the Hakka language by means of public services, education and language communities.
Taiwan has been responding to the impacts of climate change for over a decade prior to the implementation of the Climate Change Response Act on February 15, 2023. In 2013, the government initiated the multi-phase National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan, promoting concerted adaptation strategies across ministries and agencies, as well as cooperation across different fields, in contrast to previous initiatives that primarily focused on reducing greenhouse gases. The action plan has now entered its third phase (2023-2026) and administers 126 projects across seven main areas, comprehensively strengthening the nation’s resilience against climate change and advancing the sustainable development of Taiwan’s society, economy and environment.
\r\n
\r\nSeven main areas
\r\n
\r\n■ Infrastructure: Integrate adaptive flood control and flood management measures. Enhance the ability of transportation systems to carry out decision-making, withstand and recover from disruptions, and detect and respond to challenges. Bolster the ability of public works to resist climate shocks. These measures will boost the resilience of vital infrastructure.
\r\n
\r\n■ Water resources: Guarantee a stable water supply by developing a diverse range of new water resources, eliminating public water pipe leakages, conserving water and adopting smart technologies for water resource management. Augment emergency water supply capacity by creating artificial water sources, supplementing water resource networks with detention basins, and developing subsurface water and other natural water sources. Optimize usage of existing water resources and reduce its impact on ecosystems and the environment. These measures will ensure an effective equilibrium of supply and demand for water resources.
\r\n
\r\n■ Land use: Promote rational land use, such as by advancing nature-based solutions in holistic planning of rural areas, and encouraging water retention landscape design in urban renewal projects. Reduce the impacts of climate change on people’s living environments, such as by establishing water reclamation centers and facilities, encouraging greener parks and popularizing green building certification. Ensure an environmentally secure homeland, such as by conducting climate change risk assessments and farmland vulnerability assessments, and improving conservation of national parks and wetland ecosystems.
\r\n
\r\n■ Oceans and coasts: Adopt nature-based solutions to strengthen the adaptability of coastal environments and maintain a dynamic ecological equilibrium. Conduct comprehensive, long-term and systematic oceanographic surveys, thereby supporting ocean monitoring, early warning systems and biological conservation. These measures will help guard against coastal disasters and assure the sustainability of marine resources.
\r\n
\r\n■ Energy supply and industries: Raise awareness among industries regarding climate change adaptation. Help companies identify and evaluate the extent of risks to their infrastructure from climate hazards such as flooding and high winds. Provide companies with guidance on adaptation strategy planning. These measures will reinforce the adaptability of Taiwan’s industries and energy supply.
\r\n
\r\n■ Agricultural production and biodiversity: Improve agricultural risk management and lower agricultural losses by administering climate change impact assessments. Bolster ecological resilience by advancing nature-based solutions. Expand development opportunities for agricultural production by exploring the emerging agricultural industry services, mechanisms and strategic planning that have arisen from the demands of adapting to climate change and lowering carbon emissions.
\r\n
\r\n■ Health: Strengthen emergency medical services, disease control systems and occupational health and safety protections. Improve long-term environmental monitoring, risk identification and pollution control measures. Heighten public preparedness by establishing warning systems for extreme temperatures and other awareness mechanisms. These measures will fortify public health and disease control systems and improve management of health risks.
Taiwan is forecast to become a super-aged society in 2025. To ease this transition, the Executive Yuan in September 2023 approved an age-tech industry action plan, aiming to develop science and technology that benefits aging adults, and provide a range of assistance for elderly people and their caregivers. The plan advances strategic measures in the areas of industry development, social engagement, smart technology and age-friendly living, focusing foremost on the needs of older people and their caregivers. By utilizing Taiwan’s strengths in science and technology, the plan will make the everyday lives of elderly people more sustainable, healthy and livable. Spurring the growth of the age-tech industry will also showcase Taiwan as a representative model of scientific and technological development that puts people first.
\r\n
\r\nFour targeted areas
\r\n
\r\n■ Growing markets: Encourage cross-industry collaboration on age-tech products and facilitate the entrance of more age-tech products and services onto the market in order to satisfy the needs of elderly people and foster the “silver economy.” The health and wellness industries’ total revenue is estimated to surpass NT$300 billion (US$9.3 billion) by 2025.
\r\n
\r\n■ Digital empowerment: Popularize digital learning among the senior population to increase their levels of social engagement and economic activity.
\r\n
\r\n■ Upgraded care: Incorporate more digital and smart technologies into systems and facilities for elderly care, thereby reducing caregivers’ burdens.
\r\n
\r\n■ Optimized services: Form public-private partnerships to consolidate data from different sources and provide integrated services for age-friendly living, thereby improving quality of life and expanding service networks.
Taiwan faces the many challenges of an aging population, declining birth rates and competition for international talent. To fill gaps in domestic manpower, the government has enacted many policies to increase population and immigration. These policies have included implementing the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals; promoting a program for long-term retention of migrant workers; and easing employment regulations and scoring criteria requirements for foreign and overseas compatriot students graduating from Taiwanese schools.
\r\n\r\nThe Ministry of Education is now proposing a 2024-2028 program to boost enrollment and retention of international students. This program, together with existing population and immigration policies, are estimated to raise enrollment to a cumulative total of over 320,000 students and retain a cumulative total of over 210,000 graduates to work in Taiwan by 2030.
\r\n
\r\nThree key strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote international talent exchanges and reciprocity: International alliances will be formed with universities and research institutes to strengthen fields of key national interest, as well as to bolster industry-academia cooperation. Overseas bases will be established in Europe, the U.S. and New Southbound Policy nations to advance international cooperation and exchanges, and to expand recruitment for new degree programs in Taiwan dedicated to overseas students, with on-base Mandarin learning classes provided for recruited students.
\r\n
\r\n■ Offer incentives to study and stay in Taiwan: Universities and vocational colleges will set up new programs dedicated to overseas students, including dual bachelor’s, two-year bachelor’s, two-year post-baccalaureate, two-year master’s and two-year PhD degree programs. Enrolled students can obtain up to two years of scholarship funding from the National Development Fund, as well as living/internship allowances from companies. Graduates of these programs are required to remain and work in Taiwan for at least two years.
\r\n
\r\n■ Increase international students’ rate of post-graduation employment in Taiwan: Universities will improve career counseling and job-seeking services for international students, and employ staff specifically responsible for assisting academic departments with international students.
In an increasingly globalized world, the added value achieved by combining professional skills with bilingual proficiency will be a key factor in deciding the future competitiveness of individuals, businesses and nations. Bilingual 2030 is an important strategic initiative, which aims to build upon Taiwan’s natural advantage as a Mandarin-speaking nation by improving the public’s English proficiency, with a particular focus on the younger generation. Stronger international communication skills will make Taiwan a more attractive and accessible location for multinational corporations and raise the global competitiveness of domestic industries, bringing the world to Taiwan and Taiwan to the world.
\r\n
\r\nKey objectives
\r\n
\r\n■ Enhanced English proficiency in higher education: Develop selected “beacon” bilingual schools and colleges to cultivate bilingual talent within professional fields; establish bilingual education teaching resource centers to help raise students’ English proficiency; and promote industry-university cooperation to facilitate the founding of colleges for key industries.
\r\n
\r\n■ Bilingual teaching from elementary to senior high school: Establish more experimental bilingual classes in senior high schools, promote English courses taught fully in English, foster sister relationships with overseas schools, recruit more full-time and part-time foreign English teachers and train Taiwanese bilingual teachers.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improved digital learning tools: Use digital learning platforms to train bilingual talent within the civil service and professional fields; form public-private partnerships to produce and broadcast English language learning materials; and build the Bilingual Portal website for sharing free English language learning resources from around the world. Use a learning platform as a study aid for students in rural and remote areas and optimize the language learning environments of local governments and schools.
\r\n
\r\n■ Urban-rural educational equality: Subsidize the use of mobile devices in rural and remote school classrooms and maximize use of technology to improve bilingual learning efficiency. Continue to administer programs including Bilingual Digital Learning, and International Companions for Learning.
\r\n
\r\n■ Bilingual public services: Includes organizing workshops to improve the English proficiency of civil servants and integrating bilingual elements into educational exhibitions, as well as local events and activities, to create bilingual language learning environments for the public.
\r\n
\r\n■ Expanded English proficiency testing: Increase the number of testing venues and examination dates for the General English Proficiency Test, provide examinees with free online practice tests to guide learning, and launch the BEST Test of English Proficiency for college and university students.
Among Taiwan’s lofty peaks and steep valleys sit many of the island’s remote villages and communities. In this environment of sparse population and sometimes deficient roads, traditional bus services face operational challenges, adding inconvenience to residents’ everyday lives. The government in recent years has sought to bring transportation equality to such areas, pushing into every isolated pocket with a diverse and flexible range of transport solutions focused on the people who will use them. This drive has seen gradual success in bridging the final mile between remote communities and the wider transportation network, with highway public transport services reaching 91.96% coverage in 2023 compared to just 70% in 2016.
\r\n
\r\nThe future will see a continued focus on easing regulations, applying technology to deliver needs-based solutions, injecting additional private-sector resources, as well as deriving maximum advantage from local resources to provide transportation services tailored to the needs of remote and rural communities.
\r\n
\r\nAchievements and innovations
\r\n
\r\n■ Road safety enhancements in remote areas: This includes road bed maintenance, resurfacing and other infrastructure projects, as well as subsidizing traffic system infrastructure to achieve increased quality across the overall roadway network.
\r\n
\r\n■ Mobile licensing and registration stations: Rural residents can access government services related to motor vehicle operation—including scooter and motorcycle training and operator licensing, return of cancelled license plates, and other digital services—at nearby mobile service stations.
\r\n
\r\n■ “Happiness Bus” services: Largely run by local government, with some routes contracted to bus or taxi carriers, this service primarily provides prescheduled bus service at set times along set routes, coupled with the option of flexible routes and timetables for advance reservations.
\r\n
\r\n■ “Happiness Taxi” services: Some bus routes have been opened to taxis to offer more flexible transport services. Mainly based on fixed routes and timetables, this service also provides flexible advance booking of rides.
\r\n
\r\n■ Pilot ride-sharing program: A common technological platform connects drivers of under-utilized private vehicles and those seeking rides, with a ride-matching service center scheduling routes and vehicles to provide a seamless public ride-sharing service.
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\r\n■ Additional private sector resources: Businesses are encouraged to embrace corporate social responsibility by investing in remote and rural transportation services.
In recent months, numerous accounts of sexual harassment from all walks of society have driven the growing Me Too movement in Taiwan. The Executive Yuan responded by approving draft amendments to the Sexual Harassment Prevention Act, Gender Equality in Employment Act, and Gender Equity Education Act, which subsequently passed their third and final readings in late July 2023 in the Legislative Yuan. Placing the protection of victims front and center, the amendments aim to impose effective penalties for perpetrators; create comprehensive, victim-friendly rights protections and services; and establish dependable, professional systems to combat sexual harassment.
\r\n
\r\nKey changes
\r\n
\r\n■ Impose effective penalties for perpetrators: Create new categories with heavier penalties for perpetrators who abuse positions of power to commit sexual harassment. Broaden the Gender Equity Education Act’s scope to apply to the military, police, and juvenile reformatory schools, and enable the competent government authority to handle incidents where the perpetrator is an employer. Add a new civil compensation penalty with an up to fivefold increase in severity for employers and others who abuse power to commit sexual harassment. For administrative penalties, create a new fine of NT$10,000 to NT$1 million (US$320 to US$32,010) for perpetrators who are employers, maintain the cap on standard fines for sexual harassment at NT$100,000 (US$3201) and raise the cap on fines for power-based sexual harassment to NT$600,000 (US$19,206). Impose up to 50% heavier criminal sentences for power-based sexual harassment. Strengthen mechanisms for external supervision and filing external complaints.
\r\n
\r\n■ Create comprehensive, victim-friendly rights protections and services: Codify additional legal measures for protection and assistance of victims and improve confidentiality regulations. Extend the statute of limitations for filing sexual harassment claims, with special extensions for individuals who left their job, were in an unequal power relationship or were minors.
\r\n
\r\n■ Establish dependable, professional systems to combat sexual harassment: In severe circumstances, temporarily suspend or adjust job duties of persons involved in harassment cases should they hold positions of higher organizational authority, ensuring a fair and independent investigation process. Set up a personnel database to train and select members of the investigative team of the Gender Equality Committee of the Executive Yuan, ensuring their professional ability and awareness of gender equality issues. Introduce resources from non-governmental organizations, authorizing civil society professionals or groups to provide support in investigations.
Since 2016 the government has continually invested in education to cultivate talent and achieve educational equality. This has included raising childrearing allowances for children ages 0 to 6; expanding affordable education and care services; reducing student-teacher ratios; upgrading and improving campus environments at the high school level and below; caring for rural and economically disadvantaged students; and promoting the Higher Education Sprout Project.
\r\n
\r\nIn addition, in June 2023 the Executive Yuan passed a NT$21.9 billion (US$706.5 million) plan with complementary measures to reduce the disparity between the costs of attending public versus private schools. At the core of the plan is a fixed-sum waiver to alleviate the higher costs of tuition and other fees at private universities and colleges. This is complemented by three further measures: increased subsidies for tuition and other fees for economically disadvantaged students at public and private universities and colleges; free tuition for all students at senior and vocational high schools; and improved student loan application and repayment measures. The goal of these measures is to achieve significant progress toward the development of a national youth care policy for ages 0 to 22.
\r\n
\r\nKey points
\r\n
\r\n■ Fixed-sum waiver to alleviate public-private tuition and fees gap: The annual cost of tuition and other fees at private universities and colleges is on average NT$50,000 (US$1,613) higher per student than at equivalent public educational institutions. To alleviate this discrepancy, undergraduates studying at private universities and colleges (including five-year junior college students in the final two years of their studies) will qualify for a waiver of NT$35,000 (US$1,129) per annum against the cost of tuition and other fees, thereby expanding the level of care for students in tertiary education aged 18 to 22.
\r\n
\r\n■ Increased subsidies for disadvantaged students at public and private universities and colleges: Students from families with an annual income of NT$700,000 (US$22,584) or less will qualify for an annual fixed-sum waiver of NT$20,000 (US$645) against tuition and other fees. The waiver is adjusted to NT$15,000 (US$484) for students from households with an annual income of between NT$700,000 and NT$900,000 (US$29,036).
\r\n
\r\n■ Free tuition for all senior and vocational high school students: The plan extends free tuition to include students receiving general education at senior high schools, as well as second and third-year students receiving academic curricula at comprehensive senior high schools, both categories from families with an annual income of more than NT$1.48 million (US$47,748). This means that all students attending public and private senior and vocational high schools are now eligible for free tuition.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improved student loan application and repayment measures: The plan lowers the loan application threshold and incorporates the number of children raised in a household as a criterion to expand the scope of interest-free loans for enrolled students. In addition, the number of times a student loan borrower may apply for a loan deferment (principal and interest) or apply for an interest-only repayment will increase to 12 applications within a 12-year period. The maximum monthly salary cutoff for a student loan deferment application (principal and interest) will also be adjusted up to NT$50,000 (US$1,613).
In March of 1997, Taiwan experienced a major outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). After 24 years of dedicated effort by the government and people of Taiwan, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) recognized Taiwan proper and its outlying island territories of Penghu and Matsu as an FMD-free zone without vaccination in June 2020. Beyond Taiwan's borders, China first saw an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in August of 2018. The disease spread throughout China and has since become established in 16 other Asian countries. In East Asia, only Taiwan and Japan have blocked the disease.
\r\n\r\nIn addition to successfully preventing FMD and ASF epidemics, Taiwan has recorded no cases of goat pox for more than 10 years and recorded the last case of lumpy skin disease within cattle in June 2021. The nation continues to make great progress toward ending vaccinations for classical swine fever (CSF) and goat pox, and being classified as a free zone for both diseases by WOAH. Once Taiwan achieves these goals, it will become one of a select few countries in the world that is free from FMD, ASF and CSF. Meanwhile, the government is promoting the modernization of hog farming equipment, expediting the establishment of cold chain facilities and actively seeking out export markets for poultry and livestock products, to ensure that Taiwan's animal husbandry industry continues to go from strength to strength.
\r\n
\r\nCurrent status
\r\n
\r\n■ Preventing African swine fever outbreaks: Measures include strengthening inspections and providing guidance to livestock farms, meat markets and slaughterhouses; carrying out X-ray screening at Taoyuan International Airport on all checked-in luggage and cabin baggage on flights arriving from high-risk regions; conducting early-warning disease surveillance and sample testing of items including illicit or smuggled products, abandoned hog carcasses within Taiwan's borders, and slaughterhouse material; educating hog farmers that still use kitchen waste to instead transition to commercial pig feed; and making GPS transmitters compulsory for vehicles transporting live hogs and freshly-slaughtered hog carcasses.
\r\n
\r\n■ Eradicating classical swine fever: Taiwan ended nationwide CSF vaccinations for Taiwan's hog population in July 2023 and continues to conduct disease surveillance. The government will submit an application to WOAH after June 2024 for Taiwan to be classified as a CSF-free zone.
\r\n
\r\n■ Eradicating goat pox: Taiwan ended nationwide goat pox vaccinations in January 2023 and continues to conduct disease surveillance. The government is preparing the necessary documentation to declare Taiwan a goat-pox-free zone to WOAH.
From 2018 to 2022, the Social Innovation Action Plan 1.0 fostered a friendly social innovation ecosystem, aligning with U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and elevating many unique features and models of social innovation in Taiwan. The plan registered over 841 social innovation organizations and 184 social innovation-supporting industry partners.
\r\n\r\nNow, the government is continuing this initiative with the Social Innovation Action Plan 2.0, updated to strengthen public-private-people partnerships and respond to the challenges of global climate change and a post-pandemic world. The upgraded plan will allocate an estimated budget of over NT$11.1 billion (US$357.7 million) from 2023 to 2026. The plan will build more public-private-people partnerships, bolster the autonomous operation and development of social innovation organizations, seek suitable solutions to social and environmental problems, and boost Taiwan’s global influence on sustainability issues.
\r\n
\r\nFour main strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Realize social values: Strengthen awareness campaigns and promote civic participation. Facilitate exchanges between diverse social networks as bases for collaboration across different fields. Promote social innovation courses and training for all ages and sectors of society.
\r\n
\r\n■ Accelerate the pace of innovation: Encourage every social innovation organization to register with an official database to facilitate appropriate government guidance. Combine the forces of the public and private sectors through the “Buying Power” program that rewards groups for purchasing from social innovation organizations, thus helping the organizations acquire resources and new market opportunities. Promote the “Buying Power” label on products made by companies committed to responsible sustainable development, so as to establish a brand reputation and broaden market recognition and support.
\r\n
\r\n■ Link different resources: Apply social design to improve the general public’s quality of life. Facilitate collaborations between businesses and social innovation organizations to stimulate dynamic growth. Adjust existing legislation to remove restrictions and obstacles to social innovation, creating a better environment for entrepreneurial experimentation.
\r\n
\r\n■ Expand global influence: Seek participation in social innovation activities worldwide to increase Taiwan’s international visibility and collaboration opportunities. Organize events such as the Presidential Hackathon to inspire international cooperation, and the Asia Pacific Social Innovation Summit to share Taiwanese experiences.
As more nations around the world commit and take action to reach the goal of net-zero carbon emissions, the government in March 2022 put forth its own plan for Taiwan's Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050. One of the plan’s key strategies is the development of electric and carbon-free vehicles, with a current focus on promoting electric passenger buses based on the maturity of the technology. To expedite the creation of a green public transportation environment, the government initiated a demonstration project for electric buses between 2020 and 2022, and is now following up with a plan to achieve full electrification of Taiwan’s bus transportation network by 2030. In addition to subsidizing bus companies’ vehicle purchases, the plan also allocates funding for complementary measures such as establishing systems for electric bus maintenance and support, providing passenger services and upgrading operation routes. These measures will ease the financial burden on bus companies and provide greater assistance with vehicle maintenance and operation.
\r\n
\r\nFour main strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Upgrade the performance of passenger bus services: Set up certification systems for vehicles and vehicle batteries. Establish standards to inspect automated and smart technologies. Create a platform to monitor bus operations. Provide guidance and evaluation regarding the reduction of air pollutant emissions.
\r\n
\r\n■ Incentivize participation through more robust systems: Promote electric bus demonstration projects. Review and refine government systems that subsidize the purchase and operation of electric buses and diesel buses.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve electricity infrastructure: Evaluate the demands and facilities required for electric vehicle charging. Devise blueprints for a smart grid to support electric buses. Regulate electricity supply standards. Explore the feasibility of energy storage systems for supplying electricity.
\r\n
\r\n■ Build international industry value chains: Develop auxiliary systems for automated and smart technologies. Facilitate domestic development of key electric vehicle components. Promote mechanisms and systems for vehicle maintenance and repair. Assess the feasibility of innovative changes in rental warranties.
Health is a basic human right, yet health inequalities remain widespread in countries around the world—and Taiwan is no exception. The Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2018 introduced an action plan outlining strategies to tackle national disparities in rural indigenous health care. The plan maps out 10 separate action plans to progressively improve health outcomes at the individual, family and community levels. In addition, on May 26, 2023 the government passed an act promoting indigenous health care to facilitate the realization of indigenous health rights, elevating the initiative from a plan to a law, in order to build a health care policy focused on indigenous peoples. Through these efforts, the government aims to expand health care coverage and develop services sensitive to local cultural safety.
\r\n
\r\n10 action plans
\r\n
\r\n■ Government funded training: Cultivate medical personnel who provide culturally safe care and are native speakers.
\r\n
\r\n■ Community health development: Establish community health development centers to build environments that support the health of indigenous areas. Spread health awareness through bottom-up methods that suit local contexts, and strengthen concern for health among indigenous households.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enhancement of rural and offshore island resources: Enhance the care capabilities of local hospitals by directing resources from major medical centers.
\r\n
\r\n■ Capitation payment scheme: Provide an integrated delivery system for prevention, treatment and medical care services.
\r\n
\r\n■ Management of high-risk pregnancies and follow-up perinatal care: Provide health education, follow-up care and referral services for women in high-risk pregnancies and for families with newborns who did not receive a prenatal exam.
\r\n
\r\n■ Reduction of tobacco, alcohol and betel nut use: Create environments conducive to lower rates of tobacco, alcohol and betel nut use among indigenous peoples.
\r\n
\r\n■ Accidental injury prevention: Develop safe communities by implementing accidental injury prevention models and confirming the causes and types of accidental injuries in indigenous areas. Actively promote child accidental injury prevention measures.
\r\n
\r\n■ Treatment for the "three highs": For patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high blood sugar, provide preventive health screenings, appropriate community health promotions and individual case management.
\r\n
\r\n■ Gastrointestinal cancer prevention: Provide screening services to reduce the incidence and mortality rate of gastric cancer among indigenous peoples.
\r\n
\r\n■ Aggressive tuberculosis screenings in mountainous regions: Increase overall coverage for active screening of tuberculosis, improve early detection of tuberculosis cases and administer appropriate medical treatments.
New amendments to the Mining Act aim to support indigenous rights, civic engagement, public transparency, and sustainable development of national resources, and to keep pace with modern changes in the economy, environment and technology. Passed by the Legislative Yuan on May 26, 2023, the amendments implement mechanisms to oversee environmental protection, limit mineral extraction, compensate impacted local residents, enable information transparency and public engagement, and prevent improper mining activities that cause environmental harm. These changes will balance the needs of the economy, environment and industry.
\r\n
\r\nSix key changes
\r\n
\r\n■ Remove improper provisions: Eliminate the clause stipulating that mineral rights holders may commence use of land after depositing the land price, rent or compensation. Eliminate the clause stipulating that an agency is obligated to compensate mineral rights holders if it legally rejects an application for renewal of mineral rights.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enhance environmental protections: Require mineral rights holders to conduct one-time environmental impact assessments and provide plans for environmental conservation and mine closure.
\r\n
\r\n■ Guarantee indigenous peoples’ rights: Stipulate that indigenous peoples do not need mineral rights to extract minerals in indigenous areas for nonprofit activities based in traditional culture, ceremonies or personal use. Require new mining operations to consult and obtain consent from local indigenous communities before approval.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enable information transparency and public engagement: Implement procedures to provide public transparency when handling mining permit applications. Add mechanisms to enable local residents to participate in the processes of mining land applications and mineral rights extensions.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen mine management and extraction limits: Require the amount of mineral approved for extraction to be clearly stated on the mining permit in order to restrict the overall amount that can be extracted. Strengthen regulations concerning the self-management of mines, as well as regulations and penalties regarding the post-operation rehabilitation of mining land.
\r\n
\r\n■ Compensate affected residents: Allocate a portion of mineral royalties to compensate residents affected by mining operations and formally legalize this compensation mechanism.
Young people are a vital force for sustainable national growth, reform and innovation. In response to the nation’s low birth rate and a shrinking youth workforce, between 2019 and 2022 the government implemented the first phase of a Youth Employment Investment Program. Despite the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2022 the unemployment rate among 15-to-29-year-olds fell to 8.38%, the lowest rate following the global financial crisis of 2008.
\r\n\r\nDespite this progress, the youth unemployment rate is still more than twice that of the general population, while Taiwan’s labor force participation rate for 15-to-24-year-olds is as much as 10 percentage points lower than the average for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries. In order to respond to future industrial developments and tackle youth unemployment, in May 2023 the government initiated a second phase of the Youth Employment Investment Program (2023 to 2026). Phase two focuses on core issues relating to career development, manpower supply and demand, youth unemployment, youth wages and atypical employment.
\r\n
\r\nFive aims and strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen career guidance: Assist young people to clarify their future career direction, understand the various industries, vocations and professions, and improve their ability to adapt to the workplace, such as by strengthening career coaching at colleges and universities, and promoting career exploration, employment counseling and career guidance.
\r\n
\r\n■ Expand talent pool: Review industrial policy priorities and tailor human resource allocation accordingly such as by conducting an inventory of manpower requirements for key industries, assisting young people to enter these industries and promoting the Ministry of Economic Affair’s Industry Professional Assessment System.
\r\n
\r\n■ Provide job-seeking assistance: Develop measures to assist first-time jobseekers, such as by encouraging active job searching, guiding young people toward industries with labor shortfalls, monitoring employment flows, mentoring young entrepreneurs, helping disadvantaged groups to find employment and promoting youth-elderly cooperation.
\r\n
\r\n■ Assist attainment of higher salaries: Help young people identify key industries and bridge the skills gap from education to employment, such as by adjusting school departments to meet the manpower requirements of industry, expanding high-quality industrial-academic cooperation, guiding interdisciplinary learning and cultivating digital talent.
\r\n
\r\n■ Smooth transition to full-time employment: Improve job-seeking services and provide career change assistance such as conducting jobseeker training courses, providing workplace learning and re-adaptation opportunities, as well as rewarding employers who provide positions to young members of society.
Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is a global endeavor and a national objective for Taiwan, whose success will be heavily reliant upon scientific innovation and technological breakthroughs. To this end, in March 2022 the government published a plan for Taiwan's Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050, which identified five main areas for the development of net-zero-related science and technology, and in March the following year approved a net-zero science and technology program.
\r\n\r\nThe first phase (2023-2026) of the program prioritizes the construction of basic technological infrastructure needed to achieve the government's national net-zero policy goals up to the year 2030. The program integrates each of the five main development areas to accelerate the real-world implementation of net-zero technologies and introduce next-generation R&D. In addition, the program promotes cooperation between the government and civic bodies to disseminate net-zero concepts among the general population and establish mechanisms for voluntary private investment, which will encourage the public to better understand and support net-zero science and technology applications.
\r\n
\r\nFive main development areas
\r\n
\r\n■ Sustainable and future-oriented energy sources: Fund research into next-generation energy sources such as deep geothermal, methane pyrolysis and magnetic plasma confinement to maximize renewable energy sources, and develop energy storage and power grid system integration technologies. Additionally invest in the critical infrastructure needed for R&D into hydrogen energy.
\r\n
\r\n■ Low carbon and carbon reduction: Accelerate carbon reduction for high-carbon emitting industries, such as the steel, petrochemical, electronics and construction industries; reduce carbon emissions produced during transportation and deploy vehicle decarbonization technologies, such as electric vehicles and heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; and reduce energy use by the petrochemical industry to facilitate the transition to hydrogen power.
\r\n
\r\n■ Carbon negative: Develop carbon capture, utilization and storage, as well as carbon sink and other carbon negative technologies.
\r\n
\r\n■ Circular economy: Raise material reuse rate and develop technologies to facilitate energy resource reutilization, and associated verification mechanisms.
\r\n
\r\n■ Humanities and social sciences: Invest in foundational academic research pertaining to the social economy and the four main spheres that will undergo transformation and adaptation: society, industries, lifestyles and the energy sector. Additionally promote the establishment of mechanisms for voluntary private investment and expand civic participation in the transition to net zero.
To ensure that residents living in rural areas and on outlying islands have access to comprehensive medical care, in 2019 the Executive Yuan approved a rural health care improvement program to further strengthen local care standards and provide residents with improved services. Between 2019 and 2023, the government has invested nearly NT$1 billion (US$32.8 million) and adopted four main strategies to strengthen and expand health promotion and preventive care, integrate long-term care services, and develop customized regional health care solutions, complemented by deregulation and the incorporation of new information technologies. The program is designed to comprehensively improve medical care networks in rural and remote areas, and reduce health inequalities between urban and rural populations.
\r\n
\r\nFour strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Boost local emergency care capabilities: Regional networks have been established to coordinate emergency care among hospitals. Medical centers and Advanced Emergency Responsibility Hospitals have also been incentivized to support the emergency care services of hospitals on outlying islands and in under-resourced districts, and assist with improving their emergency care capabilities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Upgrade primary care service capacities: The government is improving primary care medical facilities, expanding the promotion of telemedicine and encouraging hospitals above district level to provide medical services in mountainous and offshore island areas, including outpatient visits at specific locations, evening and weekend on-call doctors, as well as specialist clinics, vehicle-based mobile health care and home care. The government is also incentivizing Western medicine practitioners, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and dentists to open clinics or provide mobile health services in areas of the country which lack medical resources.
\r\n
\r\n■ Expand local medical talent pools: The government is alleviating the medical personnel shortage through various measures, such as establishing a system to train government-sponsored medical school graduates in key disciplines, cultivating medical talent from among indigenous communities and offshore islands, and encouraging government-sponsored medical school graduates to remain in rural areas after completing their service obligations.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen medical air evacuation mechanisms: Air ambulances stationed on the islands of Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu provide emergency medical evacuation services. An innovative care delivery model, based around a videoconferencing platform, allows critical care physicians from the evacuating hospital, the receiving hospital and the evacuation approval center to gather virtually and make shared decisions about treatment in real time.
The development of railway infrastructure will support Taiwan's growth for the next 30 years through comprehensive planning for the nation's rail systems, including main trunk lines, inter-city services and intra-city rail. Since 2017, the program has targeted five areas with the objective of bringing seamless connections and user-friendly features to Taiwan's railway system, making travel easier, safer and more reliable. This in turn will create industrial opportunities, enhance the appeal of rail tourism, ensure sustainable operations and promote balanced regional development.
\r\n
\r\nFive targeted areas
\r\n
\r\n■ Link high speed and conventional rail systems into an integrated network: Improve transfer services between conventional and high speed rail stations. Assess the feasibility of extending high speed rail farther south to Pingtung.
\r\n
\r\n■ Upgrade conventional railways, improve services in eastern Taiwan: Complete full electrification of the nationwide rail network. Construct dual tracks along the entire Hualien-Taitung line and integrate ticketing systems in order to increase the line's capacity.
\r\n
\r\n■ Elevate or move tracks underground, speed up commuter services: Remove level crossings in urban areas to promote more efficient use of land and general development. Shorten conventional rail commuting times. Expand transfer capabilities along urban stretches, and integrate regional services of conventional and high speed rail systems.
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote urban mass rapid transit: Provide seamless, quality rail transport services to alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas. Introduce a "tram-train" rail system to extend service to more areas.
\r\n
\r\n■ Build tourism-oriented rail systems for central and southern Taiwan: Combine railway transportation with tourism travel to boost tourism and local businesses. Improve facilities on branch lines and ensure service quality on those lines.
To confront the challenges of climate change and address requirements related to flood prevention, water resources and water environments overall, the Executive Yuan has initiated a water environment infrastructure project under the umbrella of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program. The project, which runs from September 2017 through August 2025, draws on the integrated resources of multiple ministries and agencies, and links together flood control measures, water purification infrastructure, new accessible water environments and new industries based on the circular economy of water. The project aims to produce reliable water supplies, reduce flooding, and create beautiful shore areas with high-quality spaces for public recreation.
\r\n
\r\nThree pillars of the project
\r\n
\r\n■ Reliable supply and sustainable environments: To increase regular and reserve water supplies, and improve the ability to adjust supplies when needed, the project will develop a diverse array of new water sources, and enhance the capacity and flexibility of the emergency water reserve system. Reservoir watershed restoration, together with dredging and silt removal, will be accelerated. To better serve households previously without access to public tap water, efforts will also be made to improve the quality of the water supply network and expand the use of smart technologies to manage water resources.
\r\n
\r\n■ Flood control and prevention, resilient lands: Comprehensive improvement plans for river channels and regional drainage systems managed at the city or county level are being implemented. This includes flood prevention for flood-prone land and the construction of shore defenses, storm drains and agricultural run-off channels. The ability of urban areas to absorb and hold floodwaters, and the protection of aquaculture areas will also be enhanced.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improved water quality and new water environments: By linking ecological conservation, improved water quality and the surrounding water environment—including interception stations to block contaminated water, better sewers and wastewater hardware, and decorative horticulture—the plan will bring noticeable improvements as well as the beautification of waterfront spaces.
Human resources are the foundation of Taiwan’s growth. To meet the nation's development needs over the next 30 years, the government since 2017 has set aside a special budget to promote human resources under the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program. The program aims to develop entrepreneurial clusters that can compete at the international level, by attracting foreign professionals to Taiwan, promoting entrepreneurship and employment among young people, and encouraging transnational cooperation among industry, academia and researchers, thereby internationalizing Taiwan's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
\r\n
\r\nSix main projects
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve the practical learning environment at vocational schools: Establish industrial training bases for bright students, build factories that simulate industry environments, and create sites for interdisciplinary internships. These strategies will help form a personnel training system for vocational education that meets society's needs.
\r\n
\r\n■ Build startup bases to draw top global innovators: Create international-level startup bases, meld Taiwan's academic research and innovation with the R&D capabilities of the nation's science parks, attract the world's top entrepreneurs to Taiwan for further development and exchange with locals, mentor domestic entrepreneurial talent and connect to the greater international innovation ecosystem.
\r\n
\r\n■ Train and employ high-level professionals in targeted industries: Provide one-year on-the-job practical training to foster PhD-level talent in accordance with the needs of industries. Draw upon the resources of corporations and academic and research institutions to cultivate practical industry capabilities in doctorate-level professionals, thus incentivizing companies to employ such professionals and guiding their entry into industries.
\r\n
\r\n■ Nurture young scholars: Through initiatives such as the Einstein Program and Columbus Program, incentivize young people with a foundation in scientific research to participate in forward-looking, innovative research programs that connect Taiwan to the world. Foster diverse international exchanges through digital technology.
\r\n
\r\n■ Develop digital and technical professionals: Help senior and middle management of small and medium-sized enterprises acquire digital skills. Link industries, universities and research institutions at home and abroad to jointly cultivate international, interdisciplinary digital professionals.
\r\n
\r\n■ Implement initial steps (2021-2024) to make Taiwan a bilingual nation by 2030: Promote schools and specialized colleges that excel at bilingual curricula, and set up bilingual policy educational resource centers. Increase the quality and quantity of domestic and foreign English teachers. Create environments friendly to English learning, such as by promoting digital English learning outside the school system, broadening the services of the General English Proficiency Test, and raising the English proficiency of civil servants.
To complement existing policies aimed at addressing Taiwan's falling birth rate, in 2017 the government began promoting a child care facilities plan under the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program. The plan accelerates the expansion of public child care and education facilities, creates child care-friendly spaces, and provides care and education services at reasonable prices and guaranteed quality, with the aim of easing the economic burden of childrearing on parents and combating the birth rate crisis.
\r\n
\r\nTwo key objectives
\r\n
\r\n■ Community-based public nurseries for ages 2 and under: The plan promotes the establishment of community-based public nurseries and nursery resource centers. It also adds or upgrades district social welfare service centers; family welfare centers for children and youth; and public institutions that provide emergency, medium or long-term placement services. Bringing these community resources together with national resources will support families raising children and help lighten their burden.
\r\n
\r\n■ Friendly preschool spaces for ages 2-6: The plan provides subsidies for the setting up of new public preschool classes, providing more affordable places for children and more work opportunities for education and care service professionals. Using a one-time subsidy strategy for construction of new preschools, the plan helps local governments ease the problem of insufficient building space for public preschools, and gives families access to affordable, quality and sustainable educational and care services.
As part of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program, the government is promoting a food safety infrastructure plan to strengthen Taiwan's ability to ensure the safety of food products. Running from 2017 through 2025, the plan serves as an additional mechanism to the comprehensive five-point food safety policy already in place. Its goals are to strengthen border inspections, improve local government sampling and testing, and bolster the central government's R&D and food safety incident testing capabilities.
\r\n
\r\nFive main components
\r\n
\r\n■ Construct a modern national food and drug laboratory and administration and training building: Increase space set aside within the laboratory for a specialist food and drug product testing center to accommodate the need for various advanced experimental equipment, improve the laboratory testing environment and ensure the relevant specifications conform to international standards. Additionally, provide a base to train testing personnel working in local government health bureaus and private-sector laboratories.
\r\n
\r\n■ Raise the effectiveness of the border inspection rapid customs clearance system: Enhance the effectiveness of the border inspection and customs clearance system, help port offices establish independent risk assessment mechanisms, improve automation of the document inspection system, and shorten customs clearance time for products.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve food safety management testing efficiency and quality at local health bureaus: Raise the percentage of self-conducted testing at local health bureaus, and have all 22 local health bureaus in Taiwan certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare as food testing agencies to guarantee testing quality.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen the central government's food safety testing capabilities: Purchase high-precision, high-end testing equipment and establish a high-resolution mass spectrometry database to expand testing abilities for dangerous substances in foods. Develop related inspection techniques to improve testing abilities for pesticides, additives and genetically modified organisms in food. Use big data analysis to detect counterfeit food and pharmaceutical products.
\r\n
\r\n■ Increase capacity and standardization of research and testing on foodborne pathogens and pharmaceuticals for emerging infectious diseases: Expand the capacities of existing biological laboratories and animal testing centers to augment the capabilities of national food and drug laboratories. Strengthen research on worldwide emerging foodborne pathogens and infectious diseases to assist the biotechnology industry’s development of diagnostic reagents, treatments and preventative medicines, and increase its international competitiveness.
The urban-rural development component of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program aims to enhance the quality of public environments, elevate people’s living conditions and improve overall national image. In addition to large-scale projects led by the central government, it also supports all counties and cities in advancing infrastructure proposals in accordance with local needs. From 2017 to 2025, the plan is promoting projects in 16 major categories, including transportation, social welfare, industry, culture and tourism. All projects invest in infrastructure suited to their corresponding urban or rural living conditions, and follow the five core principles of small investment, big benefits, quick turnaround, rapid launch and tangible results.
\r\n
\r\n16 project categories
\r\n
\r\n■ Alleviate parking issues at park-and-ride facilities and at tourism and recreation areas.
■ Build roads that meet new specifications. Improve the overall appearance and functionality of streets.
\r\n\r\n■ Improve amenities in old districts of small and medium-sized towns by transforming public areas, transportation depots and service facilities.
\r\n\r\n■ Develop local industrial parks to help upgrade businesses and provide local jobs.
\r\n\r\n■ Restore and revitalize cultural assets to serve as local lifestyle facilities.
\r\n\r\n■ Renovate and reconstruct school campuses to enrich community functions.
\r\n\r\n■ Establish centers for public services in towns, communities and neighborhoods to serve as focal points for local public life.
\r\n\r\n■ Improve sports centers and facilities, and integrate recreation with conservation and ecology, thus meeting people's sports and recreation needs.
\r\n\r\n■ Preserve and revitalize the uniqueness of Hakka cultural areas to promote tourism development and invigorate local economies.
\r\n\r\n■ Build up indigenous culture and health stations and public service locations. Integrate long-term care, child care and digital learning stations into public service delivery points for indigenous communities.
\r\n\r\n■ Strengthen investment and guidance for innovative indigenous businesses to smooth the transformation of traditional indigenous industries.
\r\n\r\n■ Create scenic areas that attract international interest and build an environment for friendly travel services to upgrade the tourism industry.
\r\n\r\n■ Augment and optimize the nation's sports centers and facilities to strengthen the population's physical fitness and improve the public's quality of life.
\r\n\r\n■ Continue building Hakka community infrastructure, creating a balance of cultural depth, geographical uniqueness and environmental harmony.
\r\n\r\n■ Promote regional revitalization to bring people back to rural areas and achieve balanced development across Taiwan.
\r\n\r\n■ Enhance students' learning environment by improving power systems and installing air conditioning at public high schools and below.
\r\n", "上版日期": "112-03-31", "更新日期": "113-07-03", "發布日期": "108-05-17", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/395A459E90ED8D24", "相關連結": "/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/59b277bf-621d-4034-945b-c4cee9c24c3c,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/b85560d5-55d7-4062-a920-eeabb0a37d91,/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/4a3d5b2e-bef2-4c61-8aad-3f7e0650150a,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/fe73ff81-7246-425b-b2a3-09710fbd06bd,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/b61dbdff-ec65-4f29-b67e-2bb95101c3e2,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/9cab63ba-6b3c-4b47-99eb-61a527a97517,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/d4b67782-72ae-4f15-b1ef-dce74d2934b7,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/25d1f484-ec34-45a4-a3e2-c3575386cc9e,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/8426c81b-c2a9-40e1-a558-244b691089fc,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/243a330f-788e-418d-af89-17fbbb7b90d9,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/41258e3c-b40c-484d-979e-7dc23a0b78cf,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/1351eaf4-1ac6-4755-b029-69e406f4eaad" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/a777a1ed-0ca0-4b76-a7aa-8d7fd615b72a", "標題": "Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program: Digital infrastructure", "內容": "The digital infrastructure component of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program advances the development of soft infrastructure such as network security, digital creative and cultural content, and scientific research facilities. It employs a strategy of developing 5G into an engine for Taiwan's digital transformation and positioning in the global community in order to support the nation’s development during the next 10 years. Since 2021, the program has also been investing in infrastructure aimed at strengthening digital resilience.
\r\n\r\nThe program targets 11 areas with a focus on supporting Taiwan's Six Core Strategic Industries, speeding digital transformation, and consolidating Taiwan's digital competitiveness.
\r\n
\r\n11 targeted areas
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote data security infrastructure, provide network security services, and protect the security of both the nation and public.
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote digital inclusion and safeguard the right to broadband connectivity, ensuring that disadvantaged groups have access to basic broadband and cloud resources.
\r\n
\r\n■ Develop the digital cultural creativity industry, make high-definition services widely available, expose people to the wonder of new media and multi-screen convergence services, and turn the digital cultural creativity sector into another trillion-NT-dollar industry.
\r\n
\r\n■ Create open government and provide smart urban and rural services, enabling the public to enjoy smart network-enabled communities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Build a next-generation environment for research and smart learning to provide citizens with an innovative digital learning environment.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen fundamental network infrastructure to transform Taiwan into a key Asia-Pacific hub in the digital space.
\r\n
\r\n■ Guide small and medium-sized businesses toward digital transformation while solidifying the leading edge of Taiwan's advanced industries.
\r\n
\r\n■ Foster forward-looking digital technology professionals and ensure the ability of educational institutions to provide remote instruction and learning.
\r\n
\r\n■ Accelerate the spread of 5G coverage and promote a more self-sufficient national 5G industry.
\r\n
\r\n■ Close the 5G digital gap in remote communities to improve the quality of life for residents.
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote digital public and social services, and encourage the development of innovative cross-discipline applications.
To accelerate growth of the green energy sector, in 2017 the Executive Yuan began promoting green energy infrastructure as a part of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program, reinforcing the infrastructure and technical certification capabilities needed for the future of green energy. The plan hopes to create a demand-driven domestic market for energy, push growth and innovation in related industries, and transform Taiwan into a major center for green energy development in Asia.
\r\n
\r\nThree main components
\r\nThe program’s three components balance the goals of energy security, environmental sustainability and the green economy, and are projected to attract NT$1.8 trillion (US$59.1 billion) of private investment by 2025.
\r\n
\r\n■ Solar energy: Achieve the goal of installing 20 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy capacity by 2025 by promoting 8 GW capacity from rooftop systems, including on agricultural and industrial facilities, and both public and privately-owned buildings; generate the remaining 12 GW of solar energy capacity from ground-mounted panels, prioritizing areas where there exists a social consensus and there are no disputes over ecological and environmental impact, including regenerated unused public land, unproductive agricultural land and mixed-use land.
\r\n
\r\n■ Wind power: To make Taiwan's wind farms internationally competitive, this component will construct the underwater foundations and heavy cargo piers needed for wind power development. The target for wind power is to install 6.7 GW of total capacity (1.2 GW from land-based systems and 5.5 GW from offshore systems) by 2025.
\r\n
\r\n■ Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City: Create an innovative green-energy industrial ecosystem that helps achieve the goal of net-zero carbon emissions. The science park aims to serve as a demonstration site for the verification and trial mass production of green energy technology, as well as an industrial chain hub and display window, to propel forward the development of Taiwan's green energy sector.
In 2017 the government began promoting the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program (2017-2025) to energize the economy and stimulate overall economic momentum, as well as respond to new industries, technologies and lifestyle trends in Taiwan and abroad. This program allocates a ceiling of NT$840 billion (US$27.6 billion) in total funding across eight categories: railway projects to provide safe and fast transportation, water environments to build resilience against climate change, green energy infrastructure to ensure environmental sustainability, digital infrastructure to create a smart and connected nation, urban and rural projects to balance regional development, child care facilities to reverse declining birth rate trends, infrastructure to ensure food safety, and human resources infrastructure to nurture talent and boost employment.
\r\n\r\nIn addition to continuing to strengthen rural infrastructure and balanced regional development, the program vigorously promotes 5G services, digital development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other areas key for supporting Taiwan’s Six Core Strategic Industries. The program bolsters digital transformation and environmental sustainability, building a more resilient Taiwan and laying the foundation for the nation's growth over the next 30 years.
\r\n
\r\nEight categories
\r\n
\r\n1. Green energy infrastructure: Promote R&D and long-term development of installations relating to solar energy, wind power generation, and science cities such as the Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City. Strengthen development of future-oriented energy sources, system integration and other related infrastructure to support the national policy goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
\r\n2. Digital infrastructure: Accelerate promotion of an ultrawide bandwidth society, including construction of related infrastructure.
\r\n3. Water environment infrastructure: Expedite construction of infrastructure for water remediation, water supply and water recreation purposes.
\r\n4. Railway infrastructure: Connect the high-speed rail and traditional railway systems, upgrade traditional railways, move rail tracks above or below ground, promote urban mass transit, and encourage railway tourism in central and southern Taiwan.
\r\n5. Urban and rural infrastructure: Address parking problems, improve roadway quality, develop localized industrial parks, build infrastructure for enriching the cultural lives of local communities, create sports and recreation environments, build up indigenous communities and promote local revitalization.
\r\n6. Friendly child care infrastructure: Promote public child care and education facilities for children ages 0-6 to help address the declining birth rate.
\r\n7. Food safety infrastructure: Raise the effectiveness of the border inspection and customs clearance system, improve the food safety sampling and testing capabilities of local health bureaus, and strengthen the central government’s food safety testing capabilities.
\r\n8. Human resources infrastructure: Improve the practical learning environment at vocational schools, create technology innovation and entrepreneurial bases for young people, train high-level professionals in targeted industries, cultivate digital and specialized talent, and promote English language skills to make Taiwan a bilingual nation by 2030.
\r\n
President Tsai Ing-wen in April 2021 announced that Taiwan is committed to achieving a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, matching similar resolutions by countries across the world in response to the ongoing global warming crisis. The government in March 2022 published a plan for Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050, followed in December by an action plan for 12 key strategies for net-zero transition, and this January approved a 2023-2026 plan outlining various carbon reduction methods and adjustments to bring the nation closer to net zero. Various amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act also took force in February 2023—changing the act’s name to the Climate Change Response Act, formalizing the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, enhancing the roles and responsibilities of climate governance, levying carbon fees that will be reinvested into low-carbon initiatives and technologies, adding a new chapter to the act that bolsters frameworks for climate-related reporting and mitigation efforts, and codifying an administrative mechanism to review carbon footprints and carbon labeling of products. These changes demonstrate Taiwan’s resolution to advance toward its target of net-zero emissions.
\r\n
\r\nFour main objectives
\r\n
\r\n■ Transition to more secure energy: Expand the establishment of renewable energy sources and increase the percentage of energy that is domestically produced, thus reducing the impact of international energy market shocks and price fluctuations on Taiwan’s energy security.
\r\n
\r\n■ Transition to more competitive industry: Continue promoting the rollout of green energy and spurring the growth of green energy industry chains and domestic supply chains. Encourage industries to meet the demands of supply chains and global green initiatives, and utilize the strengths of Taiwan’s information and communications technology industry to implement more efficient, lower-carbon and smarter manufacturing processes. Deploy advanced technologies, develop competitive domestic technologies and facilitate rapid commercialization of those technologies to capitalize on business opportunities arising from the international transition to net zero.
\r\n
\r\n■ Transition to more sustainable lifestyles: Raise awareness and understanding around climate change and the net-zero transition, and encourage changes in the public’s behavior relating to food, fashion, housing, transportation, etc. to bring about low-carbon lifestyles. Motivate manufacturers to adopt low-carbon business models and develop industry supply chains that support green living.
\r\n
\r\n■ Transition to a more resilient society: Establish social support systems that strengthen administrative mechanisms for civic participation and just transition, where climate policy changes involve consultation with local communities and uphold their rights.
Taiwan in recent years has been facing rising competition for foreign talent along with a brain drain of domestic professionals. To fill the talent and technology gap for industries, the government enacted the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals in February 2018, along with amendments to the act in October 2021, to further ease work and residency regulations and improve tax and social security benefits for overseas professionals who wish to work in Taiwan. Furthermore, the government set up a policy consultation platform in July 2021 to strengthen Taiwan’s ability to recruit and retain the international talent required for the nation’s “five plus two” innovative industries and the Six Core Strategic Industries. In 2023, the government also approved amendments to the Immigration Act that would increase incentives for high-quality talent to come and stay in Taiwan, thus creating a friendlier and more effective environment for talent recruitment and retention.
\r\n
\r\nKey actions
\r\n
\r\n■ Relaxing work and visa requirements: The government is issuing Employment Gold Cards (a four-in-one work permit, resident visa, alien resident certificate and reentry permit) and employment-seeking visas; graduates from the world’s top universities are exempt from the work requirement of two years’ previous work experience; foreign professionals are exempt from applying for work permits once they have gained permanent residency; and the maximum duration of a work permit for a foreign special professional has been increased to five years.
\r\n
\r\n■ Relaxing residency requirements: Foreign professionals, foreign special professionals, and foreign or overseas compatriot students may apply directly for a residency permit if they enter Taiwan visa-free or on a visitor visa, thus simplifying application procedures for working or studying in Taiwan. For foreign professionals applying for permanent residency, their required presence in Taiwan has been changed from a minimum of 183 days per year to an average of 183 days per year. For foreign special professionals applying for permanent residency, their required period of presence has been shortened from five years to three years. For foreigners who have obtained permanent residency, their required presence in Taiwan has been changed from a minimum of 183 days per year to an average of 183 days per year over the last five years.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improving tax incentives and social protections: Foreign special professionals coming to Taiwan for the first time will receive special tax exemptions for their first five years of employment, up from three years previously, and can qualify for expanded coverage under the national pension and national health insurance systems.
\r\n
\r\n■ Relaxing entry and residence restrictions for nationals without household registration: The required period of presence in Taiwan for nationals without household registration applying for permanent residency has been shortened to five years. The required presence for permanent residents applying for household registration has been shortened from one continuous year to 335 days within one year.
■ Coordinating intragovernmental measures to recruit and retain talent: Policy strategies for international talent will focus on employment in the “five plus two” innovative industries, Six Core Strategic Industries and key service industries; strengthen recruitment and retention of personnel such as those demanded by large-scale investment companies, or graduates from the 500 top-ranked universities worldwide; and resolve various issues that professionals face when moving to Taiwan, thus building a better life for foreigners on the island.
", "上版日期": "112-02-20", "更新日期": "114-08-07", "發布日期": "112-03-07", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/42EE2AD0E068A467", "相關連結": "https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=A0030295,https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=D0080132,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/28bb7017-5bd2-46d0-923f-d13a333cf3a0,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/2b902edd-e9ec-4d9a-89c2-6b847b88a3da,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/7bc9c5eb-e123-48e2-868b-996ba201d699,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/3d9e8d0f-e532-401d-8a13-3fd0380d4d67,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/fea8ce50-a8dd-4881-a0e8-6238a51a2b5a,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/f2a70623-538a-4a39-910a-19772fe6e02f,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/0a189477-093c-4287-9b03-d400d56d1cd4,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/87d6b39b-a2b8-4f58-ab1f-cff637ae4f38" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/da056476-5fa3-48d3-bcaa-e3a97b39fa4c", "標題": "Realigning military force structure to strengthen all-out national defense", "內容": "In light of changes in the global strategic landscape and heightened regional security conflicts, Taiwan’s current system of four months of compulsory military service is no longer sufficient to meet the nation’s requirements for defense preparedness in terms of manpower capacity and training quality. After consideration of the military service systems instituted in other countries, President Tsai Ing-wen announced on December 27, 2022 that Taiwan will reinstate its policy of one-year compulsory military service beginning from 2024. Two days later, the Executive Yuan approved a plan to strengthen and recalibrate the national defense force structure. The plan is designed to substantially boost the nation’s fighting power, enhance defense capabilities and reorganize the military’s force structure to comprise four main categories—a main combat force, garrison force, civil defense system and reserve system—thereby establishing a new and more effective system for all-out national defense.
\r\n
\r\nKey points
\r\n
\r\n■ Extended service period: Starting from 2024, a one-year mandatory service period will be reinstated for men born in or after 2005 who are eligible for military conscription. The military service will strengthen realistic combat training and expand training for new types of weaponry to develop the skills necessary to carry out territorial and civil defense duties. Complementary measures include substantially increased wages for conscripts; talks are also underway to allow mandatory service time to be recognized under the labor pension system, as well as to introduce flexibility into the education system to allow conscripts to complete military service while in college, enabling them to more swiftly enter their future careers.
\r\n
\r\n■ Reorganized force structure: Four main divisions will be established.
\r\n(1) The main combat force, primarily composed of military volunteers, which serves as the front line of national defense.
\r\n(2) The garrison force, primarily composed of conscripts, which is responsible for standing defense and the protection of important military and civilian installations, as well as supporting the main combat force and assisting civil defense work.
\r\n(3) The civil defense system, composed of special police, civil defense forces under local governments, and alternative military servicemen, which supports military operations in addition to disaster relief, medical care, maintaining public order, engineering repairs, etc., to ensure that society continues to function.
\r\n(4) The reserve system, composed of retired military volunteers to supplement the main combat force, and former conscripts to supplement the garrison force, which can be mobilized in the event of war to support combat operations and defend urban and rural areas.
Taiwan boasts a rich and diverse arts and crafts industry that marries local resources, materials and culture to create unique products brimming with regional character. However, in recent years, the industry has been impacted by changes to the overall social and economic environment, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. These effects have manifested in several ways within the industry, including an aging of Taiwan’s artisan and craftsperson population, a reliance on imported materials, and declining output. In response to these developments, the government is implementing a plan to promote Taiwan’s arts and crafts industry over the medium and long term. The comprehensive plan spans the entire arts and crafts industry from production to craftsmanship cultivation and end sales, encompassing aspects such as raw materials, human resources, manufacturing research and development (R&D), and distribution. By promoting collaboration across disciplines, industries and government departments, the plan will improve the overall industry environment and foster a robust arts and crafts ecosystem.
\r\n
\r\nThree major strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Production: Cultivate a sound craft manufacturing environment
\r\nPromote the regeneration of natural material stocks (such as lacquer trees) to ensure a self-sufficient and quality-assured supply of raw materials; develop methods for passing on skills to the next generation as well as new uses for raw materials; and employ technology to aid production and assist with innovation and R&D in order to improve marketability and modernize the industry.
\r\n
\r\n■ Platforms: Establish an environment that nurtures artisanal talent
\r\nBuild a solid foundation for the cultivation of talent with tailored training facilities. Create competition platforms and seek to form an international federation of arts and crafts competitions to gradually establish Taiwan as the home of the leading international arts and crafts competition within the Asia-Pacific region, and stimulate domestic creativity and innovation.
\r\n
\r\n■ Sales: Build a robust arts and crafts economy and consumer market
\r\nAssist businesses with their brand development, domestic and international marketing, and physical and virtual distribution channels, to promote the leading role of Taiwanese arts and crafts in fashion, trends and design. Additionally, integrate the arts and crafts industry with Taiwan’s tourism and hospitality sectors to establish sales locations and craft demonstration sites, to reap the benefits of economic and cultural synergies, and aid the establishment in Taiwan of benchmark-setting arts and crafts expos for the Asia-Pacific region.
Improving air quality and tackling air pollution—especially pollution from suspended fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—are top priorities for many countries around the world. According to the Environmental Protection Administration, approximately 40% of Taiwan's average annual concentrations of PM2.5 drift in from abroad, while the remaining 60% originate within the country.
\r\n\r\nAs part of a comprehensive remedy to the air quality problem, the government introduced an air pollution control strategy and an air pollution control action plan in 2017, as well as amendments to the Air Pollution Control Act in 2018. To continue and expand on these efforts, the government launched a new air pollution control plan (2020-2023) to curb pollution at all points along its origin, from preventing its formation to implementing end-of-pipe technologies. The plan has better safeguarded the public’s health by achieving the goal of an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 15 μg/m3 or less across Taiwan by 2023, as well as reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds to alleviate ground-level ozone pollution.
\r\n
\r\nTargets of the air pollution control plan
\r\n
\r\n■ Stationary sources of pollution: Strategies for controlling stationary pollution sources include establishing consistent principles nationwide for the review of fuel permits; changing fuel types or strengthening equipment technology to reduce pollutants; and improving continuous emission monitoring systems to enhance monitoring data quality and strengthen inspection and control capabilities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Mobile sources of pollution: Efforts include expediting the replacement of aging motorcycles; reducing emissions from diesel vehicles; instituting more transport controls at ports and harbors; and transitioning to electric bus fleets in urban areas.
\r\n
\r\n■ Fugitive sources of pollution: Strategies include toughening controls on volatile organic compounds in paints; discouraging open-air burning practices; and strengthening regulations on cooking fumes from restaurants and eateries.
Young people are an important resource and an asset to the nation. Harnessing the opportunities afforded by industrial transformation in support of youth employment, the government is offering diverse vocational training to facilitate workforce upskilling, and providing training and expanding collaboration with industry to provide lifelong learning resources that are aligned with the job market. Furthermore, to ensure that young people are provided with opportunities for continuous learning throughout their careers, the government will partner with the private sector to ensure that the training of young talent keeps abreast of the latest industry developments. These public-private partnerships will allow young people to develop specialist knowledge and skills, placing them at the forefront of industrial development trends and cultivating a new generation of pioneering innovators.
\r\n
\r\nDiverse vocational training, enhanced employability
\r\n
\r\n■ Industry-academia cooperation (for students): Facilitate school-based early vocational training, which by integrating the educational system with industry-developed practical training will help increase students’ knowledge of industry and enhance their practical skills for a seamless transition into the workplace.
\r\n
\r\n■ Diverse vocational training (for unemployed youth): Encourage businesses to provide new hires with on-the-job training, launch youth vocational training classes, subsidize youth enrollment in industrial innovation courses and provide a range of pre-employment training for unemployed young people.
\r\n
\r\n■ On-the-job training (for employed youth): Strengthen workforce quality and industrial competitiveness, including by providing a range of practically-oriented educational courses and encouraging businesses to provide training according to their operational and developmental needs, and as a means to fill skills shortages.
\r\n
\r\n■ Skills competitions: Develop role models and encourage a societal appreciation for technical skills by holding domestic competitions, promoting participation in international skills competitions, rewarding competition winners and guaranteeing their career development.
■ Improved vocational school environments: Promote the vocational components of the Higher Education SPROUT (Sustained Progress and Rise of Universities in Taiwan) Project to continue improving educational facilities and cultivate high-quality skilled labor and technicians suitable for employment in both domestic and overseas industries.
\r\n", "上版日期": "111-12-23", "更新日期": "113-07-02", "發布日期": "112-01-11", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/B2942865E005579", "相關連結": "/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/da892dcb-af28-4a65-89a1-e3e25cfbbdff,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/63d5ef0d-ed69-4bb6-85bd-48b9919887d9,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/0d3685c9-4cce-494a-92c4-ffd2cb826859,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/3ced3add-73ae-4028-ab66-59a052e6fecd,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/bc83cc10-131e-4b69-ae43-362d98978909" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/50cba142-eb28-4e2a-abe6-a0afcf04c6ad", "標題": "Amendments to the Statute for Industrial Innovation", "內容": "Taiwan holds a vital and leading position in the global semiconductor supply chain, a fact which has been thrown into sharper relief during the last few years by the escalating U.S.-China trade war and a succession of major global events disrupting supply chain operations, resulting in a severe global shortage of chips. These events have caused various countries to become acutely aware of the necessity to develop their own domestic semiconductor capability and provide their key industries with enormous subsidies or expanded tax incentives to reduce reliance on external supply chains. These developments will impact Taiwan's existing position within the global semiconductor supply chain.
\r\n
\r\nFaced with the challenge of various nations vying to develop semiconductor industries of their own, the government has been supporting semiconductor firms' continued development within Taiwan and providing policy incentives to attract major international firms in semiconductor fabrication, equipment and materials to invest in the nation. As an additional measure, the government approved amendments to the Statute for Industrial Innovation that provide historically high tax credits to domestic companies engaged in technological innovation that also occupy a key position in international supply chains, to encourage continued investment in developing cutting-edge innovative technologies and sustained purchasing of advanced manufacturing process equipment. This will in turn strengthen the resilience of the nation's industrial supply chains and capitalize on Taiwan's existing competitive advantages, consolidating and elevating the status of Taiwan's key national industries within the global supply chain.
\r\n
\r\nMajor provisions of the draft amendments
\r\n
\r\n■ Applicable entities: Domestic companies engaged in technological innovation that also occupy a key position in international supply chains, with their R&D expenditures and intensity reaching a certain scale and effective tax rate reaching a certain ratio.
\r\n
\r\n■ Incentive measures: Provide tax credits at a rate of 25% for expenditure in cutting-edge, innovative R&D, offset against the amount payable for the current year in profit-seeking enterprise income tax. Provide tax credits at a rate of 5% for new machinery or equipment purchased for use in advanced manufacturing processes, offset against the amount payable for the current year in profit-seeking enterprise income tax, with no upper limit on machinery and equipment expenditure.
\r\n
\r\n■ Implementation period: January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2029.
Taiwan’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are dynamic, agile and highly innovative, constituting around 99% of the nation's private sector enterprises and providing jobs for approximately 80% of the working population. Within every industry, “hidden champion” companies have always formed the backbone of the nation’s economic development and acted as a stabilizing force within society. With SME exports growing by 25% in 2021, they perform a vital role in revitalizing Taiwan’s economy and employment market.
\r\n\r\nThe government has consistently supported Taiwan’s SMEs, including providing financing assistance, establishing an action plan for accelerated investment by SMEs, guiding the transition to digital and green business models and facilitating the working capital required to revitalize business operations. In response to various trends, including the digital economy, sustainable development, regional revitalization and an altered post-COVID international environment, the government has proposed a new plan to raise the overall competitiveness of SMEs (2022-2026). The initiative will allocate a budget of NT$95 billion (US$3.1 billion) over five years to further strengthen the resilience of Taiwan's economy and create a new generation of internationally competitive SMEs.
\r\n
\r\nFour major strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Net-zero carbon emissions: Assist SMEs to establish a low-carbon mindset and capabilities, and employ measures such as preferential loans for green and sustainability initiatives to facilitate the transition to low-carbon business models, while simultaneously encouraging green business investment. Goal: Save 175 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power and generate NT$100 billion (US$3.2 billion) of new private investments.
\r\n
\r\n■ Digital transition: Assist SMEs to adopt cloud computing tools and strengthen their digital operations and marketing technology; promote data and application sharing to stimulate cooperation among upstream and downstream industry partners. Goal: Facilitate 210,000 discrete cloud computing solutions and 240,000 new trade digital marketing solutions for SMEs.
\r\n
\r\n■ Value-added innovation: Assist startups to tap into collaboration among industry, academia and research institutes and encourage cooperation between larger enterprises and smaller-sized businesses to shorten the time it takes to bring products to market. Promote the formation of cooperative alliances between SMEs in key industries to boost innovative R&D; provide subsidies and financial support for innovative R&D. Goal: Foster 200 “hidden champions” and facilitate startups in obtaining NT$130 billion (US$4.2 billion) of funding.
\r\n
\r\n■ Regional co-prosperity: Build urban and rural living spaces with high quality services and beautiful environments to attract young Taiwanese to return to their hometowns and help build thriving local communities. Emphasize narrative themes in marketing strategies and link up local resources to highlight revitalization within cities and rural areas. Goal: Bring benefits to nearly 1,700 retail businesses with regional characteristics and target revenue growth of 8% for these businesses.
Taiwan is an island nation and the ocean is its most natural protective barrier. However, the nation’s long and complex coastline also presents problems and risks in relation to law enforcement and epidemic prevention. To strengthen the enforcement of maritime law and safeguard the nation’s maritime sovereignty, the Ocean Basic Act was promulgated in November 2019. This was followed by the publishing of the National Ocean Policy White Paper in June 2020 and the promotion of the Salute to the Seas policy.
\r\n\r\nIn the last few years, the government has significantly increased coast guard manpower and maintained a continuous drumbeat of coast guard vessel shipbuilding, integrating cross-ministerial resources to defend the coastline, curb illegal smuggling, and block firearms, narcotics, African swine fever, illegal migrants and contraband from entering the nation’s borders.
\r\n
\r\nThree policy directions
\r\n
\r\n■ Uphold maritime security: Proactively investigate and apprehend illegal agricultural, aquatic and animal products, narcotics, firearms, smuggled cigarettes and illegal migrants to effectively curb smuggling operations and safeguard border security. Enforce border epidemic prevention through vessel inspections to prevent undeclared meat products from entering the nation’s borders, and carry out inspections of pig carcasses at coastal entry points to prevent animal diseases from entering the nation’s borders.
■ Defend the nation’s sovereignty: Use a variety of means, including expulsion, vessel impoundment and the levying of fines, to deal with Chinese fishing vessels detected operating within Taiwanese sovereign waters. Robustly clamp down on and punish Chinese sand dredging vessels that encroach into Taiwanese waters to steal sand, thereby defending the nation’s marine resources and preventing erosion of the nation’s borders.
\r\n
\r\n■ Implement an indigenous shipbuilding program: Achieve the construction of 184 next-generation patrol vessels by 2031 required to bolster offshore patrol capabilities, guarantee the nation’s maritime interests and support the fishing industry in the nation’s exclusive economic zones and international waters.
Human rights are universal values—a common language that crosses national borders. The United Nations passed the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989 and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006 to safeguard the rights of children and disabled people, respectively. While not a U.N. member state, Taiwan nevertheless passed both the Act to Implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Implementation Act of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2014, based on its commitment to and respect for human rights and to bring domestic laws in line with international norms. Taiwan has pledged to take concrete action to protect and enshrine the rights of these two groups.
\r\n
\r\nSteps taken to implement the conventions
\r\n
\r\nCRPD:
\r\n■ Promulgated the Development of National Languages Act designating Taiwan Sign Language as a national language.
\r\n■ Produced an easy read version of the national report on CRPD to guarantee the right of access to information for people with learning disabilities.
\r\n■ Published a guide on how to organize disability-inclusive meetings and events.
\r\n■ Continue to promote accessibility in buildings, transportation and roads.
\r\n■ Proposed draft amendments to the People with Disabilities Rights Protection Act to stipulate that groups and organizations must provide reasonable accommodations to meet the specific accessibility needs of disabled people when holding events.
\r\n
\r\nCRC:
\r\n■ Amended the Civil Code to make the legal age of marriage for men and women consistent with the recently lowered age of majority.
\r\n■ Prohibit searches of students and their personal belongings except where expressly authorized by law or there are reasonable grounds for preventing a risk of emergency.
\r\n■ Established procedural mechanisms to conduct retrospective analyses of deaths of children under 6 and allow earlier judicial intervention in response to reports of children in potential danger. Promote a program to strengthen the social safety net that integrates online help platforms, expands social welfare centers, and employs social workers to provide services for child protection and vulnerable families.
\r\n■ Developed guidelines for the alternative care of children who are encountering difficulties living in family environments, prioritizing the support of family caregiving capacities and avoiding the placement of children outside the home when possible.
\r\n■ Amended the Juvenile Justice Act so that children age seven and over but under the age of twelve who commit a crime are no longer sent to juvenile court, but are instead managed under the education and social welfare system to prioritize guidance.
In recent years, Taiwan has attracted many major international firms to the island to invest in and build facilities for research and development. This success is due to Taiwan’s many strengths, including its key position in the global semiconductor industry, high-quality R&D personnel, comprehensive industrial clusters, outstanding innovation capabilities, a complete intellectual property rights management system, and effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, about 30 large international firms have set up R&D centers in Taiwan, investing a total of about NT$60 billion (US$1.9 billion) and generating an estimated annual production value of nearly NT$340 billion (US$10.9 billion). Among those R&D facilities, Google’s data center is the largest in Asia, and Microsoft’s AI R&D center is the first of its kind in Asia.
\r\n
\r\nThree main strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Expand R&D subsidies: Promote the Pioneers for Innovation Leadership on Technology Program to attract leading international firms to establish R&D centers in Taiwan. Promote the Global Innovation Partnership Initiatives Program to incentivize innovative R&D in Taiwan by complementary foreign companies that share mutual benefits with domestic industries. These programs will encourage foreign businesses to jointly invest in forward-looking technologies with domestic partners.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen talent cultivation: Establish colleges for the study of semiconductor technology and other fields of national interest to foster a highly skilled science and technology workforce. Implement the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals that provides specialist workers with a four-in-one Employment Gold Card that combines work permit, residence visa, Alien Resident Certificate and re-entry permit.
\r\n
\r\n■ Offer tax incentives: Provide tax credits for R&D investment along with enterprise tax incentives. Offer relevant tax benefits to companies that establish a presence in science parks and export processing zones.
Taiwan boasts an excellent foundation in hardware manufacturing and a vast pool of high-caliber talent. In the face of the recent pandemic and geopolitical tensions, international attention has focused on the resilience and production efficiency of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry supply chain. With global supply chains now undergoing major restructuring and commercial 5G services launching around the world, Taiwan's government is leveraging the nation's robust manufacturing and production capabilities to promote industry adoption of smart technology and transform Taiwan into a high-end production hub for Asia. The government also hopes to make Taiwan an advanced manufacturing process center for semiconductors by building a comprehensive ecosystem for the domestic semiconductor industry. These efforts will help drive industrial transformation, boost technological capabilities, and turn Taiwan manufacturing into a major force for the world's industries.
\r\n
\r\nStrategies and measures
\r\n
\r\nRegional high-end production hub: Occupy a central position on global supply chains
\r\nAccelerate the adoption of 5G and artificial intelligence applications, and promote closer hardware/software integration by manufacturers to help industries adopt smart technologies. Examples include: developing smart processes such as smart material selection, highly customized production, smart testing, flexible packaging and product quality feedback; guiding small and medium-sized manufacturers with the digital transformation of their supply chains; and building smart production application fields to develop innovative solutions.
\r\n
\r\nAdvanced semiconductor manufacturing center: Up production value to NT$5 trillion (US$164.1 billion) by 2030
\r\nCapitalize on the strengths and enormous demands of the local semiconductor industry to support domestic material and equipment industries and localize the semiconductor supply chain. Examples include: building technological self-sufficiency, as well as localizing material supplies, equipment production operations of foreign companies, and advanced packaging equipment.
To create a safe and comfortable learning environment for students, the government in recent years has, in addition to implementing and improving education policies, continued to upgrade old equipment and retrofit buildings for seismic resistance at public high schools and below, while increasing food subsidies and promoting a central kitchen program to allow students at rural and urban schools to enjoy lunches of equal quality. The government has also achieved its goal to install air conditioning in every classroom and power generation equipment at every school before the summer of 2022, and is now implementing a program to provide internet access for every classroom and tablet access for every student, with priority for digital technologies given to rural schools. All of these efforts will help narrow the rural-urban gap and provide fair and quality education for all.
\r\n
\r\nKey measures
■ Retrofit school buildings for seismic resistance at public high schools and below: A total of 1,948 public elementary and junior high school buildings were retrofitted or demolished and rebuilt from 2017 to 2019. An additional 1,488 public school buildings at the high school level and below are expected to be retrofitted or demolished to be rebuilt from 2020 to 2022, improving seismic resistance of school buildings across the nation.
\r\n
\r\n■ Central kitchen program for remote area schools: The government is offering higher subsidies to remote area schools for using domestically produced, traceable lunch ingredients, and is also subsidizing the construction of new central kitchens. For rural schools that do not yet have central kitchen services, the government has established a joint food procurement mechanism, and is planning overall personnel needed for central kitchens, such as kitchen workers, nutritionists and delivery drivers. The government is also subsidizing the salaries of kitchen staff and the transportation of raw and cooked foods, so that school meal budgets can be primarily spent on the food itself. This will entitle all schoolchildren in rural areas to the same healthy, filling and delicious meals as their urban peers.
\r\n
\r\n■ Air conditioning in every classroom, power generation at every school: Using government subsidies, 3,307 elementary and junior high schools installed air conditioning in every classroom before the summer of 2022. Schools have also installed solar power panels to provide electricity generation capabilities, creating a safe, comfortable and sustainable school environment.
\r\n
\r\n■ Internet access for every classroom, tablet access for every student: The government will provide additional funding of NT$20 billion (US$666.8 million) from 2022 to 2025 to develop digital learning content, promote mobile devices and internet access, and use big data analytics to improve education. These efforts will expand software and hardware for digital instruction and learning, enhance wireless classroom environments, and improve digital skills training for teachers. In particular, one tablet will be supplied to each student attending a rural school. These devices and digital content will be available for use in classroom instruction once the school semester begins in September 2022, opening up a new era for digital learning.
The primary focus of Taiwan's National Space Technology Long-term Development Program is satellite development. Having laid the foundation for indigenous space technology in the first (1991 to 2006) and second (2004 to 2018) phases of the program, the nation is now launching the third phase, which will run from 2019 to 2028. An estimated NT$25.1 billion (US$836.8 million) will be invested throughout the decade to push domestic space technology to new heights and meet the challenges of cutting-edge space missions. The program also aims to extend and spread the benefits of the space technology industry, nurture space technology talent, and build a space industry supply chain of Taiwan's own. In addition, the Space Development Act—Taiwan’s first law governing space activities and promoting space industry development—was implemented in January 2022, while a national space center establishment act was promulgated in May 2022, demonstrating the government’s active promotion of space technology capabilities through legislation and the establishment of a dedicated space agency.
\r\n
\r\nCurrent accomplishments and future goals
\r\n
\r\n■ First phase (1991 to 2006)
\r\nThe program began with fostering the talent and skills needed to build an organization dedicated to the development of space technology. The first phase also saw the successful completions of the FORMOSAT-1, 2 and 3 missions. The FORMOSAT-3 program put into orbit Taiwan's first weather satellite constellation comprised of six micro-satellites. Altogether, eight satellites dedicated variously to remote sensing and the conduct of scientific experiments were operated during the first phase of the program.
\r\n
\r\n■ Second phase (2004 to 2018)
\r\nThe second phase was largely dedicated to the FORMOSAT-5 and 7 programs, with FORMOSAT-5 being Taiwan's first domestically researched and produced high-resolution remote-sensing satellite. An emphasis on academic research and industry development led to across-the-board improvements in Taiwan's space technology development capabilities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Third phase (2019 to 2028)
\r\nThe goal of the third phase of the program is to launch one satellite per year to serve as high-tech tools for national security and environmental monitoring. In cases of natural disasters, these satellites will be able to provide real-time imagery and rapidly track safety conditions on the ground and changes to the environment. Deforestation, land subsidence, and the scale and scope of natural disasters can also be monitored accurately. Projects undertaken in the third phase will serve as a springboard for the promotion of deep-space exploration and scientific innovation. For instance, Taiwan’s first hybrid autonomous sounding rocket was successfully launched from Xuhai Village, Pingtung County on July 10, 2022.
Taiwan is experiencing an increasingly serious problem of declining birth rates. Annual population growth turned negative for the first time in 2020 with only about 165,000 births, and the population shrank again in 2021 with about 153,000 births. One of the key factors behind this issue is that more people are marrying late or not marrying at all. Furthermore, the heavy burdens placed on childrearing households and the difficulties for women in balancing career and family are all impacting people’s willingness to have and raise children. The government has therefore proposed three policy directions—broaden access to fertility treatments, pave a smooth road to childbirth, and help balance the scales of work and family—in the hopes of creating a friendly environment to give families peace of mind during pregnancy and childrearing.
\r\n\r\nThree policy directions
\r\n\r\n■ Broaden access to fertility treatments: Expand the eligibility of fertility treatment (in vitro fertilization) subsidies to cover all infertile couples beginning July 1, 2021. (Subsidies formerly covered only low-income and lower-middle income households.)
\r\n
\r\n■ Pave a smooth road to childbirth: Increase the number and scope of free prenatal exams for pregnant women. Raise the diagnostic fees and examination fees for prenatal exams to attract more physicians to the obstetrics field and improve the quality of prenatal exams. These measures will help women have a safe and smooth pregnancy and childbirth.
\r\n
\r\n■ Help balance the scales of work and family: Implement measures to create a family-friendly workplace environment: Increase the number of paid leave days for prenatal exams and for accompanying a spouse to prenatal exams and birth; enable greater flexibility when applying for stipends for parental leave without pay; raise the income replacement ratio during parental leave without pay; and allow employees to request more flexible work hours.
The continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have altered the ways people live and work, and given rise to new experiential services and business models, including in the realm of sports. Although the pandemic interrupted many sports activities, it also increased awareness of personal health management and propelled a growing trend of combining athletics with science and technology.
\r\n\r\nTaiwan is home to well-developed supply chains for sporting goods and equipment, in addition to multiple original equipment manufacturers for famous international producers of sports technology. Taiwan has furthermore built extensive digital content and ICT infrastructure favorable for developing products and applications that merge sports with technology. The government is thus advancing an action plan (2022-2026) to transform Taiwan’s sports through science and technology. Promoting the vision of “Sports Everywhere,” the plan will allocate an estimated NT$4.6 billion (US$154.6 million) to upgrade the competitiveness of top athletes, broaden the public’s exercise habits, and spur the rise of the domestic sports technology industry.
\r\n
\r\nFour main strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen infrastructure: Create environments conducive to cross-industry smart sports and recreation. Build smart sports facilities as demonstration sites that give the public opportunities to experience the technological applications, and encourage new health and exercise habits. These efforts will contribute to a goal of establishing three world-class sports venues to serve as paradigms of incorporating smart technology into athletics.
\r\n
\r\n■ Expand the capabilities of sports science: Take stock of the companies, academic groups and research institutions conducting sports science research, connect the results of such research with industries, and assess the potential for patents. Promote industries that merge sports with science and technology by steering technological development toward market opportunities. Transform and upgrade the sports industry by employing the research and development capabilities of the academic sector. The goal is to link business investments to the research and development of technology products, and drive industry development.
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote data governance: Launch an integrated platform for governance and application of sports data, and promote data governance security and data applications. Invest in transformative digital innovation and forward-looking core technologies to bring forth new sports data business models that enable the public to apply smart technology to everyday fitness. These efforts will contribute to goals of building Taiwan into a world-class data governance center and developing sports and health data governance services.
\r\n
\r\n■ Build a new industry ecosystem: Accelerate the entry of science and technology into the domestic sports industry, enabling a shift from manufacturing and subcontracting toward integration with science and technology, thus spurring new business models and a new business ecosystem. The goal is to establish Taiwan as a global leader and the first international stronghold for sports science and sports technology in the Asia-Pacific region.
Taiwan is an island nation teeming with rich marine resources. The Ocean Affairs Council, responsible for coordinating ocean-related policies, was founded in 2018 to ensure Taiwan’s status as a prosperous, secure and ecologically sound maritime nation. In 2019, the Ocean Basic Act was promulgated, setting the course for ocean affairs policy and declaring June 8 to be National Oceans Day. In 2020, the government published the National Ocean Policy White Paper to serve as its blueprint for ocean administration and launched the Salute to the Seas policy founded upon principles of openness, transparency, service, education and responsibility. This latter policy promotes the work of cleaning up, learning about, closely engaging with and even entering the ocean. Its goals are ocean accessibility, robust overall development of ocean affairs, and ensuring sustainable development of the ocean.
\r\n
\r\nSalute to the Seas policy tasks
\r\n
\r\n■ Learn about the sea: Conduct in-depth marine research, for example through the national oceanographic research vessels Legend, New Ocean Researcher 1, New Ocean Researcher 2 and New Ocean Researcher 3. This fleet was launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology from 2018 to 2019 and now constitutes an integral platform for important marine research. The Legend utilized a remotely operated underwater vehicle to confirm for the first time the presence of natural gas hydrates in Taiwan’s southwest waters, assisting the evaluation of drilling and extraction risks and opening up avenues for development of new energy sources.
\r\n
\r\n■ Clean up the sea: Establish mechanisms to organize regular, immediate or emergency cleanups of coastal trash along every inch of shoreline. Reduce sources of ocean trash, for example by implementing a real-name traceability system for gill nets used by fishing boats, switching from styrofoam buoys to eco-friendly ones, setting up temporary waste storage to receive discarded fishing gear or aquaculture rubbish, clearing away fallen trees from upstream areas, and intercepting river garbage before they flow out to sea. Promote initiatives such as the recycling of fishing nets, styrofoam and plastic bottles, and the reuse of oyster racks and driftwood.
\r\n
\r\n■ Engage with and enter the sea: Steer ocean management toward increased accessibility, for example by derestriction of coast control zones or opening up fishing-friendly spots along the coastline. Build a one-stop online platform that provides information and services for marine recreational activities. Launch the “Go Ocean” online platform that provides up-to-date information on local environmental conditions, encouraging the public to safely visit and learn about the ocean.
For more than two years, Taiwan has not only guarded against the COVID-19 pandemic, but also managed to achieve its longest and highest growth in history for both export value and export orders. Now, as the nation gradually resumes normalcy, the government has decided to adopt an approach that balances normal life, active disease prevention and steady lifting of restrictions. During this difficult transition toward coexistence with the virus, the government has extended its special COVID-19 relief act and associated budget through June 30, 2023 in order to defend public health and launch a new round of stimulus measures that will assist companies and people impacted by the pandemic.
\r\n
\r\nThree main measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Assist industries and workers: Provide relevant stimulus or operating subsidies for such industries as food and beverages, service, transportation and tourism. Extend until June 2023 various relief programs launched earlier in the pandemic to assist furloughed, short-time and unemployed workers, as well as a program to help youths find and maintain stable employment.
\r\n
\r\n■ Reduce burdens: Extend the measure to reduce rent and royalty payments by 20% for state-owned non-public properties. Exempt business taxes for key raw materials such as soybeans, wheat and corn. Waive or cut tariffs and commodity taxes on wheat, beef, butter, baking-purpose milk powder, cement, gasoline and diesel fuel.
\r\n
\r\n■ Stabilize cash flows: Extend measures such as stimulus loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-SMEs impacted by the pandemic, as well as loan interest subsidies for tourism businesses, large arts and cultural companies, and performance groups. Prolong until June 2023 the period for bank customers to apply for three-to-six month deferments on credit card and personal loan payments.
To establish a comprehensive policy to safeguard human rights, Taiwan launched its first National Human Rights Action Plan (2022-2024) on May 5, 2022, focusing special attention on indigenous peoples, the LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) community, homeless people, migrant workers, senior citizens, women, children, disabled individuals, refugees and other vulnerable groups. The plan covers eight major human rights issues and 154 action projects, and pledges to incorporate human rights guarantees into the overall development of the nation and relevant government administration plans. It will also ensure the effective utilization of government resources in affairs concerning human rights protection. These efforts demonstrate that the government is willing to voluntarily implement and commit to the obligations of international human rights conventions, joining the global trend that has seen U.N. member states formulating human rights action plans. Going forward, Taiwan’s human rights standards will be able to rise even higher.
\r\n\r\nEight major issues
\r\n\r\n■ Human rights protection systems: Establish the Department of Human Rights and Transitional Justice, responsible for consolidating human rights affairs across different conventions, ministries and agencies.
\r\n
■ Human rights education: Institute mechanisms to effectively assess and monitor human rights education. Address the issue of Taiwan’s human rights education overemphasizing quantity over quality.
\r\n
■ Equality and nondiscrimination: Formulate comprehensive equality laws to root out discrimination that intermittently emerges in various laws and regulations.
\r\n
■ Right to life: Develop policies to combat the global public health issue of teen suicide and the national public safety issue of traffic accident fatalities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Housing justice: Research, discuss and catalog housing rights protection policies. Improve related laws, regulations and measures.
\r\n
■ Climate change and human rights: Amend the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act and rename it the Climate Change Response Act. Continue promoting the National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
\r\n
■ Digital human rights: Amend relevant laws and regulations such as the Criminal Code of the Republic of China and the Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act to build a more comprehensive protective network against gender-based violence and strengthen protective measures and services for victims.
\r\n\r\n■ Refugee rights: Codify legal mechanisms for refugees to seek asylum and clarify related application procedures.
", "上版日期": "111-05-18", "更新日期": "114-08-07", "發布日期": "111-05-26", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/CA46B3F8672F7BBB", "相關連結": "https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=O0020098,https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=C0000001,https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=D0080079,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/7fce598e-4464-4648-9144-69b315bf8ce8,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/b19208fe-b4b5-4290-a953-4bcba8f53228,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/8a7a0218-b54c-45d7-a96b-69d7bf66a53f,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/97650b09-c0b0-4fcd-9516-6c5220742903,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/d4db0a5a-0a13-47fe-bd4c-bbab6af39405,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/bf4463ac-a310-4b07-99ef-1d36218a20a1,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/856017ac-000c-44e2-8bd4-c92b8c163521,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/97c6b323-ca68-4d58-ae65-e2ea3838dfd2,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/26083ff2-1bf7-49b4-9c0c-266988aab753,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/a782abc3-4ca8-46d5-a01a-cfaf4c45ca15" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/89bbc610-49c2-4080-85f9-6d2cb98bee96", "標題": "Action Plan for Fisheries and Human Rights", "內容": "Taiwan is a major fishing country with distant water fishing boats operating across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. It exports NT$28 billion (US$944 million) worth of distant water fishing products annually. In order to improve the labor environment in the fishery industry, provide appropriate care for migrant maritime workers, and demonstrate Taiwan’s concrete commitment to safeguard and respect human rights, the government is advancing an action plan for human rights in the fishery industry. This plan will tackle the issue by improving fishing crew rights, onboard facilities and onshore facilities. It will provide all workers in the fishery industry a favorable, safe and dignified working environment that will ensure the rights and interests of migrant fishing workers and promote sustainable fishing operations.
\r\n\r\nSeven main strategies
\r\n\r\n■ Enforce proper working conditions: Raise the monthly minimum wage and require wages to be paid directly to crew members. Require auxiliary tech tools to be installed on fishing vessels to verify man-hours.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve living conditions and social protections: Limit the time fishing vessels can continuously spend at sea. Increase accidental insurance coverage and newly offer a medical insurance plan. Build or remodel fishing vessels so that living spaces comply with international fishery conventions, and retire old vessels that do not comply. Require crew members to wear life jackets when working on deck. Reward ships that share or install onboard Wi-Fi for workers. Build onshore rest and lodging facilities for fishing crews.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen intermediary management: Increase the frequency of inspection of domestic employment agents. Suspend and punish agents who are unable to account for the whereabouts of a certain proportion of crew workers.
\r\n
\r\n■ Upgrade monitoring capabilities: Inspect 100% of distant water fishing vessels within the first year of the plan and 50% in every subsequent year. Promote installation of closed-circuit television monitoring. Establish cooperative mechanisms to crack down on maritime crime and prevent human trafficking.
■ Enhance oversight of flag of convenience fishing vessels: Conduct joint inspections and interviews of foreign-flagged fishing vessels that enter Taiwan. Prohibit human traffickers from operating under flags of convenience and ban them from entering Taiwan’s ports.
\r\n
\r\n■ Establish and deepen international cooperation: Work with crew members’ countries of origin to establish cooperative mechanisms regarding fishing crew affairs. Collaborate and exchange ideas on rights issues with major market countries such as the U.S. and EU.
\r\n
\r\n■ Build partnerships for the common good: Raise awareness of sustainable fishing and labor rights protections among industry operators and within four years lead 500 vessel operators to commit to corporate social responsibility.
\r\n
To alleviate the problem of rural labor shortages, the government in recent years has promoted a policy of subsidizing agricultural machinery that increase the efficiency of crop planting and harvesting. Combined with an ongoing project to establish a nationwide cold chain, the machinery subsidy policy helps the agricultural industry achieve vertical integration across production, manufacturing, storage and sales; raises incomes for agricultural workers; and enhances the food self-sufficiency rate. Now, the government has approved additional funding of NT$9.2 billion (US$312.1 million) for its 2022-2025 program to promote mechanization of agricultural work and modernization of agricultural equipment. This program will push automation and mechanization across all farming, forestry, fishery and livestock industries to further upgrade the efficiency of agricultural operations and alleviate the shortage of rural workers. All these efforts will strengthen the competitiveness of the agricultural industry and facilitate Taiwan’s path to achieving net-zero emissions.
\r\n
\r\nFour main strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Relieve rural labor shortages: Help farmers purchase agricultural machinery and expand the applications of such machinery.
\r\n
\r\n■ Raise operational efficiency: Expand grain production via automated planting and mechanized harvesting, and promote the modernization of fishery and livestock facilities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Reinforce industry competitiveness: Encourage farmers to automate equipment and promote vertical integration across production, manufacturing, storage and sales.
\r\n
\r\n■ Reach national net-zero emissions: Promote the electrification of agricultural machinery, the development of an “under-forest economy” that prioritizes sustainable use of forest by-products, and the establishment of recycling sites for reuse of surplus agricultural resources.
To build a robust and revolutionary new agricultural paradigm, the government in late 2016 rolled out the New Agriculture Innovation Promotion Program. This was followed in 2018 by the launch of the first phase of the Green Environmental Payment Program (2018-2021), which offered reward mechanisms that encouraged farmers to cultivate import-substitute crops, provided direct payments or purchased rice crops at guaranteed prices, and subsidized organic and eco-friendly farming practices. These measures guided farmers toward growing crops suited for their land.
\r\n\r\nThe government is now launching the second phase of the Green Environmental Payment Program (2022-2025). Under the second phase, basic rewards are automatically provided when farmland is used for farming purposes, and farmers can accumulate additional payment rewards by meeting additional agricultural targets. The program thereby safeguards the responsible use of farmland, increases the earnings of rice farmers, improves public food safety and national food security, and ensures the sustainable operation of Taiwan’s agriculture industry.
\r\n
\r\nKey points
\r\n
\r\n■ Agri-environmental basic payments: Provide payments when agricultural crop production is maintained on non-urban land reserved for farming or animal husbandry.
\r\n
\r\n■ Rewards for key crops: Encourage crop rotation from rice to import-substitute, export-oriented or local specialty crops. Increase the supply capacity of corn used for livestock feed. Direct rice farmers to either leave fields fallow or rotate to non-rice crops for at least one out of every four harvests. In areas with high competition for water resources, discourage rice planting for the first crop of each year. These measures address the challenges facing Taiwan around rice overproduction, lack of grain for fodder, and water shortages.
\r\n
\r\n■ Subsidies for product traceability as well as eco-friendly and organic farming: Reward organic and eco-friendly farming practices and subsidize agricultural products certified for traceability, thereby ensuring sustainable agricultural operations.
\r\n
\r\n■ Rice income insurance, starting from 2022: Guarantee rice farmers’ revenue, encourage higher rice quality and lower rice farmers’ dependence on public rice stock purchases.
The technological progress and widespread use of the internet have given rise to new forms of activity involving illegal use of personal images that cause serious harm to people's privacy, security and personal dignity. Starting from the perspective of victims' needs, the government is responding with amendments to four laws tackling sexual violence crimes—the Criminal Code of the Republic of China, Crime Victim Protection Act, Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act, and Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act. These amendments add a chapter dedicated to expanded protections, increase criminal liability, provide relevant assistance to victims, and enact related complementary measures to build a comprehensive protective network that more effectively prevents gender-based violence crimes.
\r\n
\r\nThree strategies to build a protective network
\r\n
\r\n■ Deter offenders before crimes occur: Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Republic of China clearly outline the scope of criminal activity and criminal liability by providing a legal definition for sexual images and adding a chapter dedicated to crimes involving fabricated sexual images and offenses against privacy. Amendments to the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act impose heavier penalties on those who illegally record, manufacture or disseminate sexual images of children and youth.
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\r\n■ Protect victims after crimes occur: Amendments to the Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act and the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act establish mechanisms to remove webpage content and confiscate tools or equipment used to record or produce sexual images after a crime was committed, thereby reducing secondary victimization. Amendments to the Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act and the Crime Victim Protection Act enact measures to protect and assist victims by providing protection orders, litigation assistance, referrals to psychological counseling, and identity confidentiality.
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\r\n■ Stop repeat offenders: Amendments to the Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act stipulate that in addition to being assessed criminal penalties, offenders must undergo special treatment—physical and psychological rehabilitation, counseling, education or probation—as well as supervisory measures including reporting to and registering with police agencies, and receiving visits from officers. This will improve the implementation and enforcement of community-based monitoring of offenders.
In recent years, Taiwan has experienced a growing shortage in mid-level skilled labor, while our neighboring countries have been competing to recruit and retain outstanding skilled talent from abroad. To address this situation, the Executive Yuan on February 17 approved a program for long-term retention of migrant workers. This program—while still ensuring job opportunities for Taiwanese workers—enables migrant workers and foreign and overseas compatriot students in Taiwan who meet the program’s qualifications to be employed as “intermediate skilled manpower” with no maximum limitation on work years. The policy aims to keep outstanding and experienced foreign skilled talent in Taiwan, supplementing the workforce needed in the shortest time possible while at the same time demonstrating Taiwan’s friendliness and goodwill to the outside world.
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\r\nKey points
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\r\n■ Permit designation as intermediate skilled workers in Taiwan: Migrants who have worked in Taiwan for at least six years, as well as foreign and overseas compatriot students who have earned an associate’s degree level or above in Taiwan, can apply through their employers if they meet the appropriate salary or skill requirements to become intermediate skilled manpower and stay long-term. The program permits the workers and graduates to be employed in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, marine fishing, as caregivers in long-term care homes, as live-in caregivers and in other designated national key industries.
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\r\n■ Allow applications for permanent residency: Experienced migrant workers and foreign and overseas compatriot graduates who have been employed as intermediate skilled manpower for at least five years and satisfy relevant provisions of the Immigration Act can apply for permanent residency if their monthly gross salary is at least two times the minimum wage or if they acquire a Level B professional technician certificate.
On March 25, 2011, Taiwan passed a total ban on all imports of food products from Japan’s Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma and Chiba prefectures in response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster caused March 11, 2011 by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. On February 21, 2022, Taiwan modified its import controls on Japanese food to reflect current realities, based upon the three principles of returning to scientific evidence, adopting inspection measures stricter than international standards and ensuring food safety. Instead of a blanket ban on certain regions, the new policy places restrictions on certain higher-risk products. The establishment of a comprehensive food safety management system guarantees no danger of radioactivity from imported food. This policy will rigorously safeguard the health of the Taiwanese people, while also bringing Taiwan’s standards in line with global food safety practices.
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\r\nThree measures for safe import of Japanese foods
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\r\n■ Import ban on certain items: Imports remain banned for products with distribution restrictions within Japan, as well as for wild animal meat, mushrooms and “koshiabura” vegetables from Fukushima and the four nearby prefectures.
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\r\n■ Double certification of at-risk items: Certificates for both place of origin and radiation inspection must be provided for: food products from Fukushima and the four nearby prefectures that are not banned by the previous measure; mushrooms (Miyagi, Iwate, Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures); aquatic products (Miyagi and Iwate prefectures); tea (Shizuoka prefecture); and dairy products and baby food products (Miyagi, Saitama and Tokyo prefectures).
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\r\n■ Border inspections for radiation: Radiation inspections are conducted on each batch of food products from Fukushima and the four nearby prefectures. Inspections are also carried out with frequency adjusted according to risk level for nine categories of Japanese products—fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen fruits and vegetables, fresh aquatic products, frozen aquatic products, dairy products, baby food products, mineral water or drinking water, seaweed products and tea—in addition to random sampling inspections of other food products.
Taiwan provides a wide variety of high-quality agricultural products that are enjoyed greatly by consumers both at home and abroad. In 2021, the government began to promote an agricultural product cold chain and quality assurance demonstration program (2021-2024) in order to reduce spoilage of agricultural products, raise farmers’ incomes, and bring transformative development to Taiwan’s agricultural industries. In January 2022, the proposed total investment for the program was increased from NT$8.4 billion (US$302 million) to NT$12.6 billion (US$453 million) to expedite the completion of infrastructure related to the nationwide agricultural product cold chain logistics system by the end of 2023. This system will help extend shelf life freshness, reduce waste, increase salability, raise the flexibility of production and marketing, expand export volume and further ensure food safety.
\r\n
\r\nKey points
\r\nExpedite construction of flagship logistics centers and regional distribution centers, upgrade cold chain equipment at large wholesale markets, and assist agricultural enterprises and farmers groups with the construction of cold chain storage and transportation facilities at production sites and the installation of temperature-controlled facilities at vendor stalls.
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\r\n■ Farming industries: Establish flagship logistics centers focused on exports, and regional distribution centers focused on domestic markets. Upgrade equipment at steam treatment and low-temperature quarantine sites to boost the competitive strength of exports.
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\r\n■ Fishing industries: Build primary and regional facilities at production sites for processing and freezing. Build cold chain logistics systems connecting markets with regional distribution centers to strengthen the industry supply chain, thereby boosting the overall vitality of the industry.
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\r\n■ Livestock industries: Establish livestock and poultry product cold chain logistics systems, including flagship and regional distribution centers for meat processing. Develop a modernized, export-oriented meat product supply chain, with hazard analysis and critical control points for inspection at meat processing plants. Assist agricultural enterprises and farmers groups to upgrade facilities for butchering, processing and cold chain distribution.
In January of 2019 the government began promoting Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan: the Action Plan for Welcoming Overseas Taiwanese Businesses to Return to Invest in Taiwan, the Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by Domestic Corporations, and the Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by SMEs. The original programs (2019-2021) attracted 1,144 companies to invest over NT$1.6 trillion (US$57.1 billion) in Taiwan, creating more than 128,000 job opportunities. These programs successfully brought overseas Taiwanese businesses and overseas investment capital back to Taiwan and spurred the upgrading and transformation of domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), thus driving overall domestic economic development.
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\r\nTo maintain private sector investment momentum and encourage companies to use smart technologies to upgrade and transform operations, the Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan have been extended through the end of 2024, adding NT$430 billion (US$15.5 billion) in new loans and adjusting the interest rate subsidy period from five years to three. Participating companies will also be required to propose carbon emission reduction plans by using green energy or installing renewable energy equipment. Over the next three years, the extended programs should drive NT$900 billion (US$32.5 billion) in investments and create around 40,000 domestic job opportunities.
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\r\nAdjustments to the three initiatives
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\r\nCompanies impacted by the U.S.-China trade war have been deleted from the list of program targets, and companies that cooperate with the government’s policy goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 by gradually reducing carbon emissions have been added. Other eligibility requirements remain the same as in the original programs. (Please see: Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan)
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To lure back overseas capital for investment in Taiwan and speed the transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as push forward the nation's overall economic growth, the government in January 2019 began introducing a package of three major action plans: the Action Plan for Welcoming Overseas Taiwanese Businesses to Return to Invest in Taiwan, Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by Domestic Corporations, and Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by SMEs. The three programs make available land, water and electricity to quality Taiwanese businesses, together with customized single-window treatment and specialized tax services. The government also covers the expense of bank service fees and encourages banks to provide necessary capital to promote investment. As of the end of 2021, the programs attracted 1,144 companies to invest over NT$1.6 trillion (US$57.1 billion) in Taiwan, creating more than 128,000 job opportunities.
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\r\nThree initiatives
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\r\n■ Action Plan for Welcoming Overseas Taiwanese Businesses to Return to Invest in Taiwan
\r\n◆Targets: This program is aimed at Taiwanese companies that have been operating in China for at least two years and have been hit by the U.S.-China trade war, and whose manufacturing production lines require smart components or systems.
\r\n◆Eligibility: A company meeting any of the following conditions qualifies for assistance: The enterprise is engaged in at least one of the “five plus two” innovative industries, is a manufacturer of high-value-added products and key components, occupies an important position in the global supply chain, sells in international markets under its own brand, or fulfills a major national industrial policy.
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\r\n■ Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by Domestic Corporations
\r\n◆Targets: This program assists non-SMEs that have not qualified for the Action Plan for Welcoming Overseas Taiwanese Businesses to Return to Invest in Taiwan.
\r\n◆Eligibility: For companies in the manufacturing sector, qualifying businesses must meet the same eligibility requirements as the Action Plan for Welcoming Overseas Taiwanese Businesses to Return to Invest in Taiwan, and have production lines that require smart components or systems. In the services sector, qualifying businesses must provide services that require intelligent processes, and must have investments supporting a major national industrial policy.
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\r\n■ Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by SMEs
\r\n◆Targets: This initiative targets SMEs not covered under the Action Plan for Welcoming Overseas Taiwanese Businesses to Return to Invest in Taiwan.
\r\n◆Eligibility: Companies must meet the same eligibility requirements as for Action Plan for Accelerated Investment by Domestic Corporations.
To take advantage of the lucrative business opportunities brought on by the booming growth of 5G technology, the Executive Yuan in 2019 approved a Taiwan 5G action plan (2019-2022) designed to develop 5G value-added telecommunications and vertical application services. Under that plan, the production value of Taiwan’s network communications industry chain is expected to exceed NT$1.2 trillion (US$43.1 billion) in 2021, making it one of the country’s leading industries. From 2021 through 2025, the government will further invest NT$49 billion (US$1.8 billion) under the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program to help the industry accelerate and expand efforts to promote setting up 5G infrastructure across the country, and will amend regulations to encourage businesses to invest in 5G technology. By playing to Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductors and the information and communications technology industries, the government hopes to use 5G capabilities to boost the development of the information and digital industries sector and continue expanding Taiwan’s position in core global supply chains.
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\r\nFour strategies
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\r\n■ Encourage industrial upgrading and transformation: Guide businesses in Taiwan’s 5G industrial chain to invest in R&D for cutting-edge communication technologies critical to 5G, such as mobile phone chips and semiconductor manufacturing processes. Help different industries incorporate 5G technology, which has already yielded promising results in medical institutions, manufacturing factories, petrochemical plants and other industrial fields.
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\r\n■ Promote advanced 5G demonstrations: This includes creating Taiwan’s largest innovative 5G R&D test site in the Asia’s New Bay Area in Kaohsiung, encouraging businesses to participate in field trials, and building an innovative 5G applications environment (including the required budget, regulations, test sites and personnel), to nurture more innovative 5G vertical applications.
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\r\n■ Increase international connections: Continue expanding international collaborations. Create an open 5G network testing platform to give Taiwanese factories a domestic equipment interoperability testing environment that meets international standards and requirements. This testing environment will be able to work with international testing standards and move Taiwanese factories into the international 5G supply chain faster.
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\r\n■ Cultivate 5G industry personnel: Bring in talent to tackle industry challenges. Encourage companies to propose challenging topics encountered during the R&D process for commercial 5G products, and then engage juniors, seniors and graduate students recommended by participating colleges and universities as interns to work on those topics.
In order to better preserve and revitalize the nation’s cultural assets and pass them on to future generations, the government made significant changes to the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act in 2016 and enacted the Cultural Fundamental Act in 2019. The nation’s cultural asset preservation thus shifted from the previous approach of restoring single buildings or sites on a case-by-case basis to preserving and developing them on a more comprehensive level. The new approach will enable a better public governance system by strengthening the preservation of state-owned cultural assets, restoring and rejuvenating the cultural ecology, and raising public awareness about cultural asset preservation. These efforts will allow Taiwan to pass on the beauty of its cultural assets—tangible or intangible—to generations to come.
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\r\nMain points
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\r\n■ Tangible cultural assets: Designate and register nine types of tangible assets: monuments, historic buildings, commemorative buildings, groups of buildings, archaeological sites, historical sites, cultural landscapes, antiquities, natural landscapes and natural monuments. Take preventive measures to protect against disasters by establishing zone-based mechanisms to protect monuments and historic buildings and amending laws to increase the size and scope of penalties for man-made destruction of cultural assets. Promote scientific preservation work by establishing micro-weather stations that monitor the environment, creating 3D models of nationally designated cultural assets, and cultivating preservation and restoration personnel. Promote the Regeneration of Historic Sites projects, which will reintegrate historical cultural memories with contemporary life, inject new life into cultural assets, and develop cultural characteristics unique to each region.
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\r\n■ Intangible cultural assets: Promote the registration of five types of intangible assets—traditional performing arts, traditional craftsmanship, folklore, oral traditions, and traditional knowledge and practices—and the accreditation of preservationists. Establish a talent cultivation mechanism to promote the teaching and transference of important traditional skills, or help accomplished young artists in returning to traditional cultural venues to perform. Establish a training base for traditional restoration personnel to continue developing and passing on their skills to future generations.
Taiwan currently has 374 public health centers established in all 368 towns, cities and districts across the nation. They have long stood on the front lines of public health and preventative care, embedded in local communities and serving as the closest primary health care facilities for residents.
\r\n\r\nAs society has changed, with Taiwan gradually becoming a super-aged society, the responsibilities of public health centers have become increasingly complex. In addition to the traditional prevention and treatment of communicable diseases, providing health care for women and children, and administering inoculations, the scope of work has expanded in recent years to include elder health care, long-term care and the social safety net. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the work has expanded further to include community contact tracing, testing and screening, and vaccination administration, all of which have put added stress on health centers and their personnel.
\r\n\r\nTo enhance the service capabilities of public health centers, and address issues of aging buildings and rural health care needs, the government has introduced four major strategies for upgrading the public health service system. These strategies aim to allow for more reasonable and efficient use of basic health care resources, gradually transforming public health centers into “community health care management centers” that can ultimately provide “localized care.”
\r\n\r\nFour major upgrade strategies
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\r\n■ Provide localized health care services: Allow local governments to provide more localized medical care services by increasing the allocation of medical personnel in accordance with medical resources, population characteristics, and medical service needs of their respective jurisdictions.
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\r\n■ Increase flexibility in medical personnel hiring: Allow cities and counties to flexibly use and hire more medical staff in accordance with the medical care service needs of community residents.
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\r\n■ Renovate public health center hardware and buildings: Subsidize nearly NT$2.4 billion (US$86.2 million) between 2017 and 2025 to help public health centers renovate long-term care and social welfare office buildings, undertake seismic retrofitting, attend to repairs, reconstruct buildings, and establish new hardware environments and facilities. These efforts will allow the public to enjoy a more thoughtful, safe and friendly care environment.
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\r\n■ Make rural telemedicine more convenient: In addition to expanding the telemedicine model and offering it to more people, since 2021 all public health centers in indigenous communities and offshore islands have been more vigorously promoting telemedicine clinics, combining digital technologies and the health care industry to bring health care right to the heart of indigenous communities and offshore islands.
I. Background
\r\nTaiwan in recent years has been facing rising competition for foreign talent along with a brain drain of domestic professionals. To fill the talent and technology gap for industries, the government enacted the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals on February 8, 2018 to ease visa, work, and residency regulations for overseas professionals who wish to come to Taiwan. The act also offered improved insurance, taxation and retirement benefits in order to create a friendlier work and living environment.
In October 2021, the government promulgated amendments to this act to boost Taiwan’s ability to recruit and retain international talent. In addition to supporting the nation’s “five plus two” innovative industries and the Six Core Strategic Industries, the changes are designed to meet urgent demands for talent and prepare for the effects of a repositioned post-pandemic global supply chain on the flow of international talent. Provisions include further easing work and residency regulations for foreign professionals and offering more tax incentives and social protections, all with the aim of allowing more foreign talent to come to and stay in Taiwan.
\r\n\r\nA. Recruitment targets
\r\n\r\n1. Foreign professionals: A foreign professional is engaged in specialized work. Examples include:
\r\n ■ A specialized or technical worker; an executive at a business invested in by foreigners or overseas Taiwanese; a school teacher; a sports coach or athlete; a religious worker; a professional artist or performer; or a teacher at a short-term cram school class
\r\n■ An advisor or researcher at an academic or research institution, or a researcher or lecturer at a public or private university
\r\n■ An experimental education worker as defined by the three experimental education laws (i.e., Enforcement Act for Non-school-based Experimental Education at Senior High School Level or Below, Enforcement Act for School-based Experimental Education, and Act Governing the Commissioning of the Operation of Public Schools at Senior High School Level or Below to the Private Sector for Experimental Education)
\r\n■ A foreign subject teacher employed to teach special classes for children of foreign professionals
2. Foreign special professionals: A foreign special professional must meet certain requirements and possess expertise of the type needed by Taiwan. Examples include:
\r\n■ A senior executive or director at a multinational firm, operational headquarters or R&D branch in Taiwan
\r\n■ An academician at a national science academy, or a national academy-level scholar
\r\n■ A person of outstanding talent who has worked in a focal industry promoted by the government
\r\n■ An international award-winning professional whose employment serves the interests of Taiwan
3. Foreign senior professionals: A foreign senior professional must possess high-level expertise of the type needed by Taiwan in accordance with the Immigration Act. Examples include:
\r\n■ An individual having distinctive talent in scientific and technological R&D or managerial work at a special technology center or scientific and technological institute
\r\n■ An individual possessing unique capabilities in science, research, industry, commerce or teaching that enable the person to make exceptional contributions to Taiwan’s economy, industry, education or welfare
\r\n■ An individual who has earned top awards or honors at prestigious international competitions
B. Highlights of the act
\r\n\r\n1. Work, visa and residency requirements relaxed
\r\n■ Visas for job seekers: Employment-seeking visas are designed for foreign nationals who wish to engage in professional employment in Taiwan but may require a longer time period to find an appropriate position. The visa allows for a total stay of up to six months.
\r\n■ Employment Gold Cards: A foreign special professional planning to engage in professional work in Taiwan may apply to the National Immigration Agency for a four-in-one Employment Gold Card (personal work permit), which functions as a work permit, resident visa, alien resident certificate and reentry permit. The card, valid for one to three years, may be extended before expiry, and the card holder may apply for two residency extensions of six months each.
\r\n■ Personal work permits for freelance artists: A foreign artist may apply directly to the Ministry of Labor for permission to work in Taiwan.
\r\n■ Exemption from applying for work permits: Foreign professionals and their dependent relatives need not apply for work permits once they have gained permanent residency.
\r\n■ Foreign teachers possessing specialized knowledge or skills permitted to work at cram schools: Cram school employers may hire foreign teachers with specialized knowledge or skills for short-term courses in subjects other than language, such as in digital game development, computer animation or motion sensing technology.
\r\n■ Special classes for children of foreign professionals permitted to employ foreigners as subject teachers: In addition to experimental high school bilingual departments or bilingual schools, Ministry of Education-approved special classes for children of foreign professionals may also employ foreigners to teach math, chemistry and other subjects.
\r\n■ Graduates of top universities worldwide do not require two years' work experience to come to work in Taiwan : This measure is designed to attract high-caliber expectant graduates to take up specialized or technical work in Taiwan, infusing fresh water into the talent pool.
\r\n■ Work permit duration increased: The maximum duration of a work permit for a foreign special professional has been increased from three years to five years, and a further extension may be granted upon expiry.
\r\n■ Exemption from applying for resident visa: A foreign professional or foreign special professional who enters Taiwan visa-free or on a visitor visa may apply directly for a residency permit, simplifying application procedures for working in Taiwan.
\r\n■ Permanent residency requirements eased: The required presence in Taiwan for foreign professionals applying for permanent residency has been changed from 183 days per year to an average of 183 days per year. The required period of presence for foreign special professionals applying for permanent residency has been shortened to three years. The required presence for foreign professionals and foreign special professionals applying for permanent residency may be reduced by one to two years if they have obtained a master’s or doctoral degree in Taiwan.
2. Rules relaxed for dependent relatives
\r\n■ Where a foreign special professional has obtained permanent residency, his or her dependent relatives, after having resided in Taiwan lawfully and continuously for three years, may apply for permanent residency without having to provide proof of financial ability. (For foreign professionals with permanent residency, his or her dependent relatives may apply for permanent residency after having resided in Taiwan continuously for five years.)
\r\n■ Dependent relatives of foreign senior professionals may apply for permanent residency together with the professional.
\r\n■ Adult children of certain types of foreign professionals—namely, foreign professionals engaged in professional work in Taiwan, freelance artists not hired by an employer, foreign special professionals and foreign senior professionals—who meet specific residency conditions may apply for personal work permits.
\r\n■ Lineal ascendants of foreign special professionals (including Employment Gold Card holders not hired as employees but who have come to Taiwan to start businesses or set up companies) may apply for visitor visas for stays of up to one year.
\r\n■ Dependent relatives of naturalized Taiwan citizens may use some provisions of the foreign professionals recruitment act (including visitor visas for lineal ascendants, permanent residency, and personal work permits). This is intended to provide more incentives for bright talent to stay in Taiwan.
3. Tax incentives and social protections optimized
\r\n■ Stronger retirement protection: A foreign national (including freelance artists not hired by an employer and foreign special professionals) approved for permanent residency may be covered under Taiwan’s new labor pension system. A foreign national employed as a full-time teacher within the headcount budget of a public school in Taiwan, or as a researcher at research institutes such as Academia Sinica, and who is approved for permanent residency, may receive a monthly pension in retirement.
\r\n■ Looser restrictions on national health insurance: Foreign specialists employed to work in Taiwan, foreign special and senior professionals who are employers or self-employed business owners, together with their dependent relatives, may receive national health insurance coverage without having to wait six months.
\r\n■ Tax benefits: Foreign special professionals coming to Taiwan for the first time will be exempt from taxation on half of any salary income in excess of NT$3 million (US$99,000) for their first five years of employment in Taiwan, up from three years previously.
Taiwan enjoys a popular reputation as the kingdom of bicycles. Thanks to government coordination of resources, the nation now boasts nearly 7,900 kilometers of bike paths, with both usage and network density on the rise. This has fostered the fashion among local cyclers for round-island tours, and helped create a flourishing domestic market for bike sales and rentals.
\r\n\r\nThe government is promoting a plan spanning 2020 to 2024 to upgrade the round-island network and integrate a diverse array of pathways, along with associated soft and hard infrastructure. The goal is to improve the overall safety, accessibility and user-friendliness of the pathway network, bridge gaps to connect local bike paths to provide a safer, more comfortable cycling environment, and develop 16 diverse cycling routes to drive the development of the local tourism industry.
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\r\nStrategies for building a bike-friendly environment
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\r\n■ Create internationally oriented cycling routes and unique travel experiences: Create a series of cycling events combining Taiwan’s unique landscapes and features, and provide certification for completing challenges. Expand bicycling tourism information services while connecting bike paths to railway and bus transport options.
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\r\n■ Develop in-depth local travel experiences for cyclists: Map and promote 16 different types of local touring routes. Combine cycling itineraries with accommodations and improve the biking environment in urban areas.
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\r\n■ Optimize, integrate, and improve the round-island bike network and connecting routes: Improve pavement quality on Cycling Route No. 1 and various branch and connecting routes. Add higher guardrails at sharp turns and dangerous slopes with limited visibility to ensure safety for cyclists.
To expand applications of the artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) and improve the startup investment environment, the government rolled out the Asia Silicon Valley Development Plan 2.0 (2021-2024) based on the achievements of the original Asia Silicon Valley Development Plan. By accelerating the evolution of industries through AIoT and driving the future of industry through innovation and entrepreneurialism, Asia Silicon Valley 2.0 will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) and other key technologies of the digital economy to expand the scope of internet-of-things (IoT) applications, encourage export of AIoT solutions, and accelerate the growth and exit of startup businesses.
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\r\nStrategies and objectives
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\r\n■ Expand AIoT tech applications: Accelerate R&D of key AIoT technologies, promote the domestic development of an open 5G network, strengthen 5G and AI digital tech applications, and encourage interdisciplinary cooperation on smart city applications.
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\r\n■ Improve the startup development environment: Expand investment and financing to accelerate startup growth, encourage overseas talent to come work in Taiwan, devise multiple startup exit strategies to create a positive cycle, and promote the Startup Island TAIWAN brand to open up business opportunities.
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\r\n■ Consolidate systems export capabilities: Deepen relationships with international IoT partners, create a world-class Asia Silicon Valley innovative cluster, and promote the export of AIoT solutions to markets abroad.
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\r\n■ Five objectives: Cultivate three world-class systems integration companies. Raise Taiwan’s share of the global IoT market (by production value) to 5 percent by 2025. Export 20 AIoT solutions to other countries. Use diverse strategies to enable the exit of 40 startup companies. Facilitate the success of 200 startup businesses.
On May 19, 2021, Taiwan raised the national COVID alert to Level 3. Tightened epidemic prevention restrictions hit many domestic demand-oriented industries. A second round of amendments to the Special Act for Prevention, Relief and Revitalization Measures for Severe Pneumonia with Novel Pathogens were subsequently promulgated on May 31, which boosted the special budget cap for the COVID-19 response to NT$840 billion (US$30.3 billion). Taiwan's COVID-19 relief special budget was increased a third time in June by NT$259.5 billion (US$9.4 billion) to fund a “relief package 4.0” aimed at minimizing the impact on people and businesses. Now that the domestic transmission of the disease has been brought under stable control, the government has initiated a fourth increase to the special budget, adding NT$160 billion (US$5.8 billion) to fund “quintuple stimulus vouchers,” which will help encourage spending and boost domestic demand.
\r\n
\r\nKey measures of the relief package 4.0
\r\n
\r\n■ Accelerating relief for individuals: In addition to administering aid in accordance with last year’s standards, a subsidy is available for families with students enrolled in elementary school and below, as well as disabled students in junior and senior high school and the first three years of five-year junior colleges. Living allowances are also going out to children, young people, the elderly and the disabled in low to middle-low income households. Excluding those above a certain income, agricultural and fisheries workers, the self-employed, and workers without fixed employers also receive living allowances.
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\r\nAlso eligible for payments are workers without labor insurance, casual and part-time employees, full-time employees whose wages were impacted between May and July, workers aged 65 or older, and middle-aged to elderly workers who collect social insurance pension payments, small shopkeepers, self-employed and freelance art and culture workers, taxi and tour bus drivers, tour guides and tour group leaders, foreign permanent residents, short-term course instructors, and hourly workers.
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\r\n■ Strengthening support for industry: Depending on circumstances, one-time operating subsidies and one-time employee payments are available to new target industries including commercial services, tourism, transportation, driving instruction, educational enterprises, the sports industry and affected personnel, arts and culture businesses, and care services. As for social welfare organizations, transportation businesses and bus companies that received money last year, additional assistance may be available this year as conditions dictate.
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\r\nFurthermore, subsidies to help cover basic operating costs for airport commercial services and facilities companies have been raised to 40 percent. Passenger rental car businesses are eligible for new one-year subsidies to cover disease prevention materials for short-term rental cars, while subsidies for the tour industry covering the cancellation of tour group trips have been extended. A flexible approach to the classification of startup enterprises for relief purposes has also been adopted, among other measures.
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\r\n■ Increasing the amount of bank loans available: COVID relief loans are administered through a number of programs, including worker relief loans, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) relief loans (including health care and educational business), state-owned bank relief loans, agricultural relief loans, and central bank SME relief loans. Under relief 4.0, the amount of loans available has been raised by another NT$800 billion (US$28.6 billion) for a total of NT$4.25 trillion (US$151.8 billion) since the first wave of loans began going out. Preferential interest rates for policy borrowing are also available.
\r\n
\r\nRelief financing assistance for startups has been newly expanded, and individual and groups that borrow to establish cram schools, after-school care centers, and preschools are eligible for new interest rate subsidies.
\r\n
\r\n■ Reducing burdens: These measures aim to lighten the load for the general public. On the power front, summer electricity rates were suspended for residential customers in June, and only were applied to electricity usage after the first 1,000 kilowatt-hours of use in July. Summer rates were completely waived for disadvantaged care groups, vocational craft centers for the mentally handicapped, social welfare organizations, nursing centers and households equipped to care for physically handicapped family members. Service businesses and agricultural customers also received discounts based on reductions in revenue. Tenants in state-owned enterprise residential units and on non-public-use, state-owned land have been granted 20 percent rent reductions until June 2022. Finally, natural gas rates for passenger rental car businesses have been cut by half from July through September.
\r\n
\r\nQuintuple stimulus vouchers
\r\n
\r\n■ Each eligible individual can receive NT$5,000 (US$180) worth of vouchers in digital or paper form. To incentivize the use of the digital vouchers, more options are on offer for registering and pooling the voucher money to credit card accounts and using e-payment tools. Subsidies will also be available for small businesses to purchase electronic payment systems, and special QR codes will be designed for businesses to identify users of digital vouchers. Government ministries will also be rolling out their own eight additional types of vouchers. These measures will make the overall scheme accessible, easy to use and beneficial for the economy.
The Executive Yuan approved a new program to strengthen Taiwan’s social safety net on February 26, 2018. Set to run through 2020, the three-year family-centric program calls for cooperation among multiple agencies and organizations to strengthen social services links, control and eliminate the risk factors that underlie social decay, and provide a secure environment for future generations free from the threat of violence. To expand the reach and coverage of the social safety net, the government in 2021 launched a second phase of the program (2021-2025) that, aside from the assorted projects of the first phase, will add five major tasks to the work at hand. These efforts aim to weave a tighter social safety net and provide prompt, effective and appropriate services, all of which will help ease the burden on the people and reduce social problems.
\r\n
\r\nFour social safety strategies
\r\n
\r\n◆ Establish a widely distributed network of social welfare service centers, and integrate social services with welfare programs: Social welfare service centers are being established throughout the nation. These centers administer measures aimed at pulling people out of poverty. Also being implemented are community-based care and services for children and young people from disadvantaged households.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Integrate sexual and domestic violence response services with assistance for high-risk households: All incident reports are funneled to a centralized response management center, which has access to the latest, multi-sourced updates and information about at-risk households. Emergencies receive an immediate response, while less urgent cases are handled according to risk potential and required resources. Incidents of child abuse are handled through a professional assessment mechanism.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Combine suicide-prevention services with psychiatric care for offenders: Individualized services combining mental health care for offenders with psychiatric disorders or suicidal intentions are being enhanced. Extensive resources for community services together with counseling and treatment for sexual and domestic violence perpetrators are aimed at improving community oversight and reducing recidivism. The rollout of more effective prevention efforts also seek to lessen the risk of suicide.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Integrate the service resources of multiple ministries and agencies: Education authorities are creating a three-tiered counseling system for students, as well as connecting schools to outside resources, while labor officials provide employment assistance to disadvantaged groups. Law enforcement carries out crime-prevention measures and meets regularly with those more likely to engage in criminal behavior.
\r\n
\r\nFive major tasks of phase 2
\r\n
\r\n◆ Establish community mental health centers and cooperative-model service stations for people with mental disorders. Strengthen psychiatric health community systems and community support services.
\r\n◆ Establish forensic psychiatric wards and hospitals, and strengthen forensic psychiatric medical services.
\r\n◆ Strengthen collaborative services across systems, across professional fields, and between public and private sectors.
\r\n◆ Establish more social services and integrated child protection and medical centers, and continue to optimize medical resources and services.
\r\n◆ Create more senior staff positions, strengthen career development, promote manpower advancement, and encourage long-term commitments to professional positions.
To demonstrate Taiwan’s eco-friendly “green power” policy in a post-pandemic world, the government in 2020 began promoting the “green lifestyle” concept built on the five pillars of green eating, green travel, green consumerism, green homes and green offices. Using local products while conserving resources and protecting the environment, the government is taking the lead and helping the public embrace a green lifestyle—from the home to the work environment—where energy conservation and carbon reduction is a real part of everyday life. Taiwan is now creating a win-win situation for both the environment and the economy by building an environmentally friendly lifestyle attitude and promoting development of local and green industries.
\r\n
\r\nMain points of the policy
\r\n
\r\n■ Green eating
\r\nChange food and beverage habits and behaviors, such as ordering only the amount to be consumed; taking leftovers home to reduce kitchen waste; favoring local and natural ingredients that are in season; consuming more fruits, vegetables and whole foods; and bringing one’s own utensils. These habits will help conserve food resources and reduce waste.
\r\n
\r\n■ Green travel
\r\nEncourage the public to choose environmentally friendly options when traveling, such as bringing one’s own water bottle and toiletries, not replacing bedding or towels if staying multiple nights, and taking mass transportation. By planning eco-friendly and low-carbon itineraries, travelers can lower the burden on the environment, protect natural landscapes, and enjoy the local, green travel experience.
\r\n
\r\n■ Green consumerism
\r\nConsume in moderation, reduce materials at the source, bring one’s own shopping bag, choose green products that have a lower impact on the environment, reduce use of plastics and chemicals, save energy resources throughout the product-use cycle, extend the life of products, and recycle waste products.
\r\n
\r\n■ Green homes
\r\nCultivate an eco-friendly home environment by adjusting lifestyle habits, such as by using natural lighting, ventilation and environmentally friendly home products; cleaning and “greening” the environment, sorting and recycling trash; conserving water and electricity; and replacing aging appliances and two-stroke motorcycles.
\r\n
\r\n■ Green offices
\r\nIn the work environment, conserve energy and resources (water, electricity, fuel and paper), hold meetings via videoconferencing, control indoor air conditioning temperatures, limit energy use on equipment, reduce use of elevators, cut back on disposable tableware and single-use packaged drinking water, sort trash and reuse resources, conduct green procurement, beautify the environment with greenery, encourage employees to take mass transportation on business trips, choose green venues for events, and implement environmental conservation work in the office.
On April 30, 2021 the government promulgated the Labor Occupational Accident Insurance and Protection Act dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of workers at risk of occupational hazards as well as their families. Combining the occupational hazard insurance from the Labor Insurance Act with related provisions from the Act for Protecting Worker of Occupational Accidents, this new act adopts stronger occupational hazard prevention mechanisms and provides greater assistance to help rehabilitate and return injured workers to the workplace. The new act will be implemented from May 1, 2022.
\r\n
\r\nMain points of the act
\r\n
\r\n■ Broaden scope of coverage: Coverage is compulsory for all workers employed by registered business entities, and must begin on the worker’s first day on the job. For other laborers, compulsory, voluntary or special insurance is provided depending on the type of employment.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enhance overall protections: To provide workers at risk of occupational hazards and their families with more adequate payment protection, the government has increased insured salaries and enhanced various benefits such as by expanding medical benefits and adding partial disability annuities. In addition, the government has increased allowances and subsidies, such as subsidies for insured persons who are unable to care for themselves during their hospitalization period, or are disabled in an accident, to hire caregivers.
\r\n
\r\n■ Integrate occupational hazard prevention and rehabilitation efforts: An occupational hazard prevention and rehabilitation center will be established. Preventive actions will be implemented at the front end to reduce workplace accidents, and when accidents do occur, the government will take active rehabilitation measures to help workers get back on the job. This will provide workers comprehensive protection ranging from accident prevention to compensation and rehabilitation.
Taiwan is a global heavyweight in the semiconductor industry, ranked first in global wafer production and chip packaging and testing, and second in silicon wafer output. To seize opportunities presented by the reordering of global supply chains in the post-COVID era, the government is bringing together the continued research and development of advanced technologies, equipment and materials for high-end semiconductors. Ranging from inward out at the industry, national and international levels, the efforts seek to advance Taiwan’s semiconductors in such areas as production, talent, technology and resources. The objectives are to consolidate Taiwan’s international strategic position and further expand upon the nation’s existing advantages in the information and communications technology market.
\r\n
\r\nThree-level strategy
\r\n
\r\n■ Industry: Increase competitive advantages in wafer production. Efforts include—toward the 2030 goal of 1-nanometer process capability—continuing to strengthen links and interconnections among Taiwan’s “silicon valley” science parks located in Hsinchu and central and southern Taiwan, and ensuring that this semiconductor industry cluster remains a technology leader.
\r\n
\r\n■ National: Bring industry and academia together to establish semiconductor research and development centers, and set up research institutes within universities for national priority fields. Increase graduate and undergraduate enrollment in national priority fields (e.g., semiconductors, artificial intelligence, machinery and materials). Recruit overseas talent through international exchanges facilitated by semiconductor industry and academic associations. These efforts are anticipated to yield 10,000 additional semiconductor professionals per year and will ensure a sufficient supply of quality talent for the semiconductor industry.
\r\n
\r\n■ International: Ensure access to strategic resources and key technologies to eliminate supply chain concerns. For equipment, this includes stockpiling in advance niche equipment for 12-inch wafer production, and moving toward the development of third-generation compound semiconductors. For materials, the primary focus is self-sufficiency in key chemicals and building a strategic local supply chain.
As part of the overall “five plus two” innovative industries policy, in 2017 the government announced the New Agriculture Innovation Promotion Program in response to the challenges of global climate change, liberalization of international trade, shortage and aging of the agricultural labor force, structural inflexibility of the agriculture industry, as well as the public’s growing awareness of food safety, consumer protection and environmental sustainability.
\r\n\r\nSince its inception, the program has yielded a string of positive results. To continue responding and adapting effectively to internal and external environmental changes, the government is building on this successful foundation to promote New Agriculture Innovation Promotion Program 2.0 (2021-2024). Focusing efforts on increasing benefits, building foundations, ensuring food safety and upgrading infrastructure, the new program seeks to safeguard farmer rights and interests, and protect the agricultural business environment in a manner that increases farmer incomes and provides consumers with safe agricultural products. These efforts will promote the sustainable development of the agricultural industry, agricultural workers and farming villages.
\r\n
\r\n Focus of the program
\r\n
\r\n■ Increase benefits: Improve farmers’ health insurance, promote agricultural workers occupational hazards insurance, promote comprehensive crop insurance, and set up a farmer pension and savings system.
\r\n
\r\n■ Build foundations: Protect and manage agricultural land resources, enhance policies for rice production, train new agricultural workers, and resolve worker shortages in the industry.
\r\n
\r\n■ Ensure food safety: Cease vaccination of pigs for foot-and-mouth disease, keep African swine fever out of Taiwan, expand organic farming and food traceability, instruct schools to use traceable and certified ingredients in student lunches, and require purchasers of pesticides to leave their contact information to better manage the flow of pesticides.
\r\n
\r\n■ Upgrade infrastructure: Establish an agricultural products cold chain system, modernize and upgrade the hog farming industry, strengthen infrastructure for the fisheries industry, and promote smart agriculture.
In response to the international trend toward green finance, Taiwan’s government in 2017 began implementing the Green Finance Action Plan, covering such areas as credit, investment, fundraising in capital markets, training and talent development, data transparency, and the robust growth of green financial products and services. The objective is to transform Taiwan into a green, low-carbon economy boasting green investment along with green consumption and lifestyles.
\r\n\r\nIn keeping step with the latest trends, Taiwan in August 2020 announced the Green Finance Action Plan 2.0, which puts further measures in place to enhance the transparency and quality of disclosures by listed companies, and establish taxonomy regulations for sustainable finance in Taiwan. By leveraging the influence of the financial markets, the government hopes to encourage corporations to devote greater priority to environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns and create a virtuous cycle where investments and industries drive sustainable development.
\r\n
\r\nMajor points of plan 2.0
\r\n
\r\n■ Encourage financial institutions to finance and invest in areas of sustainable development: Encourage financial institutions to expand efforts from simply financing and investing in green energy to financing and investing in other green industries, promoting sustainable development projects, and creating innovative sustainability financial products and services.
\r\n
\r\n■ Create a sustainability trading board: Establish a comprehensive sustainability bond market mechanism. Create a trading board for this sustainable development bond market—including green bonds, social responsibility bonds, and sustainability bonds—which can support corporate investment projects that tangibly improve and benefit the environment and society.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve ESG disclosure content and quality: Require listed companies and financial institutions to disclose climate and ESG-related information on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. Also require financial institutions above a certain size to publish CSR reports. An expanded range of businesses will be required to obtain third-party verification for CSR reports.
\r\n
\r\n■ Study the scope of sustainable finance: Establish “Taiwan taxonomy regulations” as reference for financial companies when choosing investment projects and for corporations undergoing carbon reduction transformation.
\r\n
\r\n■ Establish and strengthen integration platforms for ESG information: Set up integration platforms to provide markets with sustainable finance data, create a database for industry to promote sustainable development, and improve green energy information websites to connect businesses and investors.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen financial institutions’ management of climate change risks: Incorporate climate change risk management into audit and supervision policies, and promote risk management measures.
The government launched demonstration programs for urban-rural scenic beautification in 1999 to balance urban and rural development and help local communities improve surrounding scenery and landscapes. These programs were incorporated under public infrastructure programs in 2001 and have been actively implemented across Taiwan. The past 20 years have seen five phases of the medium-to-long term programs (lasting four years each), with each locale developing its own distinct character and storyline that contributed to a diverse blend of unique regional cultures. Urban and rural scenery and landscapes across the nation have grown more beautiful over time as a result.
\r\n
For the new phase of the urban-rural scenic beautification and environmental revitalization program (2021-2026), the government will invest NT$6 billion (US$210.2 million) into four strategies: conduct systems integration, expand participation, promote dialogue, and establish standards and regulations. The strategies will assist rural communities in the improvement of spatial environments while helping local industries revitalize and add value to businesses. As cities, towns, villages and communities build up more individual character and charm, these efforts will draw more young people back to their hometowns and transform Taiwan into a nation of sustainable and resilient cities and towns.
\r\n
\r\nImplementation methods and focus of rebuilding
\r\n
\r\n■ Implementation methods: Government agencies will pool resources for interdisciplinary cooperation, while smaller towns and villages will compete for distinction and encourage participation by young people. These methods will connect local businesses, landscapes, lifestyles and ecosystems to create unique brands for each locale.
\r\n
\r\n■ Focus of rebuilding: The program will improve parks and green spaces, create ecological waterfront environments, reconstruct landscapes of major sites, restore and utilize idle property, beautify and revitalize environmental spaces, and help communities develop their own environs. The goal of these six measures is to build a new homeland marked by culture, greenery and aesthetics.
\r\n
\r\n■ Three phases of community rebuilding: The first phase is an initial project to make preliminary landscape improvements to the more dilapidated sites, while adding more greenery to distinctive sites or buildings. The second is a more advanced project to collaborate with local residents, civil groups, or colleges and universities on community rebuilding. The third phase will combine local revitalization with efforts to attract young people, by promoting projects that station participants in rural areas; this will draw more young Taiwanese back home to start businesses and help rejuvenate local communities.
Taiwan's economy is highly dependent on foreign trade. To become a key player in the restructuring of the global supply chain, it must forge closer relations with other world economies, especially the largest of all, the United States. In consideration of Taiwan's trade interests and overall strategic economic development, President Tsai Ing-wen announced August 28, 2020 that Taiwan will permit imports of U.S. pork containing ractopamine and U.S. beef from cattle over 30 months old. The president also ordered that a complementary set of measures be in place before the January 1 implementation to safeguard the nation's health while protecting the incomes of hog farmers. Of key importance was the establishment of feed additive residue limits based on scientific evidence and international standards.
\r\n\r\nThis crucial move to resolve years of indecision over U.S. pork and beef imports is expected to deepen Taiwan-U.S. trade relations and bolster Taiwan's case for joining regional trade blocs like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Taiwan will also have opportunities for closer trade relations with other countries and to expand its international space for economic and trade growth.
\r\n
\r\nComplementary measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Ensure food safety:
\r\nFive specific management protocols have been adopted to guarantee food safety. Pork processors in the U.S. that have not previously exported to Taiwan must first undergo onsite inspection by Taiwan officials before being eligible. Additionally, imports of pork products are now subject to shipment-by-shipment inspection at the border. Pork product manufacturers must clearly indicate the origin of pork used in a manner easily distinguishable by the public, while importers must provide country-of-origin labelling and import origin statements to facilitate food traceability. Finally, enhanced inspections will be conducted and overseen on a special-case basis.
Maximum residue limits of ractopamine in pork have now been established, and a ban placed on imports of high-risk beef parts including skulls, brains and eyes.
\r\n
\r\n■ Boosting domestic hog farming competitiveness:
\r\nAs part of an overall plan to transform and upgrade Taiwan’s domestic pork farming industry, the government will invest nearly NT$13 billion (US$460 million) in an industry fund over the next four years. The plan specifies multiple advisory strategies aimed at minimizing the impact to hog farming incomes and enhancing the sustainable competitiveness of the nation’s pork producers. These include stabilizing sales and earnings for hog farmers, subsidizing premiums for compulsory animal mortality insurance, strategically expanding Taiwan pork exports, promoting slaughterhouse modernization and upgrading cold-chain transport, and providing pig farms guidance on the update and upgrade of facilities. Pork product traceability, safety testing and case-by-case inspection will also be strengthened, and diversified, integrated marketing strategies for pork and pork product producers adopted.
Cultural memory represents the people’s collective memory of ways of life passed down through the long arc of history. To help preserve these memories, the government inaugurated the Taiwan Cultural Memory Bank in September 2017 to accelerate the release of cultural resources for public use and encourage people to participate in the preservation of local knowledge and memories. Using systematic and thematic mechanisms, the memory bank accumulates and promotes a wealth of cultural materials native to Taiwan. The bank’s website (https://memory.culture.tw) was officially launched for full public access on October 17, 2020, allowing individuals and cooperating organizations to contribute materials and stories or serve as online exhibit curators. This bottom-up approach encourages the public to play an active role in the construction of the nation’s cultural memory bank and pass on the vitality of Taiwan’s cultural assets to future generations.
\r\n\r\nFour features
\r\n\r\n■ A platform co-constructed from the cultural memory of ordinary people: The memory bank gathers, from various museums, special archives and local memory materials centered on Taiwan. Also collected are local historic records that span from prehistoric to modern times, from the classics to ordinary works across all locales, towns, communities and villages, and from groups of different backgrounds.
\r\n\r\n■ Smart application systems integrated with temporal and spatial information: The bank has developed smart functionalities that allow for searching materials and displaying results by time or location. As a digital museum, the website’s “read stories” and “view exhibits” functions display a wealth of information organized by theme.
\r\n\r\n■ Internationally recognized Creative Commons (CC) licenses: The CC licenses allow for open access to and derivative use of materials, helping to facilitate the circulation and access of cultural content.
\r\n\r\n■ Collective authoring through a bottom-up approach: In addition to bringing importance to ordinary experiences scattered among the people, the memory bank improves the preservation of folk memories, provides creative writing functions, and allows people to share their unique memories independently.
\r\n", "上版日期": "110-02-09", "更新日期": "113-07-04", "發布日期": "110-02-24", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/44F74FEEEE21DA7E", "相關連結": "/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/e1333a2c-62db-4f32-b226-296aa5573c2f,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/ea31305d-8633-4d6b-b561-dfb4587eb493" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/09d1d995-fe7f-45b8-89ee-6a42d279a280", "標題": "COVID relief and stimulus for industry", "內容": "Following the emergence of the novel coronavirus in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019, Taiwan quickly established the Central Epidemic Command Center on January 20, 2020 to coordinate disease prevention and response measures at the national level. As the virus spread, it dealt heavy blows to many industries and businesses in its path. Taiwan's government responded quickly with a three-pronged plan of disease prevention, industrial relief and economic stimulus: Disease prevention includes strict border controls together with local prevention and mitigation strategies. For industries and businesses hit by the outbreak, the government has rolled out relief programs—regardless of industry—with the aims of distributing benefits equally, achieving immediate results, strengthening industrial foundations, and accelerating public works projects.
\r\n\r\nTaiwan also promulgated the Special Act for Prevention, Relief and Revitalization Measures for Severe Pneumonia with Novel Pathogens on February 25, 2020, authorizing an initial special budget of NT$60 billion (US$2 billion). This special budget was expanded by NT$150 billion (US$5.1 billion) via amendment of the act on April 21. As the pandemic grew worse and global economic growth weakened further, Taiwan increased the budget again by an additional NT$209.947 billion (NT$7.1 billion) in October. Covering everyone from families and disadvantaged groups to companies and industries, the package provides such support as individual tax breaks and household expense subsidies, as well as relief, stimulus and tax cuts for businesses and industry. Also included are a full range of preparatory measures targeting epidemic control and amelioration, from follow-on prevention and treatment to the purchase and development of vaccines.
\r\n
\r\nThree types of relief
\r\n
\r\n■ Financial aid: An allowance has been established to provide guarantees on up to NT$750 billion (US$26.4 billion) in financing for businesses, medical organizations, educational institutions and workers facing COVID-19 disruptions. For similarly affected small and medium-sized enterprises, interest subsidies are available for existing loan repayment extensions, borrowing to cover salaries and rent, and loans to fund stimulus-driven capital expenditures and cash-flow requirements.
\r\n
\r\n■ Employment assistance: To help employees, subsidies are available to supplement salaries for furloughed or short-time workers and to encourage them to undergo training while on leave. Workers who lose jobs during the outbreak will receive the usual unemployment payments, and companies hiring these workers will receive compensation. As for employers, government assistance will go mainly toward stabilizing employment relations. Priority assistance will be given to affected SMEs and high-risk manufacturers for health and safety-focused facility and equipment upgrades during the pandemic. Subsidies have also been expanded to encourage companies to promote a healthier work-life balance for employees.
■ Tax breaks: For hard-hit small proprietorships exempt from revenue reporting, tax authorities are lowering assessed sales and taxes, and full tax exemptions may be granted as appropriate. Assistance in applying for refunds of overpaid business taxes is also provided. Profit-seeking enterprises that lose business income due to COVID-19 can deduct the losses from taxable income, and deadlines have been eased to allow for temporary postponements and instalment payments. Tax breaks will be given to employers who pay employees during time off due to the coronavirus. Taxpayers receiving government-provided subsidies and allowances may exclude such assistance from taxable income.
\r\n
\r\nStimulus initiatives for industry
\r\n
\r\n■ Industries serving domestic demand: Numerous stimulus measures have been introduced to encourage consumer spending and revitalize businesses that cater to domestic demand. These include “triple stimulus” vouchers covering a wide range of general goods and services, "Arts FUN Go" vouchers to boost arts and culture spending, coupons aimed at sports and fitness-related purchases, agritourism e-tickets, and Hakka E-coupons to spur purchases in designated Hakka communities. The government also initiated subsidies to expo and tourism enterprises.
\r\n
\r\n■ Manufacturing industry: On-demand technical guidance and solutions assistance for companies facing pressing technical bottlenecks are available, while traditional industries and small and medium-sized enterprises can seek subsidies to support innovative research and development. For affected workers, there is dedicated vocational training designed to revamp skillsets and stabilize employment as the economy upgrades and transforms. Digital technologies are also being applied to improve marketing, expand sales and raise the international prominence of Taiwan’s domestic manufacturers.
\r\n
\r\n■ Additional stimulus: The government’s promotion of three major investment incentive programs aimed at overseas and domestically based Taiwanese companies has succeeded in attracting over NT$1.1 trillion (US$38.7 billion) to investment projects in Taiwan. Public works projects have also been accelerated. Finally, responding to growing demand from businesses setting up in countries targeted by the New Southbound Policy, Taiwan is enhancing cooperation and coordination with these nations to speed the relocation of industry.
The government promulgated the Special Act for Prevention, Relief and Revitalization Measures for Severe Pneumonia with Novel Pathogens on February 25, 2020 as the legal foundation for implementing coronavirus prevention measures and funding a relief package. The package, intended to stabilize the domestic economy and protect livelihoods, provides assistance to industries, companies, health care businesses, and individuals whose operations or incomes are adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
\r\n\r\nOn April 21, 2020 the special act was amended to increase the relief budget from the original NT$60 billion (US$2 billion) to NT$210 billion (US$7.1 billion). Six months later, this special budget was increased by an additional NT$209.947 billion (US$7.1 billion). Aside from industrial aid, the package provides assistance for affected individuals in the form of direct cash disbursements and other subsidies. Members of the public may dial the “1988” hotline to inquire about the full range of relief and stimulus programs.
\r\n
\r\nIndividual assistance measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Personal loan relief: Individuals may defer payments on principal or interest due on credit card statements or other personal loans for three to six months, without incurring penalties, revolving (late) interest fees, or credit damage. Certain interest rates have also been lowered: From April 1 to September 30, 2020, for instance, all state-owned banks have cut interest on home mortgages under NT$10 million (US$338,000) by 0.5 percentage point.
\r\n
\r\n■ Employment assistance: Subsidies are available to supplement salaries for furloughed or short-time workers and to encourage them to undergo training while on leave; hourly wage work opportunities in the public sector are also offered. Workers who involuntarily lose their jobs are eligible for unemployment benefits and free job training. Children of unemployed workers may receive education subsidies at regular or vocational high schools, colleges and universities. For base-level workers, subsidies are provided to laborers who are self-employed or do not have a fixed employer; “worker relief loans” are also available.
\r\n
\r\n■Tax assistance: The government offers a range of tax assistance measures: The deadline for filing and payment of 2019 income taxes has been extended by one month. If a vehicle is not in use, the vehicle license tax will not be levied for that period of time. Taxpayers receiving government-provided COVID-19 subsidies and allowances may exclude such assistance from taxable income. Lease payments on state-owned properties can be reduced or deferred.
\r\n
\r\n■ Other measures: For those who qualify, the government will issue additional subsidies to disadvantaged seniors, children, youth, and people with disabilities. Cash assistance payments have been expanded to cover fishery and agricultural workers, and workers not covered by military, civil service, teachers, labor or farmers insurance schemes.
On December 10, 2020 the Executive Yuan introduced a plan to promote the Six Core Strategic Industries, set out by President Tsai Ing-wen in her May 20 inaugural address as information and digital technology, cybersecurity, medical technology and precision health, green and renewable energy, national defense and strategic industries, and strategic stockpile industries. The endeavor is aimed at taking early advantage of global supply chain transformations in the post-pandemic era to position Taiwan as a key power in the world economy. By building upon the existing foundation of the "five plus two" innovative industries plan through timely deployment of resources and support for industry, the initiative will lay a solid groundwork for future decades of national economic development.
\r\n
\r\nKey components
\r\n
\r\n■ Digital and information technology industry: Maintain the supremacy of Taiwan’s information and communications technology industry while building the nation into global focal point of digital innovation able to contribute to world prosperity and security.
\r\n
\r\n■ Cybersecurity industry: Strengthen emerging-area defenses and build real-world simulations for high-level cybersecurity exercises. Construct globally trusted cybersecurity systems and industrial chains.
\r\n
\r\n■ Medical technology and precision health industry: Develop precision medical technologies and systems for prevention, diagnosis, therapies, treatment and care. Bring to market precision epidemic prevention products and set Taiwan as a benchmark nation in precision health and epidemic control technologies.
\r\n
\r\n■ National defense and strategic industries: Promote self-reliance in national defense. Assemble a wholly developed defense industry supply chain, and position Taiwan as an important supplier in the global aviation, ship-building and space industrial ecosystems.
\r\n
\r\n■ Green and renewable energy industry: Establish Taiwan as a standard for green energy through measures including setting up industrial parks and R&D centers for green energy and renewables, forming a “national team” for offshore wind power, and linking into the Asia-Pacific wind power industrial chain.
\r\n
\r\n■ Strategic stockpile industries: Build up strategic stockpile industries capable of guaranteeing the provision of key materials. Ensure supply stability and security in the five principle areas of energy independence, basic foodstuffs, daily necessities, medical provisions, and disaster response materials, including sand and cement. Maintain firm control over the supply of the raw materials and inputs critical to important industries, such as semiconductor materials and equipment, and batteries powering electric vehicles.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improved environment built on commonly beneficial fundamentals: Recruit and cultivate bilingual professionals and digital talent, improve the basic legal environment, and provide responsive financial support for the development of the Six Core Strategic Industries.
As governments the world over promote digital services, Taiwan, for its part, is working to boost its digital competitiveness. As part of the Digital Nation and Innovative Economic Development Program (2017-2025), Taiwan in 2017 launched a service-oriented smart government program (2017-2020) that has already yielded demonstrable results in the development of interdisciplinary and comprehensive one-stop services and the creation of diverse collaborative environments. In 2021, the government will roll out a second iteration of the service-oriented smart government program (2021-2025), which aims to improve smart governance capabilities through the use of open data, encourage the development of diverse applications by the private sector, and promote the creation of a data economy. The program will strengthen all aspects of smart governance with the objective of meeting the needs of the people.
\r\n\r\nKey components of the program
\r\n\r\n■ Improve interagency services: Strengthen digital services for everyday uses, simplify application submissions and procedures for the public, and enhance user experiences and services through smart applications. Employ emerging technologies to bolster public trust in the government, and make use of different types of personal identification technologies. Create interagency services available completely online, and utilize data to provide services customized to the individual.
\r\n\r\n■ Expedite the release of open data: Establish principles concerning requests and authorizations for usage of government data, and the collection of fees thereof. Make data available for public searches, and provide guidance mechanisms. Release more high-value data collections, institute procedures for data reuse, and enable data exchanges across domains. Assign priority to promoting databases relating to common services such as mass transportation and financial products.
\r\n\r\n■ Promote evidence-based decision making: For the purpose of solving problems commonly confronted by citizens, use data analytics in the identification of decision-making gaps, policy implementation bottlenecks, and the focus of public opinion. Use analysis models and algorithms on data linked across agencies and operations to provide the government with assistance in decision-making processes and formulation of governance actions.
\r\n", "上版日期": "110-01-05", "更新日期": "113-07-04", "發布日期": "110-01-15", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/5B58FDA6C1B8B077", "相關連結": "Page/61BF20C3E89B856/7311f7d4-536c-41c2-b5b7-1f53e742f26c,Page/61BF20C3E89B856/a0626197-60ff-4f5d-87d6-e3cbe6c3867f,Page/61BF20C3E89B856/052f00f4-b01e-4339-9122-97a8f2bf9f1b,Page/61BF20C3E89B856/aa209a26-5dd2-46e1-8436-0feabafb54d6,Page/61BF20C3E89B856/e8820754-49ed-4870-ae00-a2bf891dc75d" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/ba095457-eb32-440b-a3bf-3db774b8ce14", "標題": "Strategies for cultivation and recruitment of key talent", "內容": "In the age of globalization and the knowledge economy, having people with key knowledge and technical skills is central to Taiwan’s competitiveness. The nation is now seeing a large inflow of investments from overseas Taiwanese businesses thanks to the realignment of global supply chains, Taiwan’s success in suppressing COVID-19 this year, as well as three major programs introduced in early 2019 to boost investment in Taiwan. If Taiwan wishes to play an essential role in the post-COVID global economy, however, it must also create a pool of high-caliber human resources to draw from.
\r\n\r\nFor these reasons, the government is aggressively promoting three strategies for cultivating and recruiting key talent: nurturing domestic digital talent, recruiting key international talent, and expanding bilingual skills along with international perspectives. These strategies will be achieved by improving the environment and regulatory framework to attract foreign talent, and by promoting international exchanges, industrial-academic collaboration, and the bilingual Taiwan policy, all of which will train and recruit more bilingual and digital talent from home and abroad. The objective is to transform Taiwan into a major hub for outstanding talent, and utilize human resources as the driver of industrial growth and Taiwan’s competitiveness.
\r\n\r\nThree major strategies
\r\n\r\n■ Cultivate local digital talent: Expand training capabilities at higher-education institutions by increasing the number of openings for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) majors and hiring more instructors. Encourage colleges and universities to offer microdegree programs on interdisciplinary digital technology. Promote collaborative training programs between industries and universities. Encourage businesses to work with government in supporting the establishment of research schools specializing in semiconductors and other fields important to the nation. Implement training programs for high-level personnel in designated industries.
\r\n\r\n■ Recruit key international talent: Expand recruitment programs for high-level academic and scientific research personnel. Push for amendments to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. Expand recruitment of high-achieving students from abroad. Ease restrictions on foreign university graduates coming to Taiwan for work.
\r\n\r\n■ Expand bilingual skills and international perspectives: Encourage colleges to conduct courses in English as part of the bilingual Taiwan policy. Step up recruitment of instructors and researchers from English-speaking countries. Nurture English-speaking professionals in semiconductors, economics, trade, finance and other fields. Strengthen international exchanges of people.
\r\n", "上版日期": "109-12-23", "更新日期": "113-07-04", "發布日期": "110-01-05", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/97F2ACA019295993", "相關連結": "https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=A0030295,Page/61BF20C3E89B856/fea8ce50-a8dd-4881-a0e8-6238a51a2b5a,Page/61BF20C3E89B856/c12b6ae2-41c8-4eb5-aef1-4ef3cb3aa9ce,Page/61BF20C3E89B856/f2a70623-538a-4a39-910a-19772fe6e02f,Page/61BF20C3E89B856/a8e42033-e1b4-4f20-a492-d57b8f32ae90" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/2e752915-7149-48e0-ae33-06fcb2e33bc3", "標題": "Biomedical Industry Innovation Program: Building Taiwan into a world-class center of innovative biomedical research and development", "內容": "In 2017 the government launched the Biomedical Industry Innovation Program to push forward the development of Taiwan’s biomedical industry and advance the health and welfare of the nation’s citizens. Dedicated efforts under the program have already brought results. The biomedical industry’s overall revenues continue to grow, and progress has been made in such areas as fostering talent, encouraging startups, building innovation clusters and compiling databases.
\r\n\r\nWith the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic this year, Taiwan has won international recognition for containing the disease. The nation has demonstrated solid biomedical capabilities, with the industry contributing many years of accumulated experience to the manufacture of testing reagents and the development of therapeutics and vaccine candidates. Future work will focus on precision health, building on existing foundations toward a health care vision for all ages—encompassing health maintenance, disease prevention, diagnostics, therapeutics and long-term care—as Taiwan forges a future as a world-class center of innovative biomedical research and development, and a global leader in precision health.
\r\n
\r\nEfforts are being directed into four action plans to create links locally, globally and to the future.
\r\n
\r\nAction on four fronts
\r\n
\r\n■ Establishing a comprehensive ecosystem: Taiwan is creating the necessary fundamental environment by building up talent, capital, intellectual property, laws and regulations, resources, and research focus. With the nation's entry into the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use in June 2018, Taiwan is better able to align its drug regulations with international norms and take part in the development of pharmaceutical regulations, all of which will boost medical standards and promote growth of the industry in Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\n■ Integrating innovation clusters: Biomedicine research and innovation clusters are being linked into a continuous belt extending from hubs centered on the National Biotechnology Research Park and Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park in the north to the minimally invasive surgical devices cluster in central Taiwan and the medical equipment industrial cluster in Taiwan’s south.
\r\n
\r\n■ Connecting to global markets: Taiwan is using its unique strengths to pursue mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances. Acquisition funds and syndicated loans will finance the purchase of high-potential, international small and medium-sized enterprises, including pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical device makers, distributors and operations services providers, to help domestic firms expand into global markets.
■ Promoting key specialty industries: The development of niche and precision medicine, international-level specialty care clusters, and the health and wellness industry is ongoing. Taiwan's participation in the U.S. National Cancer Institute's Cancer Moonshot program is a good example of such efforts, which promote the sharing of advances among nations and provide a shortcut for Taiwan into the global medical research and development supply chain.
\r\n", "上版日期": "109-10-28", "更新日期": "113-07-04", "發布日期": "107-04-27", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/FD7803AB12E3F83", "相關連結": "/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/933750a1-146a-463d-a35d-1bb985884f93,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/43eff2c1-57ab-48ad-ab66-244b42558d48,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/efa8b94d-641d-4151-af89-63de1699ec22,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/5c751593-8bf7-4311-9898-68d741e18ed5,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/cc1ac175-3d01-4ddb-b60a-2ae05f2c6c11" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/9eb84701-f7b0-4864-9bd0-f916b54569b4", "標題": "Financial cybersecurity action plan", "內容": "According to the Global Risks Report 2020 published by the World Economic Forum, cybersecurity will be one of the top risks threatening the world over the coming decade. To prepare against this hazard, the government has launched a financial cybersecurity action plan that will lay the groundwork for Taiwan’s financial cybersecurity. This includes increasing cybersecurity monitoring by competent authorities, bolstering information security management by financial institutions, enhancing the resiliency of cybersecurity operations at financial institutions, and building collaborative defense capabilities. The four-year action plan will be rolled out in stages with the aim of boosting the cybersecurity defenses of Taiwan’s financial sector and providing consumers with safe, convenient and uninterrupted service.
\r\n
\r\nHighlights of the action plan
\r\n
\r\n■ Foster a culture of cybersecurity at financial institutions: Financial institutions and internet-only banks of a certain scale should appoint a chief information security officer at the deputy general manager level. These institutions are also encouraged to select board members or consultants with information security backgrounds or establish cybersecurity advisory taskforces.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enhance cyber defenses for new technologies: The action plan recommends that industry associations amend or expand self-governing guidelines to include cybersecurity risk evaluations for mobile apps, cloud services, open banking, open APIs (application programming interfaces) and electronic identification. This will allow financial institutions to use new technologies to provide innovative and secure services.
\r\n
\r\n■ Provide systematic training for financial cybersecurity specialists: Efforts include offering financial cybersecurity training programs and working with tech companies to add more instructors and courses, as well as cultivating multidisciplinary professionals through industrial-academic and cross-sectoral collaboration. Financial cybersecurity specialists are also encouraged to obtain international certification or licenses.
\r\n
\r\n■ Ramp up intelligence sharing and international cooperation: Aside from diversifying the sources of cybersecurity intelligence, the financial sector will introduce smart intelligence analysis methods, using artificial intelligence and big data analytics to improve efficiency and capabilities. The sector will also expand cooperation and exchanges with international cybersecurity organizations and join defenses against international hackers.
\r\n
\r\n■ Establish a resource-sharing cybersecurity response mechanism: A sector-wide cybersecurity response mechanism will be established using shared resources from individual financial institutions, financial holding groups, industry associations and the Financial Information Sharing and Analysis Center (F-ISAC).
\r\n
\r\n■ Create a collaborative system for monitoring financial cybersecurity operations: Financial institutions are urged to set up their own security operation centers (SOCs). The F-ISAC, with government guidance, is also forming a collaborative SOC and establishing standard operating procedures for cybersecurity monitoring.
\r\n
\r\n■ Implement international standards: Financial institutions are urged to implement international cybersecurity management standards as well as international business continuity management standards. Attainment of certification related to these standards is also encouraged.
\r\n
\r\n■ Assemble a recovery and response operation mechanism: The government will guide industry associations in establishing guidelines for operational resilience, including disaster response operations and demonstration of recovery capabilities. These guidelines will serve as reference for businesses to follow.
In response to rapidly shifting capital markets, Taiwan has seen added impetus to further refine domestic corporate governance and capitalize on the growing global attentiveness to environmentally and socially responsible corporate behavior. The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) has therefore chosen 2021 to initiate its Corporate Governance 3.0 plan, a three-year roadmap that lays out five principal action plans and 39 specific measures to prompt the widespread adoption of good governance and strengthen sustainable development. The plan also aims to drive positive developments and interactions among investors and other stakeholders, create more fully the conditions conducive to the sustainable development of environmentally and socially responsible governance, and ultimately boost the global competitiveness of Taiwan’s capital markets.
\r\n\r\nFive principal action plans
\r\n
\r\n■ Strengthen the dynamics and functions of boards of directors: Companies seeking an initial public offering, as well as listed firms with paid-in capital of at least NT$10 billion (US$344.6 million) and all listed companies in the financial and insurance industries, will be required beginning in 2024 to reserve at least a third of board seats for independent board members. In addition, no more than half of independent board members may serve beyond three consecutive terms.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve information transparency: The requirement to produce and file a sustainability report will be extended to listed firms with paid-in capital of at least NT$2 billion (US$68.9 million), to underscore the importance of environmental and social responsibility to corporate governance. Listed companies will also be required to publicize pre-audited financial results annually with the goal of improving transparency and timeliness.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enhance communication with interested parties: The daily maximum number of listed firms permitted to hold regular shareholder meetings will be incrementally lowered to 90 from the current limit and then to 80 companies in order to guarantee the proper exercise of shareholder rights.
\r\n
\r\n■ Encourage investor stewardship: Principles will be established to encourage proxy advisory firms to improve the quality of their shareholder voting recommendations, which will facilitate the participation of investors in corporate governance at listed companies.
\r\n
\r\n■ Lay deeper foundations for a self-perpetuating culture of sustainable corporate governance: Plans call for the Taipei Exchange to set up a “sustainability board” to promote sustainability bonds, green bonds, socially responsible lending instruments, and other products related to sustainable development.
Launched in 2017 and scheduled to run through the end of 2020, the first phase of the New Generation Anti-drug Strategy has already succeeded in making counter-drug efforts more effective and checking the spread of new designer drugs. Taking advantage of this momentum, the government has budgeted about NT$15 billion (US$514.6 million) to fund the New Generation Anti-drug Strategy 2.0, a follow-on four-year effort to begin next year aimed at decisively curtailing the harms caused by illicit narcotics.
\r\n\r\nThe strategy calls for comprehensive tactics uniting resources across multiple agencies, localities and disciplines to cut the flows of drugs, criminals and money, as well as strengthen investigations into the source of drugs in schools and coordinate with recidivism prevention mechanisms. These forceful, concerted efforts will help achieve the threefold objective of tracing drugs to the source, bringing appropriate justice to offenders, and freezing the movement of illicit funds.
\r\n
\r\nFour central initiatives
\r\n
\r\n■ Expanded investigations and enhanced enforcement: Greater transnational cooperation in drug investigation will stop shipments of illicit substances at Taiwan’s border. Within the country, a focus on aggressive crackdowns, dragnets, and operations to cut supplies, suppress designer drugs and keep narcotics out of schools is a top priority. Planned changes to laws and regulations, meanwhile, will authorize narcotics agents to employ a broader range of technology in their work.
\r\n
\r\n■ Border screening and testing capabilities: Authorities are sharing drug intelligence and enhancing customs risk management and control, as well as stepping up rapid screening at the border to stop the fraudulent import and illegal diversion of precursor chemicals. Drug testing capabilities and capacity are also being improved to better detect drug use.
\r\n
\r\n■ Addiction treatment and sobriety support: Addiction treatment and recovery therapy for people who use drugs will be made more widely available to help speed their reintegration into society, and patients will have greater access to methadone replacement therapy. More addiction specialists and therapy providers will also be trained, while job placement services will aim to boost employment among those with a history of drug use.
\r\n
\r\n■ Student education and campus action: The strategy calls for an all-out effort to raise sensitivity to the harms and dangers of illicit substances and make sure every student has the know-how and skills to reject experimentation and use. The percentage of actionable intelligence arising from campus cases and the completion rate of individual counseling programs in schools are also targeted to rise.
The Smart Machinery Development Program is an important component of the government's "five plus two" innovative industries plan. Initiated in July 2016, the program envisions utilizing such Industry 4.0 technologies as cloud computing, big data, the internet of things and smart robots to upgrade the focus of Taiwan's machinery industry from precision machinery to smart machinery. This revolution will not only create jobs, but also boost exports of smart production lines and turnkey solutions. Taiwan will emerge as a high-end manufacturing center for the Asia region. As industries throughout the economy accelerate the adoption of smart technologies, Taiwan will witness a transformational upgrade of the overall industrial landscape.
\r\n
\r\nTwo visions
\r\n
\r\n◆ Industrialization of smart machinery
\r\n
\r\n◆ Industry adoption of smart machines
\r\n
\r\nThree strategies
\r\n
\r\n◆ Connect locally
\r\n1. Create a center for smart machinery in Taiwan.
\r\n2. Integrate the expertise and skills of industry, academia, and researchers.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Connect to the future
\r\n1. Enhance the abilities of small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt digital technologies.
\r\n2. Support benchmark enterprises in fully developing smart tech capabilities to serve as models for businesses in all industries.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Connect to the world
\r\n1. Enhance technical cooperation with Europe, Japan and America.
\r\n2. Promote industrial cooperation with countries targeted by the New Southbound Policy.
Increasing application of emerging technologies such as 5G telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analysis can make transportation networks more responsive to people's needs. Responding to this trend, the government is promoting the second stage of its intelligent transportation systems development program, to run from 2021 to 2024. The plan aims to upgrade transport services and create new business opportunities for the transportation industry, with the combined goals of establishing transport data technology and services, and developing digital infrastructure for the national core transportation network.
\r\n\r\nTesting facilities are being built for innovative transportation technology that will incorporate integrated cross-platform transport vehicles together with AI applications for transportation. The program also envisions smart transportation helping to bridge the urban-rural transport gap and ameliorate disparities facing disadvantaged groups.
\r\n
\r\nKey strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Create transportation data services for the coming 5G era: Provide foundational big data infrastructure for such resources as the Transport Data eXchange and transport-relevant oceanographic and meteorological data. Integrate and make accessible disparate data sources for value-added use by all sectors in preparation for Taiwan's future 5G information environment.
\r\n
\r\n■ Build digital infrastructure for the core transportation network: Pair existing technology with new AI applications and 5G networks to lay a foundation for digital infrastructure and make transportation management and control systems "smarter," including increasing coverage of data collection to help lower the number of transport mishaps and improve overall transit safety and efficiency.
\r\n
\r\n■ Engineer an environment of everyday transportation mobility services: Build out and expand shared transportation platforms that will serve the public through a transport-as-a-service model, with the goal of raising utilization rates, reducing travel times and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
\r\n
\r\n■ Develop sustainable transport services for happier lives: Consolidate local transportation resources to develop tech-assisted ride-sharing and carpooling services that will meet the needs of riders such as students, elderly patients, and residents of remote communities.
\r\n
\r\n■ Match step with the world in developing intelligent transport technology and applications: Promote demonstration facilities for novel applications and services like internet-enabled smart scooter safety systems and self-driving vehicles. Pursue innovation and experimental programs aimed at preparing for the future of transportation by introducing cutting-edge technology today.
Entrepreneurs as a group have trended younger in recent years because young adults today have an innovative spirit combined with greater enthusiasm and motivation. Starting a new business is extremely challenging, nonetheless, particularly with fundraising in the early stages. To encourage young people to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, the government offers a wide range of programs and measures providing effective and practical assistance. These initiatives include a youth entrepreneurship and seed capital loan program, which makes available business loans and preferential interest rates for those facing difficulties securing early-stage funding; the National Development Fund’s Business Angel Investment Program, which provides working capital for startup operations in the early stages; and a “young entrepreneur dreams program,” which offers support at every stage from fundraising to marketing and product development, giving young people more opportunities to turn their ideas and creativity into reality.
\r\n
\r\nThree strategies for the young entrepreneur dreams program
\r\n
\r\n■ Generous funding: The government has allocated NT$60 billion (US$2 billion) in youth entrepreneurship funding to help startups obtain working capital. The National Development Fund will also gradually expand the budget for the Business Angel Investment Program to meet the actual needs of domestic startup companies.
■ Extensive services: The Taiwan Start-up Hub operates a free business advice hotline, and works with local governments and young entrepreneurial groups to organize business consultation tours. Incubator programs for young entrepreneurs have been set up across the nation to create local startup support networks. The country’s largest entrepreneurial information platform (https://startup.sme.gov.tw) has been created to provide information on opening up businesses in Taiwan.
\r\n\r\n■ Innovation clusters: Innovation clusters have been established in different regions to boost technological capabilities. The Startup Terrace industrial park in northern Taiwan—focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), 5G technology, smart medicine and big data analytics—has hooked up with nearby hospitals, marketplaces and industrial supply chains to form an extensive test field for entrepreneurial exchange, professional customized services, and innovative products and services. The Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City in Tainan, meanwhile, connects with industrial, academic and research resources at local industry parks and the Southern Taiwan Science Park to form a demonstration and testing site for self-driving vehicles and green energy technologies. The science city also attracts world-class accelerators as well as smart tech, AI and IoT startups to fuel the growth of the green energy sector and create an ecosystem for innovative green energy industries.
\r\n", "上版日期": "109-08-06", "更新日期": "113-07-05", "發布日期": "109-08-21", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/D57460AC489969E2", "相關連結": "/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/2b332460-387b-4bb3-b579-a3a99fa47a0b,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/84efa80d-60f8-441a-9b90-9d25b1409831,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/0d3685c9-4cce-494a-92c4-ffd2cb826859,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/f33bba7b-96b3-48f4-82b8-8b597873c195,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/b627696e-7fcf-4ceb-a89e-a53db3878807,/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/4b2f8d48-29dc-435e-922b-1b8584270e55,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/3ced3add-73ae-4028-ab66-59a052e6fecd" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/9dae2894-3f10-41f1-9c4d-06dca8196b90", "標題": "Taiwan’s action plan for display technologies and applications", "內容": "Taiwan has long held an edge in display technology, and the sector is an economic powerhouse, with an annual output value of NT$1.4 trillion (US$47.3 billion) in 2019, second only to that of the nation’s semiconductor industry. Production of large screens and mid- and small-sized panels for televisions and automotive displays is the second-highest in the world.
\r\n\r\nTo take full advantage of the nearly limitless opportunity presented by internet-connected devices and application services, and position display technologies and related applications as the engine for Taiwan’s next wave of economic growth, the government has released an action plan for display technologies and applications covering the years 2020 to 2024. This plan will funnel investment of NT$17.7 billion (US$598.4 million) over five years into applications for smart retailing, smart transportation, smart medicine and smart entertainment. This will move the sector beyond mere displays toward the 2030 vision of a smart-tech lifestyle incorporating emerging display technologies and applications, thereby keeping Taiwan’s advanced tech industry at the global forefront.
\r\n
\r\nThree essentials
\r\n
\r\n■ Encourage demonstration applications and field testing: Drive domestic demand by building demonstration sites for exemplary solutions incorporating domestic products. Assist businesses strengthen overseas marketing capabilities, and burnish the Taiwan brand. Expand “makerspaces” and related facilities to foster startup companies and boost the nation’s own ability to innovate display technologies. Build Taiwan into the world’s top supplier of display technology products and solutions by 2030.
\r\n
\r\n■ Develop new capabilities for smart technology: Develop emerging technologies like intelligent sensors, online-offline convergence, and cybersecurity, as well as advance new technology through multidisciplinary cooperation. Pursue differentiated materials and green manufacturing processes, with a new push toward an industrial circular economy. Elevate Taiwan’s international competitiveness and position on the value chain by producing a range of specialized and differentiated products by 2030.
\r\n
\r\n■ Build an environment for industrial development: Construct communications mechanisms and experimentation platforms for smart retail, smart transport, smart health care and smart entertainment. Nurture new talent capable of synthesizing multidisciplinary research to create future-oriented display technologies and innovative applications, and promote cooperation with international counterparts. By 2030 put Taiwan at the top globally in terms of systems solutions production value, supported by a smart display supply chain worth NT$2.5 trillion (US$84.5 billion).
Taiwan has the potential to become a high-tech R&D center thanks to its plethora of advantages, including excellent manufacturing and production capabilities, a superior semiconductor industry, a world-class talent pool, and the fact that it boasts the world’s largest market share as a producer of information and communications technology products. To transform Taiwan into a global high-tech R&D center, the government is implementing an “emerging industries R&D program” that will guide Taiwan’s transformation from a contract manufacturing nation to a powerhouse of R&D and innovation.
\r\n\r\nThe program has a three-part framework consisting of research by big-name foreign tech firms in Taiwan, co-innovation between Taiwanese and international companies, and development of value-added applications and services by Taiwanese firms. Priority will be given to developing core technologies including emerging semiconductors, new-generation communications and artificial intelligence (AI). By inviting international tech firms to set up R&D centers in Taiwan and connect with domestic industrial chains on collaborations that accelerate the growth of Taiwan’s R&D system, the program hopes to boost the nation’s capabilities in the R&D of emerging and nascent technologies.
\r\n
\r\nThree core technologies
\r\n
\r\n■ Emerging semiconductors: To secure Taiwan’s leading position as a contract chip manufacturer, the program encourages foreign firms to invest in next-generation memory R&D and collaborate with Taiwanese companies on the research and creation of an industrial chain for the production of heterogeneously integrated chips. The program also encourages domestic companies to develop product applications at a quicker pace to meet growing demand arising from uses in autonomous vehicles, smart phones, data centers, and other innovative products.
\r\n
\r\n■ New-generation communications—new infrastructure for 5G networks: To expand exports of reliable and cost-effective 5G solutions to the world, the program invites foreign firms to invest in the R&D of carrier-grade network systems. International companies are also encouraged to work with domestic firms on the construction of a new 5G industry chain that will build Taiwan’s 5G brand. To bring innovative 5G services to businesses and individuals as quickly as possible, the government will help local companies develop commercial applications for all industries and sectors.
\r\n
\r\n■ AI: Foreign firms are invited to establish emerging AI technology platforms to help Taiwan construct a “smart nation” AI ecosystem. To further make Taiwan an exporter of business-to-business AI solutions, the program is inviting foreign firms to team up with local businesses to create a local AI industry chain. The program also aims to build an AI innovation industry cluster by encouraging domestic companies to develop solutions facilitating industry adoption of AI.
As an island sitting astride the Eurasian and Philippine plates, Taiwan is home to a spectrum of rich and varied ocean ecosystems and cultures. The surrounding seas contain a wealth of resources, presenting a perfect opportunity for development. For many years the nation has continuously promoted both basic and applied oceanography, as well as invested in training more oceanographic researchers. Uniquely Taiwanese maritime industries have also expanded.
\r\n\r\nTo further improve oceanographic research capabilities, the country has finished constructing an upgraded fleet of ocean research vessels that will help advance a core objective of developing Taiwan into a sustainable maritime nation through interdisciplinary research. The fleet will also generate innovative technologies for environmental and industrial applications.
\r\n
\r\nAchievements and future areas of research
\r\n
\r\n◆ Consolidate fleet and strengthen capabilities: Taiwan’s largest research vessel, Legend, was launched in 2018. It is being joined by New Ocean Researcher vessels 1, 2 and 3 to form a fresh fleet of domestically designed and constructed ocean research ships. The fleet preserves the nation’s marine research and development capabilities while also strengthening exploration competencies, both areas that are critical to performing multidisciplinary basic research for a sustainable maritime nation. This research will yield innovative technologies for ocean ecosystem conservation and industrial applications.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Perform groundbreaking research to improve citizens’ lives: Projects such as building a network of observation buoys in the western North Pacific will allow Taiwan to contribute to international disaster prevention work. Research efforts will also aid in the development of natural gas hydrates as an undersea energy source.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Advance sustainability through deeper regional cooperation: The work of ocean research vessels is being expanded to encompass big data analytics and regional oceanographic research, as well as extreme weather, climate change and ocean environments. This broadened scope will enable Taiwan to assert key scientific and territorial stakes in the geopolitics of the western Pacific islands.
Thanks to effective countermeasures, Taiwan has gradually brought the spread of COVID-19 under control. As a result domestic tourism, the food service industry and other consumer demand-driven sectors are seeing business slowly improve. To help new graduates quickly find employment in a post-pandemic labor market that is only now starting to recover, the government has devised an NT$6.6 billion (US$221.5 million) package of programs centered on rewarding steady employment, subsidizing work training, and incentivizing employers to hire new graduates.
\r\n\r\nAnnounced measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Steady employment bonuses: To encourage new graduates to quickly enter the workforce, the government will award up to a maximum of NT$30,000 per person to those who find and maintain a stable job. Employment for three consecutive months in the period up to the end of 2020 will be rewarded with NT$20,000, followed by a final payment of NT$10,000 for an additional three months of steady work.
\r\n
\r\n■ Stipends for jobs in designated industries: Young people willing to try jobs in such areas as care provision, construction and selected manufacturing can receive monthly stipends whose value depends on length of work for a single employer: NT$5,000 for the first through sixth months, NT$6,000 for months seven to 12, and NT$7,000 for a final 13 to 18 months. A maximum of NT$108,000 is available per worker.
\r\n
\r\n■ Reimbursements and rewards for professional training: Training participants can seek up to NT$100,000 in government reimbursements for tuition. To encourage acquisition of new skills and an influx of talent into key industries, cash incentives of up to NT$96,000 are also available to workers who take part in job-related training.
■ Employer subsidies for on-the-job training: Employers that offer hands-on training and assign senior workers to mentor young hires will be eligible for monthly subsidies of NT$12,000, up to a maximum of NT$108,000.
\r\n\r\n■ Grants for hiring young people: The government will furnish up to NT$80,000 in grants for enterprises hiring new graduates.
\r\n", "上版日期": "109-06-09", "更新日期": "113-07-05", "發布日期": "109-06-23", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/D8D9E2F7BF592232", "相關連結": "/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/2b332460-387b-4bb3-b579-a3a99fa47a0b,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/84efa80d-60f8-441a-9b90-9d25b1409831,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/0d3685c9-4cce-494a-92c4-ffd2cb826859,/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/4b2f8d48-29dc-435e-922b-1b8584270e55,/Page/61BF20C3E89B856/3ced3add-73ae-4028-ab66-59a052e6fecd" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/b85459d3-098e-40f7-9d0b-1475656fcfc9", "標題": "Taiwan deserves a place at the World Health Assembly", "內容": "The Republic of China (Taiwan) was a founding member of the World Health Organization (WHO), but since losing its seat in 1972 has been completely shut out of participation. Nevertheless, the nation believed and still believes that health and medicine throughout the world is a globally shared responsibility, and so in 1997 Taiwan began a formal push to participate once again in the WHO. After years of tireless effort, Taiwan was finally invited by the WHO to attend the annual World Health Assembly (WHA) under observer status beginning in 2009. Unfortunately, in 2017 this hard-won victory was negated when the WHO, in contravention of its own charter and disregarding the broad support of the global community, gave in to political pressure by China and refused to offer further invitations. In addition to strenuously objecting, Taiwan has asserted that this decision by the WHO will never shake the nation’s commitment to participate in and contribute to the world’s family of nations.
\r\n
\r\nIn recent years, the success and capabilities of Taiwan’s medical and health endeavors have been widely recognized by the international community. In particular, the nation’s response to the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has received high praise globally, with more countries supporting Taiwan’s bid to participate in both the WHO and WHA. In addition to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies around the world, many like-minded nations support Taiwan’s voice being heard in the highest halls. Hand in hand with other great nations of the Earth, Taiwan will hold to its principles of “professionalism, pragmatism, and willingness to contribute” to engage at the earliest opportunity with international organizations and help achieve the WHO’s own goal of realizing the highest attainable standard of health of every human being.
\r\n
\r\nWhat is the basis of Taiwan’s right to participate in the WHA?
\r\n
\r\n◆ Health is a universal human right: The constitution of the WHO states that “[t]he enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.” As a member of the international community, Taiwan sees no excuse for its citizens to be excluded from this declared right to health and well-being guaranteed to the people of all nations on Earth.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Prevention and control of epidemics require a global effort: The trend toward globalization and growing convenience of public transportation in recent years has also opened the world to the global spread of disease. Taiwan’s participation in the WHA not only secures the rights and interests of the nation’s people to health and hygiene, but more importantly represents a necessary link in the global chain of medical care and disease prevention.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Taiwan has the ability to contribute substantively to global health: Taiwan is a member of the international community and an active participant in global affairs. For the sake of human health throughout the world, Taiwan has always pursued an ambitious course in promoting health, including researching newly emerging communicable disease and innovative methods to halt or control their spread. Such material contributions by Taiwan’s advanced medical professions benefit the entire world, and represent a gift to those in need regardless of location or nationality.
On May 10, 2019, the Executive Yuan approved an action plan for 5G technology in Taiwan. The four-year plan will run from 2019 to 2022, during which an estimated NT$20.466 billion (US$657.9 million) will be invested. With the imminent arrival of the new 5G mobile communications era and to capitalize on the technology’s immense business potential, the plan calls for the adoption of several strategies—including deregulation, innovation, proofs of concepts, and forging connections—to devotedly pursue the development of all manner of 5G value-added communications services along with vertical applications. The ultimate goal is to build Taiwan into a suitable environment conducive to innovative uses of 5G, which in turn will increase the nation’s digital competitiveness, entrench industrial innovation, and realize a way of life enmeshed with smart technology.
\r\n
\r\nFive pillars of the plan
\r\n
\r\n◆ Establish areas for testing vertical 5G applications: Public and private entities will work together to set up sites across Taiwan to test a diverse combination of applications. Rules and regulations will also be relaxed in order to expand the scope and operational modes of applications that can be tested.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Engineer an environment conducive to innovative 5G applications: A platform for cooperation across multiple industries will be constructed to support new 5G businesses, as well as draw into the market enterprises from a wide selection of sectors. Talent proficient in 5G technology and applications will be fostered through a full range of channels to meet the growing demands of the 5G industry.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Perfect core 5G technologies and cybersecurity: Superior core techniques will be devised, together with the promotion of application technology integration and the establishment of a platform for enhancing and testing 5G capabilities. Future objectives include a unified national policy for 5G cybersecurity, protective mechanisms to secure domestically produced 5G products, and a strengthening of skills to defend critical 5G infrastructure and operational cybersecurity.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Plan for the release of 5G spectrum that will best serve overall interests: An encompassing 5G spectrum policy will be thoroughly planned out in accordance with industry requirements, market trends, and international developments. The auction of 5G frequencies will proceed in stages to allow for revisions, comprehensive preparations and eventual release of spectrum.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Adjust laws and regulations to create an environment beneficial to the development of 5G: June 26, 2019 saw the promulgation of the Telecommunications Management Act, aimed at drastically lowering the barriers to market entry and providing the flexibility for cooperation across industries. The new law supports the joint construction of basic 5G infrastructure and shared use by all.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
To address the challenges of population aging and the risks of future labor shortages, Taiwan in 2019 passed an act promoting the employment of middle-aged and senior workers. Approved by the Legislature that November and promulgated by presidential decree in December, the dedicated law protects the working rights of middle-aged (ages 45 and above to 65) and senior (ages 65 and above) individuals, and helps fight the biases and stereotypes that may confront such job-seekers (including the idea that older people should live out their remaining years quietly at home). By encouraging middle-aged persons to enter the labor market and allowing seniors to contribute their expertise, the law promotes collaboration and experience sharing between generations to promote social and economic development.
\r\n
\r\nKey points of the act
\r\n
\r\n■ Prohibits age discrimination, ensures work stability:
\r\nThe act sets out guidelines prohibiting employers from discriminating against applicants or employees on the basis of age, and requires employers to ensure equal opportunities in terms of recruitment, promotion, performance evaluation, training, remuneration and retirement. The competent authorities may grant subsidies or rewards to employers who provide on-the-job training, job redesign programs, and employment aids.
\r\n
\r\n■ Helps unemployed find work, supports reemployment of retirees:
\r\nAside from allowances, subsidies and reward incentives, the government provides unemployed middle-aged and senior workers with pre-employment training to enhance their job skills and competitiveness. Also available are job-matching services, entrepreneurial guidance, and business loan interest subsidies to help these individuals return to the workforce or start their own businesses. Flexible regulations now allow employers to hire senior workers on fixed-term contracts, and a talent database of the retired labor force will be established.
\r\n
\r\n■ Promotes services for older talent, creates job opportunities:
\r\nTalent service centers for older workers have been established to provide employment and job matching services. Businesses with excellent track records of hiring middle-aged and senior workers will be publicly recognized to encourage employers to create more positions. Public employment agencies will regularly gather and analyze employment data on middle-aged and senior citizens within their jurisdictions, including the labor force situation, employment status, and labor supply and demand. The agencies will also announce job openings in various categories.
Taiwan relies on imports for 98 percent of its energy supplies, and, as an island nation, is unable to connect to electrical grids in other countries. The government has therefore set its sights on increasing renewable power to 20 percent of the nation’s energy portfolio by 2025. With the traditional grid system now stretched to capacity, efforts to develop and roll out smart grid technologies are also underway to meet future demands as renewable energy facilities are connected to the grid on a large scale. Building a quality, efficient and eco-friendly smart grid for the new era will satisfy consumer needs for a better grid, provide domestic industries with learning opportunities, and boost peripheral industries. These efforts are expected to raise total annual industry output to NT$43 billion (US$1.4 billion) by 2025.
\r\n
\r\nPriority strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Increase reliability of renewable resources: Employ smart prediction technologies combining artificial intelligence, big data analytics and meteorological data for the purposes of improving renewable energy production forecasts, lowering renewable energy output variability, and satisfying the grid connection demands of green energy operators. Help achieve the 2025 goal of generating 27 gigawatts (GW) of power from renewable sources by incorporating smart tech into energy storage systems and fuel-powered generators, and making renewable energy grid connections more reliable.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve quality of power supply to customers: Reduce power outage recovery time to five minutes in non-faulted areas by expanding usage of automated feeder and line switching, isolating faulted areas quickly, and using geographical data systems and real-time monitoring information. By 2025, power outage recovery time should be down to five minutes or less in 70 percent of cases annually.
\r\n
\r\n■ Help customers conserve power: Help customers save more energy by installing home energy management systems (including smart electricity meters and information systems) and promoting time-of-use pricing and power conservation plans. Ease the load on power systems and stabilize supply by implementing demand response and load management measures, such as cost reduction incentives that encourage big power consumers to reduce peak-hour usage or switch to off-peak hours. The target is to increase customer participation in demand response programs to the tune of 2.8 GW (approximately 7 percent of peak load) by 2025.
Taiwan was the world’s fifth-largest exporter of machine tools in 2018, based on dollar amount. The industry is a pillar of the machinery sector, providing the critical support that has enabled the entire sector’s production value to surpass NT$1 trillion (US$32.8 billion) for two years in a row. The opening of the U.S.-China trade war in July 2018 together with global economic uncertainty has led to industry declines in major machine tool manufacturing economies such as the U.S., the EU and Japan. Taiwan is no exception, with exports likewise affected. In response, multiple ministries and agencies are cooperating on a coordinated plan to help extend development of the machine tool industry and identify opportunities amidst the downturn.
\r\n
\r\nResponsive strategies
\r\n
\r\n◆ Access to financing: In addition to tax credits on purchases of smart machinery as provided for in the Statute for Industrial Innovation, the government provides manufacturers with funds through policy-directed loan programs. Also available are preferential loans, complimented by discounts or waivers of processing fees, aimed at ensuring adequate financing for businesses.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Greater demand: Domestic market demand will be boosted by encouraging the public and private sectors to replace older equipment and attracting new investment from returning China-based businesses. On the international front, the government and manufacturers are stepping up the organization of a Taiwan machinery purchasers alliance, opening strategically placed business centers to clear channels in overseas markets, taking advantage of opportunities presented by the relocation of secondary production facilities to New Southbound countries, and inviting overseas purchasers groups to Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Industry transformation: Subsidies and payments will be provided for worker skills development, employer-sponsored on-the-job training, and government-administered technology development programs to encourage furloughed workers to seek supplementary training. Efforts will also be devoted to strengthening technical research and development capabilities and cultivating talent, including the establishment of professional talent development centers for high-level blue collar workers.
\r\n
\r\n
On October 17, 2019 Taiwan inaugurated the Startup Terrace innovation park to promote the startup industry and create a benchmark center for international entrepreneurship. Converted from portions of the 2017 Taipei Universiade athletes’ village in New Taipei’s Linkou District, Startup Terrace is the largest international startup hub in Taiwan.
\r\n\r\nThe complex offers one-stop service as well as rent discounts and waivers to tenant companies, and brings together innovative technologies including artificial intelligence, the internet of things, 5G technology, smart medicine and big data analytics. So far 132 startups and international accelerators from Taiwan and 10 other countries have moved into the park. The government will continue providing full support for startup businesses through such measures as financing assistance, a stronger regulatory framework, multiple exit channels, and international marketing support. These efforts will connect Taiwan’s startups to the global community and ultimately drive the nation’s economic development.
\r\n
\r\nStrategies for forging an innovative future
\r\n
\r\n■ Connect with local resources: Create a high-quality entrepreneurial environment by taking advantage of the convenient transportation, shopping and other amenities in the area. A one-stop service window has been established to simplify administrative procedures and help new businesses with setting up shop and submitting tenancy applications. The window also provides consultation services for entrepreneur visas, subsidies and incentives, as well as taxation, financial, accounting and legal issues.
\r\n
\r\n■ Connect with industries: Coordinate with eight other industrial, science and business parks within a 5-kilometers radius of Startup Terrace to promote cooperation between small startups and larger companies and industrial parks. Create a high-tech complex boasting Taiwan’s world-leading information and communications technologies. Accelerate the development of intelligent manufacturing, smart grid technology, smart retail services and smart medicine.
\r\n
\r\n■ Connect with international markets: Attract international accelerators as a means of drawing resources and startup talent from other countries. Send local startup teams to top competitions and exhibitions around the world, creating opportunities to increase international visibility and collaborate with multinational corporations. Organize international business exchange activities and overseas market development conferences.
The outcome of Taiwan’s third round of mutual evaluation by members of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) has far-reaching effects on the overall future of Taiwan’s financial sector. To ensure the nation passed the review, the government implemented a raft of measures, including establishing the Anti-Money Laundering Office under the Executive Yuan, tightening regulations against money laundering and terrorist financing, intensifying financial supervision, and cracking down on illegal money flows. The private sector, meanwhile, strengthened internal controls, regulatory compliance measures and other management mechanisms.
\r\n
\r\nThese efforts were rewarded. On October 2 this year, the APG officially published Taiwan’s mutual evaluation report after completing all aspects of its review. Taiwan was promoted to the “regular follow-up” category, achieving the best possible outcome alongside several other Asia-Pacific member states. This recognition by the international community of the government and the private sector’s work to promote anti-money laundering measures comes as welcome news.
\r\n
\r\nBenefits of Taiwan’s APG mutual evaluation success
\r\n
\r\n◆ Taiwan’s promotion to the most favorable category of “regular follow-up” attests that the nation meets global standards in terms of its legal framework, law enforcement and financial flow transparency. It also will have a constructive and far-reaching influence on the stability and sound development of Taiwan’s financial order.
\r\n
\r\n◆ This result positively affects foreign investors’ assessment of the financial environment in Taiwan, and will bolster the nation’s long-term economic and trade development. The strong performance also enables Taiwan to effectively strike at transnational crime, and facilitates Taiwan’s substantive participation in international organizations.
\r\n
\r\n
With an eye toward energy security, the green economy and environmental sustainability, on October 27, 2016 the Executive Yuan approved a plan to promote green energy technology and industrial innovation as part of the government's "five plus two" innovative industries plan, which calls for 20 percent of Taiwan's energy to come from renewable sources by 2025. Of that 20 percent, nearly two-thirds (66.3 percent) will be solar power. The plan lays a clear path toward achieving this goal: 6.5 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity by 2020 and by 2025 the full 20 GW.
\r\n
\r\nDevelopment strategies
\r\n
\r\n◆ Short term: With the completion of the Two-year Solar PV Promotion Plan—including the construction of demonstration projects, tailoring of rules and regulations, and the simplification of operating procedures—Taiwan installed 1.7 GW of solar power capacity between July 2016 and December 2018, setting a solid foundation on which the industry can continue to grow. To reach the 2020 cumulative capacity objective of 6.5 GW, the government will focus on three main strategies: increasing the installation of rooftop panels at industrial parks, promotion at both the central and local levels, and working solar power generation into the operations of farms, ranches and aquaculture facilities.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Medium term: Building on the experience and success of short-term results, a raft of measures will be adopted to improve the environment for solar power and gradually achieve Taiwan's 2025 capacity goal of 20 GW. These measures include taking a dedicated approach to promoting ground-based systems, encouraging industrial parks to increase installation of solar power, refining laws and regulations governing solar power development, and planning out necessary enhancements to distribution and transmission infrastructure for solar energy hotspots. Administrative initiatives such as single-window service for solar projects and integrated cooperation across multiple ministries and agencies will also help.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Complementary measures: Measures designed to speed the development and build-out of solar power include expanded inventorying of suitable sites, and developing and promoting the PV-ESCO operational model, where energy services companies build and maintain photovoltaic panel systems on rooftop space leased from building owners. Encouraging banks to offer financing for the installation of solar power, promoting multiple sources of financing, and training personnel in the field of solar power financing are also options.
\r\n
\r\n
In June 2016 a food-safety program was initiated, under which the government, vendors and the public jointly established a farm-to-table food safety system to monitor agricultural products throughout the production, manufacturing, distribution and sales processes. The program not only helps assure consumers that the foods they consume are safe, but also boosts the quality and competitiveness of Taiwan’s food industry.
\r\n\r\nOn June 7 this year, the globe marked the inaugural U.N.-designated World Food Safety Day. It is a day to call attention to food safety issues and inspire action to prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks. Taiwan has responded with vigor to join the world with promotional campaigns and inter-ministry cooperation to improve education and guidance for both businesses and shoppers, and create a friendly, safe and transparent consumer environment.
\r\n
\r\nFive protections for a farm-to-table food safety system
\r\n
\r\n◆ Strengthen source control management: The Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau has been established to conduct integrated cross-agency chemical flow analyses and control toxic chemicals at the source. The bureau is responsible for preventing environmental pollutants from entering the food supply.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Re-establish the food production-management system: Significant energy has been invested in revamping and extending existing projects. The Taiwan Agriculture and Food Traceability System now tracks products from the point of origin and provides a clear record of every stage of the production process. A food business registration system has also been expanded to certify food product manufacturers and improve production management. Finally, the government has stepped up efforts to promote organic and environmentally friendly farming, as well as moving forward with a system for licensed doctors of plant medicine.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Strengthen inspection capabilities: The frequency and rigor of inspections for agricultural products and producers that are high risk, often violate regulations, and attract widespread concern has been raised. Monitoring and inspections for pesticide and veterinary drug residues in farm, fishery and livestock products have also been improved to ensure that unsafe food does not reach the market.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Increase liability for producers and vendors: Taiwan conducts rolling reviews of food safety rules and legislation. The government is also improving cooperation among investigators, police and disciplinary agencies in order to fine, prosecute and increase liability for offenders.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Encourage and enable citizen oversight: A national 1919 whistleblower telephone service has been established to encourage the general public to report violations, while the Campus Food Ingredients Registration Platform is being promoted to improve transparency on school lunch sources and raise public awareness of food safety issues.
Since its inception in 1995, Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) system has provided health equity for all by making medical care universal, accessible and less burdensome financially. Over that time, the system has also amassed a wealth of patient medical records, drug information, medical images, laboratory test results and other interagency material, creating an impressive body of data matched by few other countries. This database has been put to new and innovative uses in recent years—including research on disease prevention and treatment—with the aims of raising medical care standards, assisting and upgrading Taiwan’s health care and biotechnology industries, and enhancing the health and well-being of the people of Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nThree major applications
\r\n
\r\n■ NHI MediCloud system: The MediCloud system allows physicians to quickly retrieve a patient’s medical records from other hospitals and facilities to prevent any duplication of medication and tests. By sharing medical images, health examination reports and laboratory test results, the system will help ensure treatment and medication safety while reducing waste of costly medical resources.
\r\n
\r\n■ “My Health Bank” service: Using this service, patients can better manage their health by accessing their own records of doctor visits, surgical procedures, medication use, and medical test reports going back three years. The system also includes a software development kit, so that the user may authorize trusted third-party app developers to access his or her medical records for creating value-added services or linking with other patient self-management tools.
\r\n
\r\n■ Artificial intelligence analysis of NHI data (pilot program): With patient privacy a top priority, the NHI Administration on June 4, 2019 released a trove of completely de-identified medical records including CT and MRI scans, detailed NHI clinical records, medical examinations and lab test reports. This database may be used with permission by public service agencies, academic research institutions (including commercial businesses), and professional associations for the development of artificial intelligence and precision medical treatments, creating advantages for Taiwan’s biotech and health care industries and raising the quality of medical care services.
In September 2017, the government launched an interministerial effort to promote wider adoption of mobile payments in Taiwan. The plan encourages the public to get into the habit of making mobile payments, starting with everyday transactions and public services. This in turn will create a market demand that drives business investment along with industrial growth. Under collaboration between the public and private sectors, Taiwan’s mobile payment penetration rate surged from 24.4 percent in 2016 to cross the 50 percent mark in 2018, while the value of transactions in 2019 is expected to break NT$100 billion (US$3.2 billion). With the growing presence of mobile payment systems, consumers can now enjoy greater convenience for their dining, shopping, traveling and entertainment needs.
\r\n
\r\nThree strategies to popularize mobile payments
\r\n
\r\n■ Build a sound foundation: Make business operations more flexible by permitting fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and other biometric methods for authentication of transactions. Enhance transaction convenience and improve the user experience by formulating sensor interface standards for mobile payment terminals. Provide tax incentives to encourage adoption by small businesses.
\r\n
\r\n■ Expand opportunities for use: Allow the public to use mobile payments for over 100 types of public service fees (such as passport application and company registration fees), various types of utility bills, as well as income tax, property tax and license tax. Help cultural and educational institutions and tourism operators build a diversified payment environment. Accelerate digital transformation by providing small and mid-sized shops in commercial districts with subsidies for renting digital service systems.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enhance the consumer experience: Work closely with local governments and private businesses to organize large promotional events where people can personally experience the ease of cashless transactions. Incentivize consumer adoption by integrating mobile payments with a cloud invoice system: Consumers paying with mobile devices can have invoices simultaneously uploaded to the cloud for a chance at special “cloud invoice lottery” prizes; if the invoice number wins a prize, the consumer will be notified and the winnings automatically transferred.
In 2017, the Executive Yuan started promoting the Digital Nation and Innovative Economic Development Program (also known as “DIGI+”) as an administrative blueprint for leading digital development and innovation. The goal of DIGI+ is to promote innovative digital development, improve the quality of life, and hasten the transformation of Taiwan into a smart tech nation, as well as encourage inventive and value-added applications under the “five plus two” innovative industries plan. By leveraging Taiwan’s advantages as a small but industrious nation able to quickly integrate multiple disciplines, the program will inject smart technologies like artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and big data into industry and daily life, and advance the emergence of Taiwan as a model of smart tech innovation.
\r\n\r\nI. What is DIGI+?
\r\n
\r\nDIGI+ is an acronym derived from the fundamental concepts underlying the program. The “D” is for development and a solid keystone to support it. “I” comes from innovation, a necessary component of an innovative digital economy. “G” stands for the governance of a smart tech nation, and the final “I” indicates inclusion as embodied by Taiwan’s welcoming and inclusive civil society. The “+” at the end of the acronym may be read as “plus” or “upgrade,” in the sense that promotion of the DIGI+ program will deliver improvements in the nation’s foundational digital infrastructure, as well as spur innovation at every level of society and the economy.
\r\n
\r\nII. DIGI+ program highlights
\r\n
\r\n◆ Enhance soft infrastructure to create an environment conducive to digital innovation: DIGI+ calls for the construction of an innovation-friendly legal framework and the cultivation of interdisciplinary technical talent, matched to the research and development of advanced digital technologies.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Promote development of the digital economy: Taiwan’s digital economy will grow with the development of innovative applications, expanded digital commerce, and support for industrial innovation.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Create a service-oriented digital government and promote open governance: This includes the development of an open application programming interface (Open API) for government data, and the establishment of demand-oriented, one-stop smart government cloud services.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Develop a vibrant online society with equality of access: The DIGI+ program aims to ensure broadband internet access for the disadvantaged, implement participatory democracy, promote digital infrastructure in remote regions and outlying islands, build a comprehensive legal foundation for digital human rights, and provide citizens with equal opportunities for digital development.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Build sustainable, smart cities and townships: This aspect of the program involves using smart network technology to build a quality living environment, promoting joint governance and construction of smart cities and townships, and utilizing local ecosystems for technical innovation encompassing industry, academia and research to help local governments orchestrate development of smart cities and townships.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Expected benefits
\r\n
\r\n◆ By 2025, the DIGI+ program will expand Taiwan’s digital economy to NT$6.5 trillion (US$213.73 billion).
\r\n
\r\n◆ The penetration rate for digital lifestyle services will rise to 80 percent, broadband internet connections of 2 gigabits per second will be rolled out to cover 90 percent of users, and citizens will be guaranteed the basic right to 25 megabits per second broadband service.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Taiwan will rank among the top 10 nations in the world for networked readiness.
On May 31, 2019 the Executive Yuan approved a four-year program (2019-2022) to invest in the careers of the nation’s young people. Aimed at increasing employment among the young, as well as meeting such challenges as rapidly evolving technologies and the quick pace of change in industry and the job market, the NT$9.5 billion (US$302.9 million) program is designed to address the needs of young people at every stage of career development. By providing tailored employment assistance focused on industry trends, career planning, skills development and job services, the initiative is helping young people successfully navigate a smooth transition into work.
\r\n
\r\nAddressing employment needs at every step
\r\n
\r\n1. Students
\r\nThe program is enhancing career guidance and preparation for employment, with such measures as subsidizing workplace tours for senior high school students, and a wide range of work exploration programs. This gives students a chance to gain real experience with career-building. Cooperation between industry and schools is also being expanded to connect academic instruction with practical experience and assist in an easy entry into the workforce.
\r\n
\r\n2. First-time job seekers
\r\nJob placement assistance is given to students nearing graduation as well as recent graduates. Subsidies for training in key industries are also available. As an example, the program covers 80 percent (up to NT$100,000, or US$3,188) of out-of-pocket training expenses for young people to build skills needed in the “five plus two” innovative industries.
\r\n
\r\n3. Youth unemployed for six months or longer
\r\nJob cards (holding digital resumes that include training and certification status) have been introduced to facilitate skills assessments and in-depth job counseling aimed at helping young people decide career objectives. Those who find a job within three months and remain employed for three months or longer are eligible for a bonus of NT$30,000 (US$956). The program also places unemployed youth in companies and organizations for three months of workplace experience and training, while also providing a monthly stipend of NT$23,100 (US$736).
\r\n
\r\n4. Working young people
\r\nThe services of junior colleges, colleges and universities, along with vocational training organizations, are being integrated to offer courses focused on the needs of industry. The government grants up to NT$70,000 (US$2,232) in training reimbursements per individual over a three-year period so that young workers are able to continue advancing their skills. Also available are subsidies to employers to cover 70 percent of outside training costs for employees aged 29 and under.
\r\n
\r\n5. Youth in non-traditional positions (temporary workers and the underemployed)
\r\nThe program allows subsidies of up to NT$45,000 (US$1,435) to businesses that provide young people with three to six months of on-the-job training, with the objective of strengthening their professional skills and ultimately transitioning them into steady employment. To encourage companies to move temporary workers into permanent positions, the program also recognizes successes at forefront enterprises and provides onsite guidance for interested employers.
Beyond sparking a scientific and technological revolution, artificial intelligence (AI) will fundamentally transform human life and industry and create boundless business opportunities. Capitalizing on this wave, the government rolled out the AI Taiwan Action Plan (2018-2021) on January 18, 2018 to sharpen Taiwan’s advantages, prioritize innovation and real-world implementation, and develop software and hardware in tandem, thereby injecting greater momentum into Taiwan’s industries. Efforts to build AI into a comprehensive industry will be guided by the principles of deregulation, open access and technology investment, all with the aim of propelling Taiwan into the ranks of the world’s leading smart nations.
\r\n
\r\nFive major components
\r\n
\r\n■ Developing AI talent: Smart-tech researchers for senior-level positions are being trained by universities and research institutes, while more than 10,000 AI technicians and applications specialists are produced each year.
\r\n
\r\n■ Promoting Taiwan’s lead role in AI: Chips, which form the heart of AI computing, are not only a core technology but an industrial strength for Taiwan. The government is therefore working aggressively to expand the nation’s world-leading position in the semiconductor chip industry.
\r\n
\r\n■ Building Taiwan into an AI innovation hub: As international AI innovation clusters are formed in Taiwan, Microsoft, Google and other big names have set up AI R&D bases on the island, building connections with the local AI industry and creating an industrial ecosystem together for Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\n■ Liberalizing laws and opening test grounds: To ease restrictions on innovative technologies, Taiwan announced the Unmanned Vehicles Technology Innovative Experimentation Act, the first of its kind in the world covering autonomous vehicles on land, at sea, and in the air. Taiwan CAR (Connected, Autonomous, Road-test) Lab, the nation’s first closed field for testing self-driving cars, has also been opened for use.
\r\n
\r\n■ Transforming industry with AI: Guided by the demands of industrial innovation, AI talent will be matched to industrial needs to develop AI solutions and accelerate industrial innovation and digital transformation.
On April 26, 2019, the Executive Yuan approved a plan to revitalize industrial zones through the vertical expansion of buildings and facilities as a means of assisting enterprises looking to invest in Taiwan overcome the complication of securing suitable space. The plan grants floor-area bonuses as incentives for companies to either add higher levels to existing facilities or tear down older structures to rebuild based on higher floor-area ratios (the ratio between a building’s usable floor area and the size of the lot on which the structure stands). The objective is to accelerate industrial renewal, increase the height of facilities to improve land-use efficiency, and make available the additional space required for producers to develop and grow. Creating an environment to attract additional corporate investment and encourage better management of energy resources are also important considerations.
\r\n\r\nThe government is looking for producers to invest in research and development, improve work safety and environmental protections, and replace older equipment in favor of newer technologies. Ultimately, Taiwanese companies overseas will continue to feel the growing pull to return and invest among improving conditions at home.
\r\n
\r\nI. Scope of incentive applicability
\r\n
\r\nA. Any area designated and developed as an industrial zone: The plan covers all industrial zones designated by the competent central and local authorities under the original Statute for the Encouragement of Investment and Statute for Upgrading Industry, as well as the current Statute for Industrial Innovation. Also covered are industrial zones designated for development by public firms, private companies and industrial entrepreneurs.
\r\n
\r\nB. Other government-established zones: These sites include science parks, agricultural technology parks and other designated-purpose zones established and developed by the responsible units in accordance with laws governing the establishment and administration of such sites.
\r\n
\r\nII. Beneficiaries of expanded area-ratio incentives
\r\n
\r\nA. Companies that commit to new investment will be eligible.
\r\n
\r\nB. Also included are enterprises with good-practice energy-use certifications or that use renewable energy (e.g., operators who install rooftop facilities to generate solar power).
\r\n
\r\nC. Companies that donate industrial space to increase opportunities for other operators to establish a presence in industrial zones, or firms that make financial contributions to “feedback funds” managed for the improvement of public spaces or common facilities within and around industrial zones, will also be eligible for the incentives.
\r\n
\r\n
The Statute for Industrial Innovation, first enacted in May 2010, underwent an extensive revision in November 2017 to significantly ease restrictions on innovation, energize the domestic funding environment for startups, and attract overseas capital for Taiwan’s innovative technologies. With the statute’s tax incentives scheduled to expire at the end of 2019, however, the Executive Yuan proposed another round of revisions in March 2019 to extend those incentives through the end of 2029, and at the same time allow companies to take tax deductions for undistributed surplus earnings invested in tangible assets. All of these amendments are intended to provide a steady and constant business and investment environment where businesses can invest and create jobs with greater confidence. (Note: The amendments to the Statute for Industrial Innovation were approved by the Legislative Yuan on June 21, 2019.)
\r\n
\r\nSummary of amendments
\r\n
\r\n■ Increase R&D investments by state-owned enterprises: A provision has been added to require state-owned enterprises to devote a specific percentage of their expense budgets to R&D work to encourage innovation in downstream industries.
\r\n
\r\n■ Allow tax breaks for limited partnership venture capital firms: A qualified venture capital firm may be treated as a pass-through entity for tax purposes (that is, the venture capital firm will not be subject to business income tax, but profits distributed to the partners will be taxed as personal income of the partners). If a partner is a domestic profit-seeking enterprise, it will also be exempt from dividend tax and thereby avoid double taxation.
\r\n
\r\n■ Provide tax breaks for angel investors: An individual investing cash in a startup company less than two years old may claim an annual exemption of up to NT$3 million (US$97,251) from his or her personal income.
\r\n
\r\n■ Allow tax deferrals on stock-based employee compensation, with tax assessed at the lower of two values: An employee acquiring stock-based compensation not exceeding NT$5 million (US$162,085) in a year may defer taxation on the shares, provided the employee holds the shares and remains with the company for at least two years. Upon transfer of the shares, income tax levied may be based on the share value at acquisition or transfer, whichever is lower. This provision is applicable to shares of a parent or subsidiary company, issued to employees of either entity.
\r\n
\r\n■ For stock received by individuals in exchange for intellectual property, or stock distributed to creators of technology, allow tax assessment at the lower of two values: Where the individual or creator has held the shares for two years and met certain employment requirements in Taiwan, the income tax levied upon the transfer of the shares may be based on the share value at acquisition or transfer, whichever is lower. This provision will help commercialize R&D results with greater speed.
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote public procurement of innovation: Government agencies should preferentially procure software, innovative products and services to expand market opportunities for innovative products.
\r\n
\r\n■ Create intangible assets valuation mechanism: A database for the valuation of intangible assets has been established and maintained to increase the circulation and use of government-developed technology on the market.
\r\n
\r\n■ Enforce compulsory auction of idle land in industrial zones: The government is enforcing a range of measures to ensure idle land plots in industrial zones are fully utilized, including giving the plot owners a grace period to properly use the land, imposing fines, negotiating with the owners, and forcing the auction of idle plots.
\r\n
\r\n■ Allow tax deductions for undistributed surplus earnings invested in tangible assets: A new provision has been added to allow undistributed surplus earnings that have been invested in tangible assets to be exempt from an additional 5 percent retained earnings tax.
In September 2016, the government introduced a program to encourage the financial sector to support the overall economy, in the hopes of expanding domestic investment and specifically helping young people turn today’s creative ideas into tomorrow’s businesses. The program capitalizes on the expertise and resources of the financial sector to create an environment that promotes industrial growth, innovation and job creation. Effective risk-management measures are also in place to improve the financial system’s ability to boost the real economy. And as businesses prosper and banking institutions enjoy higher growth in turn, the nation will see all-around wins for the goods and services industries as well as the financial sector.
\r\n
\r\nFour strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Provide corporate financing: The program encourages domestic banks to strengthen financial services for small and new businesses and to help more small and medium-sized enterprises access capital. Banks are also encouraged to provide, in a risk-controlled manner, necessary working capital to companies in the “five plus two” innovative industries or industries related to the New Southbound Policy.
\r\n
\r\n■ Improve access to capital: Taiwan’s multilayered capital market system—comprising the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the over-the-counter Taipei Exchange, and two smaller boards for emerging stocks and startup firms—is designed to meet diverse business needs while protecting investors at the same time. The startup board and equity crowdfunding platforms provide channels of financing for small and emerging firms, as well as large companies with unique business models, for eventual listing on the nation’s two main bourses.
\r\n
\r\n■ Finance companies through venture capital or direct investment: Banks are now permitted to hold 100 percent stakes in venture capital firms, and may direct these firms to invest in the “five plus two” industries and cultural and creative industries. Insurance companies also have a variety of means for investing in real industries, including in infrastructure, long-term care companies, and the “five plus two” industries.
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote innovative fintech experiment mechanism: In addition to implementing the Financial Technology Development and Innovative Experimentation Act, the government provides the financial technology (“fintech”) industry with essential assistance, guidance and consultation.
On June 5, 2019, the Culture Basic Law entered into effect with the noble goal of establishing national foundational principles and administrative guidelines for the development of culture, as well as to incorporate cultural oversight into the broader national agenda. The new legislation will bring into harmony all the nation’s cultural policies and relevant legal codes with a view to injecting pluralism into the cultural scene, and promoting the diversity and sustainable development of culture in Taiwan. Adopting the core principle of the democratization of culture, the act will also reverse the outdated approach of top-down governance to one where the people take center stage and the grassroots direct the government, thereby ensuring the protection of the civil right to culture for all.
\r\n
\r\nPrincipal objectives
\r\n
\r\n◆ Clearly acknowledge the principles of freedom and equality of the cultural rights of all citizens: Cultural rights are embodied in the people. Their freedom and autonomy to create, express and participate are inviolate.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Protect the cultural rights of the people: The state should guarantee such fundamental rights as the right to access culture, choice of language, protection of intellectual property, and participation in the formulation of cultural policy.
\r\n
◆ Promote cultural initiatives established by the new law: Both the central and local governments have the duty to promote fundamental cultural objectives, such as the preservation of culture, cultural education, and the development of cultural museums.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Remake the cultural governance system: The central and local governments should hold national and regional cultural conferences every four years.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Ensure sufficient budgets and resources for cultural endeavors: A cultural development fund will be established as a neutral source of funding to prevent interference in the independence and non-commercial nature of public media.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Create a cultural impact assessment mechanism: When concluding international treaties and agreements, the impact of such on the culture of Taiwan should be evaluated. With respect to domestic policy, legislation and planning, the people’s cultural rights and sustainable development of culture must also be protected.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Respect the autonomy of artistic professionalism: The government should strengthen the role and functions of professional and neutral institutions as intermediaries in the awarding of public funds to artists. The independence of cultural expression must be respected.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Increase the flexibility of artistic and cultural procurement: Foundations and groups receiving government funding to conduct cultural activities should not be bound by the Government Procurement Act; rather, they will be subject to oversight measures enacted by the Ministry of Culture.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Protect the rights of workers in the cultural and artistic fields: Research the feasibility of revising legislation to guarantee the rights to subsistence and work for artists and cultural workers.
To diversify Taiwan’s risks and minimize overdependence on any single market, the Executive Yuan on September 5, 2016 introduced the promotion plan for the New Southbound Policy to strengthen Taiwan’s relations with its neighbors to the south, from South and Southeast Asia to Australia and New Zealand. The plan prescribes specific measures for four focal areas: economic and trade collaboration, talent exchange, resource sharing and regional connectivity. By pushing economic, technological and cultural exchanges, Taiwan hopes to share resources, talent and markets with those countries while creating a new and mutually beneficial model of cooperation. These efforts will in turn build a sense of economic community and enable Taiwan to integrate more fully into the regional economy.
\r\n
\r\nFour main areas
\r\n
\r\n■ Economic and trade collaboration: Forge new economic and trade partnerships by exporting infrastructure construction services, helping Taiwan’s small and medium-sized enterprises expand in target countries, and providing Taiwanese firms with financial assistance. Also, connect more closely with supply chains and domestic demands in target countries, and collaborate on infrastructure projects.
\r\n
\r\n■ Talent exchange: Share human resources and complement the strengths of partner countries by expanding exchange and training programs for young scholars, students, and industry professionals. Initiatives include bilateral academic exchange programs, a New Southbound talent matching website, and an information platform for Taiwanese companies to register their businesses and seek talent.
\r\n
\r\n■ Resource sharing: Create bilateral and multilateral cooperation opportunities by capitalizing on Taiwan’s soft power in culture, tourism, medical care, technology, agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises. Strategies include promoting agricultural cooperation, increasing two-way tourism with other nations, and attracting residents of New Southbound countries to Taiwan for top-quality health care.
\r\n
\r\n■ Regional connectivity: Enhance official and private exchanges, sign and renew trade agreements, institutionalize multilateral and bilateral cooperation with partner countries, and step up negotiations and dialogue.
The Four-year Wind Power Promotion Plan (2017-2020) is part of an effort by the Taiwan government to transform and rebuild the nation’s energy sector around energy security, the green economy and environmental sustainability, with the overarching goal of phasing out nuclear power and increasing renewable resources to 20 percent of the nation’s energy portfolio by 2025.
\r\n\r\nThe plan is expected in the short term to solidify industry foundations by increasing installed wind power capacity to 1.334 gigawatts (GW) over four years. In the medium-to-long term, it will address the root causes of Taiwan’s energy challenges, improve the installation environment, and raise installed capacity to 6.9 GW (1.2 GW on land and 5.7 GW offshore) by 2025. These efforts will promote energy diversification and self-sufficiency, spur domestic demand and job growth, and create a friendly environment for wind energy development.
\r\n
\r\nPrinciples and objectives
\r\n
\r\n◆ Land-based wind power: For projects and cases that have been approved for development, the plan will give priority assistance to proactive local governments and promote the more viable sites. The objective for 2017 through 2020 is to raise total land-based installed capacity to approximately 814 megawatts (MW).
\r\n
\r\n◆ Offshore wind power: The principle for offshore development is to develop demonstration sites first, then potential sites, then entire zones. The government will also provide subsidy assistance and awards to demonstration facilities, and direct efforts to convert potential sites into full-scale wind farms. The goal by 2020 is to install approximately 520 MW of offshore capacity.
\r\n
\r\nExpected benefits (of installing 5.7 GW offshore wind capacity by 2025)
\r\n
\r\n◆ Lower carbon emissions: Offshore facilities will generate 21.5 billion kilowatt-hours of energy each year, cutting carbon emissions by 11.92 million metric tons annually.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Higher industrial output: The industry will generate NT$1.8 trillion (US$58.4 billion) in output value.
\r\n
\r\n◆ More jobs: Some 20,000 job opportunities will be created.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Higher investments: The projects will spur investments of NT$1 trillion (US$32.4 billion).
With many of the world’s top 20 sites for offshore wind speed located in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan is blessed with the ideal conditions for developing offshore wind power. So in addition to solar energy, offshore wind power is another important resource that will help the nation reach its target of generating 20 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2025.
\r\n
\r\nObjective
\r\n
\r\nTaiwan’s goal is to raise its offshore wind power capacity to 5.7 gigawatts (GW) by 2025, which will yield 21.5 billion kilowatt-hours of clean, home-grown energy each year and cut carbon emissions by 11.92 million metric tons annually. This will also generate nearly NT$1 trillion (US$31.7 billion) in total investments and create 20,000 job opportunities.
\r\n
\r\nDevelopment strategies
\r\n
\r\n◆ Phase 1: Subsidize demonstration wind farms, attract private investments
\r\nThe nation’s first two demonstration wind turbines became operational in 2017 with a combined capacity of 8 megawatts (MW). All demonstration wind farms are scheduled to be completed by 2020, providing total capacity of 238 MW.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Phase 2: Announce potential wind farms sites, accept applications from developers
\r\nAuthorities completed the selection procedure in April 2018 and allocated 3,836 MW of capacity to developers. The auction process was completed two months later with an additional 1,664 MW capacity allocated. This total 5.5 GW capacity allocated to developers will come online from 2020 to 2025, and when combined with the demonstration farms will yield approximately 5.7 GW altogether.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Phase 3: Guide development of offshore zones, transform domestic supply chain into full industry
\r\nThe entire supply chain consisting of wind turbine components, towers, underwater foundations, submarine cables, and marine engineering and shipbuilding will be consolidated into one industry to take on the Asia-Pacific market.
Beginning in 2018, Taiwan has been promoting University Social Responsibility Projects, allowing universities to emerge as active contributors to local sustainability. The projects steer schools to focus on people as a central precept and to take approaches grounded in local requirements. In the first phase (2018 and 2019), universities are being encouraged to propose projects from among five themes: care for the surrounding locale, industrial collaboration, a sustainable environment, food safety and long-term care, and other social obligations. The proposed projects should produce tangible results in building local connections and delivering the benefits of enhanced regional development.
\r\n\r\nThe second phase (2020 to 2022) introduces two additional project themes: regional revitalization and global connections. These themes are aimed at achieving a balanced Taiwan and motivating domestic universities to expand the horizons of international cooperation by connecting with other institutions from around the world.
\r\n
\r\nFive development strategies
\r\n
\r\n◆ Guiding instructors and students to take part in innovation: Universities are encouraged to develop new coursework and activities centered on their localities. Students are steered toward self-directed study, on-site hands-on learning, and a cooperative approach of study. Meanwhile, faculty are pushed to cooperate with colleagues across multiple disciplines.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Strengthening connections among universities and regional industry: Universities are urged to develop innovative, integrated and multidisciplinary technology that is centered on users and guided by local needs. The social value of cooperation between academia and industry is being emphasized, as universities help companies upgrade technology and move up the value chain.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Increasing the integration of regional resources: Public and private regional resources are being linked through universities, as schools come together with public agencies and private businesses to develop a partnership of mutual assistance, which will accelerate system transformation and the integration of regional resources.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Invigorating networks for local exchanges: Through any number of mechanisms, universities are encouraging faculty and students to engage in public discourse with local interests, in order to draw the public into discussions on issues of regional development, develop the region’s unique strengths, and design mechanisms to align supply and demand.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Looking abroad to expand horizons: Universities should increase international engagements and enhance global links. With firmly rooted local foundations, schools can march steadily toward greater participation in the international community.
Taiwan is situated at the intersection of tectonic plates marked by complex geology and frequent seismic activity. Over the last century, the island has experienced more than 10 catastrophic earthquakes where many of the deaths and injuries were attributed to building collapse. To minimize this hazard, the Executive Yuan authorized a nationwide seismic assessment and retrofit program (2019-2021) worth NT$5.4 billion (US$171.7 million) to rapidly screen aging and unsafe structures, conduct seismic resistance assessments, and perform reconstruction and retrofitting work. The program is also forming guidance teams for reconstruction projects and offering financial assistance and other complementary measures, all of which will provide the people of Taiwan with a greater sense of security and peace of mind.
\r\n
\r\nThree primary strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Rapid screening to identify high-risk buildings: The central government will provide funding to local jurisdictions to perform rapid screening of steel-reinforced concrete structures higher than a certain number of stories and whose construction licenses were issued prior to the end of 1999.
\r\n
\r\n■ Compulsory seismic assessments: All buildings identified as high-risk through rapid screening, as well as privately owned public-use buildings whose construction licenses were issued before December 31, 1999, will be required to undergo seismic hazard assessments.
\r\n
\r\n■ Seismic reinforcement and rebuilding: For all structures deemed at risk of seismic damage, the government will provide comprehensive retrofit guidance, promote urban renewal, or speed up reconstruction (with priority given to old and unsafe buildings). During the planning phase for comprehensive retrofit or reconstruction work, the government will also offer subsidies for partial reinforcements first.
Capitalizing on the shifts and uncertainties driven by the trade conflict between the U.S. and China, the Executive Yuan has launched a new three-year action plan, running from 2019 to 2021, to encourage and assist Taiwanese enterprises based overseas to return and invest at home. Guided by the needs of businesses, the action plan calls for integrated policy measures focused on helping with such resources and services as land, water, electricity, labor, taxation and financing to actively assist overseas Taiwanese companies redirect investment to Taiwan and spur the development of domestic industry. The government has also established InvesTaiwan to provide customized single-window service, with a dedicated contact personally responsible for providing assistance in each assigned case. As a comprehensive supply chain encompassing downstream, midstream and upstream industries takes shape, local businesses will be better able to pursue future development and drive economic growth.
\r\n
\r\nFive measures to bring outstanding businesses home
\r\n
\r\n◆ Meeting requirements for land: Measures include offering preferential leasing terms, increasing the efficiency of land use via an urban industrial park vertical expansion program, counseling legitimate businesses on the expansion of production facilities, and opening more areas to industrial use.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Ensuring a ready supply of workers: In order to encourage job seekers and meet business demand for labor, the government will employ various subsidies and awards to create employment incentives, help businesses hire employees, and aid workers seeking employment in new disciplines. Assistance is also being offered under existing mechanisms to allow companies to internally reassign or hire necessary specialized workers from China.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Speeding the acquisition of capital: The National Development Fund (NDF) is delegating banks to make available NT$20 billion (US$647.1 million) of their own capital for entities seeking rapid financing. As a service fee for providing the capital and administering the loans, the NDF will pay the banks 1.5 percent annual interest on the actual outstanding loan balances. Loan amounts and the interest rates charged will be decided by the banks themselves depending on how the funds will be used and the creditworthiness of the borrowers..
\r\n
\r\n◆ Providing reliable water and power supplies: Single-window service and dedicated personnel are available to help expedite water usage plan applications and speed access to the power grid.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Furnishing dedicated tax services: Service counters are being set up in every regional national tax bureau to provide consultations on tax laws and regulations and answer questions concerning taxation.
\r\n
\r\nComplimentary measures
\r\n
\r\n◆ Amending employment qualifications and review standards for foreign workers: This measure will help returning enterprises deal with labor shortages while at the same time creating high-quality job opportunities for workers in Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Promoting legislation addressing the repatriation, use and taxation of offshore funds: The draft bill provides appropriate tax incentives to encourage Taiwanese businesses to repatriate overseas assets for tangible investment in Taiwan, all in compliance with international accords against money laundering and terrorism financing.
Tourism in Taiwan must now contend with such trends as globalization, the rise of digital technologies, and a shift toward localization. Businesses also face such challenges as changes in tourism source markets, intense regional competition, and the need for key transformations within the industry. In response to these headwinds, the Executive Yuan in January 2018 approved Tourism 2020, a four-year (2017-2020) plan for the sustainable development of tourism in Taiwan.
\r\n\r\nThe plan seeks to establish Taiwan as a premier destination in Asia with a reputation for warm hospitality, smart technologies and authentic experiences by expanding and diversifying markets, invigorating domestic tourism, guiding industry transformation, developing “smart” tourism, and promoting experiential travel. Targets for 2019 include 11.5 million trips by international travelers, 190 million trips by domestic travelers, and industry revenues totaling NT$821.5 billion (US$26.6 billion).
\r\n
\r\nFive main strategies for 2019
\r\n
\r\n◆ Expand and diversify markets
\r\n
\r\nIncreased promotional efforts will target visitors from 10 countries; namely, Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Conditional visa-free privileges and the range of countries eligible will be expanded, and visa application procedures simplified. Outreach to nations covered by the New Southbound Policy will be accelerated. Finally, regional cooperation among cruise lines will be encouraged, and high-potential source markets—such as Muslim nations—will be developed.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Invigorate domestic tourism
\r\n
\r\nThrough such initiatives as tourism subsidies, the Citizen’s Travel Card program, and events on the Taiwan Tourism Calendar with both international and national appeal, authorities will strengthen the foundations of domestic tourism and achieve balanced regional development.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Guide industry transformation
\r\n
\r\nMeasures include promoting travel sector branding, researching necessary regulatory relaxation and adjustments in keeping with international standards, exploring the revision of the hotel star rating system, and raising the quality of service in the industry. The government will also advise hotels and other providers of accommodations on improving quality control mechanisms, and encourage them to join international booking and reservation systems.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Develop smart tourism
\r\n
\r\nOfficials will build a database to make use of “big data” for tourism in Taiwan, as well as promote the iTravel mobile service platform for itinerary planning. To aid independent travelers, the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle and Taiwan Tour Bus systems, together with local Information Stations, will be refined. Widely distributed i-center help desks will provide service with a smile. Upgrades are also planned for the Taiwan Pass travel benefits card.
◆ Promote experiential tourism
\r\n
\r\n2019 has been designated Small Town Ramble Year, which will see a series of unique events organized in 30 select villages, 10 traditional Hakka communities and four “slow towns,” as designated by the influential Cittaslow International organization. Efforts will also target tourism in indigenous villages and accessibility for persons with disabilities, with the goal of creating a friendly environment full of moving experiences focused on immersive travel and appreciation for local lifestyles.
Self-driving vehicles have quickly become a growing trend across the globe, and while the technology brings a new level of convenience to everyday living, it comes with an equal measure of risk. To balance the industry’s development with the safety of the public, the Executive Yuan approved a bill on May 17, 2018 governing innovative experimentation with self-driving vehicles. After three readings in the Legislature, the bill was then passed into law on November 30, 2018. In addition to encouraging domestic industries to engage in pioneering applications of autonomous vehicles, the new legislation will create a safe and friendly regulatory environment for innovative development.
\r\n\r\n■ Features of the law
\r\nThe self-driving vehicles law, similar to the regulatory sandbox for financial technology recently introduced in Taiwan, eases regulations to encourage corporations, universities and research institutions to develop and create applications for autonomous vehicles. In doing so it promotes advances in industrial technology and innovative services.
\r\n
\r\n■ Experimentation period
\r\nFor self-driving car testing, the period for innovative experimentation is set to one year but may be extended another year if necessary. The maximum period is limited to four years.
\r\n
\r\n■ Safety controls
\r\nThose applying to conduct innovative testing with self-driving vehicles must present such documentation as insurance plans and a mechanism for managing risk, as well as display a testing notice either at the testbed or on the vehicle itself. Should a safety incident occur, the developer must temporarily halt experimentation and notify the regulator promptly of the cause of failure and the corrective actions to be taken.
\r\n
\r\n■ Suspended regulations, simpler administrative procedures
\r\nTo provide a friendly regulatory environment, any penalties that would ordinarily apply under specific laws, regulations and administrative rules will be suspended during the experimentation period. A single-window contact will also be created to streamline application procedures for self-driving car developers.
The circular economy is one of the main components of the government’s “five plus two” innovative industries policy. On December 20, 2018, the Executive Yuan signaled Taiwan’s determination to move toward a circular economy by approving a promotion plan that aims to transform industries from a linear economy, where resources are extracted to manufacture products that are consumed and ultimately discarded, into a circular economy, where resources can be used in a more sustainable way. The main thrust of the plan is to turn the circular economy into an industry while applying a more circular approach to industrial processes—in essence embedding circular economy concepts and innovative sustainability thinking into the nation’s economic activities. In so doing, the plan will provide a win for both the economy and the environment while aligning Taiwan with world standards.
\r\n
\r\nSpecific strategies and measures
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote circular technologies and materials innovation, establish R&D center: Develop high-value innovative materials, set up a circular technology and innovation R&D center, and establish an international institute for materials science to nurture industrial talent.
\r\n
\r\n■ Establish a new circular economy demonstration park: Create a demonstration park for the circular economy, build a resource integration mechanism among parks, emphasize low-carbon and clean production technologies, and conduct environmental monitoring and simulation as part of Taiwan’s deep decarbonization pathways project.
\r\n
\r\n■ Encourage green consumption and exchanges: Promote green consumption models such as a circular economy information platform for industries, and a certification mechanism for byproduct exchanges. Implement government green procurement, including by using more recycled aggregates in public construction projects.
\r\n
\r\n■ Integrate energy resources and natural resources, promote industrial symbiosis: Strengthen Taiwan’s recycling system, ensure the quality of recycled materials, and establish benchmark standards for the conversion of hog farm waste into biogas for power generation.
Taiwan has long worked toward creating an environment conducive to the development of green electrical power and ensuring a stable supply of electricity. To diversify sources of energy and allow for fair usage and freedom of choice, the Ministry of Economic Affairs formulated a two-stage plan to amend the Electricity Act. The first step—to promote liberalization of the green energy market and open access to the power grid—was completed on January 11, 2017, when the initial package of draft amendments passed a third and final reading in the Legislature. Second-stage amendments will follow after first-stage operational schemes and mechanisms have matured. The government hopes that step-by-step power industry reform and transformation of the domestic energy model will gradually lead to complete power industry liberalization, while also promoting the development of Taiwan’s green industries.
\r\n
\r\nAreas targeted by the amendments
\r\n
\r\n◆ Power generation: Implementation will focus on green energy as a priority, with an initial move to allow sales of green energy to users via wheeling, direct supply and renewable energy vendors.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Power transmission and distribution: Operating the national grid as a state-run enterprise will ensure fair access for all users. Sales: Consumers will have the freedom to choose among public power suppliers, renewable energy producers and renewable energy vendors when purchasing electricity.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Supervision and management of electricity producers and the electricity market: The competent central government authority will designate a regulatory agency to manage and supervise the market for electrical power, with rates charged by public power vendors subject to regulatory controls. An energy price stabilization fund will also be established to minimize price volatility.
◆ Preservation of the Taiwan Power Company’s (Taipower) integrity: Following the division of its operations into separate lines of business, Taipower will reorganize as a parent holding company with a subsidiary responsible for power generation and another handling transmission and distribution together with sales.
\r\n", "上版日期": "108-01-02", "更新日期": "113-07-05", "發布日期": "108-03-13", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/1578CD51E406E747", "相關連結": "https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=J0030011" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/126fadc8-56c4-4270-bde2-5dfa56171325", "標題": "Developing Taiwan Indigenous Languages", "內容": "With the evolution of society in Taiwan, daily use of indigenous languages has become increasingly rare. The government has determined that a number of the nation’s 16 indigenous languages are facing extinction. To ensure that these languages are preserved and remedy injustices of the past, the Indigenous Languages Development Act was promulgated on June 14, 2017 to define these mother tongues as official national languages.
\r\n
\r\nFour moves to revive Taiwan Indigenous Languages
\r\n
\r\n◆ Popularization: Indigenous Language specialists will be appointed to assist schools, villages and communities in studying, preserving and popularizing native dialects. Indigenous Languages will be added to signage and used in official documents. In addition, educational materials will be produced along with the broadcast of native-language television programming. All tribes will receive assistance with establishing language popularization organizations.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Education: Instructors fluent in Indigenous Languages will be hired to supplement current staff at elementary, junior and senior high schools, and language learning centers will be established at certain universities. The state will provide subsidies for colleges to offer language classes, and language immersion preschools will be opened.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Preservation: Mentorship programs will be made available to save endangered indigenous languages. In addition, a data repository for indigenous languages will be established, and new words and terms created to encompass the vocabulary of modern life.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Research: An indigenous language research foundation will be launched to develop, preserve and teach native tongues.
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), described as an international bill of rights for women, was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1979 and entered into force in 1981. States parties to the convention agree to adopt legislation and all appropriate measures to eliminate acts of discrimination against women so that women can enjoy their rights on an equal basis with men. Currently 189 states have ratified or acceded to the convention.
\r\n\r\nThough not a member of the U.N., Taiwan took it upon itself to sign CEDAW in 2007 to elevate the standard of gender rights in the country and advance gender equality. The government also promulgated the Enforcement Act of CEDAW on January 1, 2012 to make CEDAW provisions effective as domestic law.
\r\n
\r\nProgress of CEDAW implementation in Taiwan
\r\n
\r\nOf all international conventions implemented in Taiwan, CEDAW has undergone more reviews by international experts than any other. Since signing CEDAW and passing the CEDAW enforcement act, Taiwan has upheld the U.N.’s standards for CEDAW and worked diligently to advocate gender equality as a human rights issue. Moreover, all government agencies have been required to conduct education and awareness campaigns as well as review laws and regulations for revision. Among the legislative actions taken:
■ The Domestic Violence Prevention Act was amended to curb sexual violence.
\r\n
\r\n■ Guidelines for broadcasting gender contents were revised to prohibit gender bias in the media.
\r\n
\r\n■ The Nationality Act was revised to protect the rights of foreign spouses who apply for naturalization.
\r\n
\r\n■ To promote work-life balance, a provision was added to the Labor Standards Act allowing workers greater flexibility to adjust what time they begin and end work.
\r\n
\r\n■ The Childbirth Accident Emergency Relief Act was enacted to create a national relief mechanism that alleviates the risks to women during childbirth.
Moving forward, Taiwan will continue implementing CEDAW by pushing policies and measures that eliminate discrimination against women and safeguard women’s rights and interests. All of these efforts will help bring about a happy and harmonious gender-equal society.
\r\n
The semiconductor moonshot program was initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic semiconductor industry in the core technologies of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered edge computing. From 2018 to 2021, the government will invest NT$4 billion (US$129.7 million) in the research and development of new semiconductor processes and advanced chip systems centered on intelligent edge computing, with an eye toward gaining an advantage in the market for applications of AIoT, or AI over the internet of things. At the same time, a new ecosystem for the semiconductor industry will be built through links to the “five plus two” innovative industries plan to allow Taiwan to rise as a critical global supplier of components for edge AI and a magnet for human capital by 2022.
\r\n
\r\nTwo targets for promotion
\r\n
\r\n◆ Researching components and system integration for AI-powered edge computing: Taking advantage of Taiwan’s position as a world-leading manufacturer of semiconductors, investment is pouring into research and development of critical intelligent edge technologies, including innovative sensing devices, circuits and systems; next-generation memory design; cognitive computing and AI chips; IoT systems and security for intelligent edge; system solutions for unmanned vehicles and augmented/virtual reality applications; and emerging semiconductor processes, materials and device technology.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Building a suitable environment: Taiwan will build platforms and environments for such areas as integrated circuits, advanced component manufacturing, and semiconductor production methods necessary for AI on the edge. The project team will work together with well-known multinationals, including Nvidia, Synopsys and Cadence, to commercialize the critical technology resulting from successful research.
With artificial intelligence (AI) set to drive the next generation of development in Taiwan, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) has formulated a five-year, NT$16 billion (US$517.5 million) strategy to cultivate AI technology specialists and create an environment for AI scientific research. Under this “grand strategy for a small country,” the objective from 2017 to 2021 is to focus on areas where Taiwan possesses strengths and potential advantages, such as semiconductors and information and communications technology, and develop select fields for the future, including the internet of things, security solutions and driverless vehicles. By leveraging small but powerful technologies, Taiwan will be able to provide ever-greater innovative value, improve the public’s well-being, and realize its vision of becoming a smart, innovative nation.
\r\n
\r\nFive key facets
\r\n
\r\n■ R&D services: An AI cloud service and high-speed computing platform will be created at the national level to provide a large-scale, shared-use, high-speed computing environment. The government will also nurture AI research service companies to form a regional AI innovation ecosystem.
\r\n
\r\n■ Value-added innovation: Four AI innovation research centers will be established to train AI specialists and invest in technological development. A world-class R&D cluster will also be formed to expand the pool of AI talent.
\r\n
\r\n■ Creativity and practice: An AI Robot Makerspace is to be established at the central and southern Taiwan science parks for innovative applications and integration of robotics software and hardware. The facility will also provide a place for young people to gain hands-on experience.
\r\n
\r\n■ Industrial pilot program: An AI semiconductor “moonshot” project is underway to help the semiconductor industry remove bottlenecks to AI-powered edge computing. Taiwan will also train top talent for semiconductor process technologies and chip design.
\r\n
\r\n■ Social participation: Three “Formosa Grand Challenge” technology competitions will be organized to uncover talent and develop technology while stimulating creative abilities.
In recent years the threat of new drugs and multidrug mixtures has been steadily rising as a result of changing social mores and the emergence of new classes of compounds. The Executive Yuan launched the New Generation Anti-drug Strategy in May 2017 and issued a charter for action in July of the same year. On the legislative front, amendments to the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act were passed in 2017 to increase criminal liability for drug dealing and curb the proliferation of new drugs, and in 2018 revisions to the Organized Crime Prevention Act broadened the definition of a criminal organization to make it easier to prosecute groups involved in selling drugs.
\r\n
\r\nTo ensure that the New Generation Anti-drug Strategy reaches its full potential, operation “safe home” was initiated in 2018, with major sweeps in February and June. The objective is to prevent the import of drugs from abroad, stop shipments at the border, and track down dealers within Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nThree measures to eradicate drugs
\r\n
\r\nProsecutors, police, investigators, the Coast Guard Administration, Customs Administration, and military police work together to build a finely meshed nationwide network to combat drugs. The operational principles of this effort are cooperating among units, embedding deeply within communities, and tracing illicit drugs to their source.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Undertaking group cooperation: Prosecutors, police, investigators, the Coast Guard Administration, Customs Administration, and military police work cooperatively across the eight regions defined by the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office, sharing information and the results of investigations in order to claim a collective victory in the fight against drug crimes.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Embedding deeply within communities: Authorities are moving forcefully to investigate and rein in drug activity in areas most seriously affected, with an emphasis on quashing drug dealing within communities. Efforts are being made to integrate such private-sector resources as building security and resident committees in the battle against drugs. Aggressive action is also being directed at areas where users congregate, where young people are more easily lured into group drug use, and drug transaction hot spots.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Tracing illicit drugs to their source: In addition to going after drug users, authorities are devoting even greater effort to investigating upstream operators such as drug manufacturers, dealers and traffickers, in order to eliminate the problem at the source and cut off supplies.
The Executive Yuan has approved a four-year “spheres of culture” project to enrich the collective cultural lives of local communities and allow all residents to experience the joy of culture. Spanning 2017 through 2021, the project is supported by a NT$15.8 billion (US$511.2 million) special budget under the urban-rural development component of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program. By preserving culture and enhancing local culture services, the project hopes to build spheres of culture, promote urban and rural development, and bring greater substance to the public’s cultural life.
\r\n
\r\nFour key facets
\r\n
\r\n■ Preserve culture: In addition to guiding and encouraging local governments to revitalize historic assets, the project promotes the preservation and restoration of privately owned old buildings that hold cultural, artistic or historical value.
\r\n
\r\n■ Reconstruct Taiwan’s art history: A national survey to collect and inventory cultural assets has been undertaken to reconstruct the research and interpretation of Taiwan’s art history. National-level archiving mechanisms as well as art document and resource centers will be established, including an archive maintenance center, a Taiwan art document preservation and research center, and a platform for art documents and historical assets. Local historical building complexes will also be brought back to life for new purposes.
\r\n
\r\n■ Upgrade local facilities: The project is integrating museum data systems with local knowledge networks, and helping public and private museums play stronger roles with better service quality. Local art galleries will see their spaces and functions improved, while local art performance venues will have soft and hard infrastructure upgraded.
\r\n
\r\n■ Promote local cultural events: The project will help enrich unique local cultural events and create brand awareness for greater international visibility. Operations at local art and cultural venues are being upgraded to ensure equal enjoyment of cultural rights. Resources are being integrated to develop art and culture characteristic of each region.
Social innovation is the process of applying technological and business innovations to find solutions to social issues. To effectively address the social and environmental challenges facing the nation, the government has introduced a social innovation action plan that strengthens links with the international community and brings Taiwan in line with the U.N.’s sustainable development goals. On the domestic front, the plan also encourages inclusive development of the economy, society and the environment, and creates a new model of economic growth based on the core values of innovation, employment, and equitable distribution.
\r\n
\r\nStrategies for creating an environment conducive to social innovation
\r\n
\r\n1. Cultivate seeds of social innovation: Integrate regional school resources, and train students with the ability to think creatively and take practical action.
\r\n
\r\n2. Ensure all necessary conditions for the development of social innovation: Encourage listed companies to integrate social innovation into corporate social responsibility policies. Strengthen the funding environment for social innovation companies.
\r\n
\r\n3. Develop local models of social innovation: Encourage interdisciplinary exchanges to find solutions to local problems. Help local platforms to nurture social innovation and develop testbeds.
\r\n
\r\n4. Build a friendly regulatory framework, and create a platform for fine-tuning laws and regulations aimed at innovation.
\r\n
\r\n5. Expand the scope of social innovation: Promote the “Buying Power” rewards program encouraging organizations to purchase from social innovation companies. Support and build up intermediary agencies such as private social welfare groups to upgrade occupational skills among the disadvantaged and underprivileged.
\r\n
\r\n6. Raise Taiwan’s international visibility: Provide a social enterprises development website (https://se.wda.gov.tw) in English and Chinese, publicize Taiwan’s achievements in social innovation, connect with the resources and experiences of the private sector, establish international cooperation ties with nongovernmental organizations, and deepen international exchanges.
\r\n
Taiwan faces many challenges brought about by the rise of new economic development models, vigorous growth among startup enterprises, and the economic transformation such changes entail. In response, the Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Company Act on July 6 of this year. The amendments touch on 148 of the law’s 449 articles, marking the greatest remaking of the Company Act in a decade. The changes are principally concentrated in three areas: providing greater flexibility, expanding paperless operations and internationalization, and strengthening corporate governance. The overarching goal is to create a quality and supportive environment for commercial activity and startup operations in Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nSix key changes
\r\n
\r\n◆ Creating a friendly environment for startups: The amendments seek to incorporate social responsibility into business operations, and allow companies to issue non-par-value stock, as well as permit non-public companies to issue preferred shares.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Increasing operational flexibility for businesses: Changes include loosening rules on the number of board members, expanding the methods by which companies can financially reward employees, and allowing the issuance of paperless shares.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Protecting the rights of shareholders: Amended provisions relax conditions under which a special shareholder meeting may be called, and protect the rights of shareholders to raise proposals and make board nominations.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Strengthening corporate governance: Procedures for convening a meeting of the board have been simplified, an enforcement mechanism has been created to uphold the rights of a convener of a shareholders meeting, and the process for shareholders to make board nominations has been streamlined.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Responding to evaluations by the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering: Reporting requirements for board directors and shareholders have been added, and the bearer share system has been abolished.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Connecting with the international community: Special conditions for the recognition of foreign corporate entities have been eliminated, and companies may now register names in a foreign language in addition to Chinese.
The Executive Yuan approved the Green Finance Action Plan on November 6, 2017 in response to the international trend toward green finance, as well as to complement the commitments to a nuclear-free homeland, Taiwan’s energy transformation, and the reduction of carbon emissions. The action plan covers such areas as credit, investment, fundraising in capital markets, training and talent development, data transparency, the further expansion of green finance products and services, and the spread of sustainable, environmentally friendly concepts. The expectation is that financial resources will increasingly be injected into green industries and green consumer culture, creating an all-around win for the financial sector, real industries and society at large.
\r\n
\r\nKey measures
\r\n
\r\n◆ Encourage banks in Taiwan to extend credit to startups in such important fields as green technology.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Persuade banks to voluntarily adopt international Equator Principles, which dictate that impacts to society, the environment and other areas be considered in credit risk assessment and decision-making.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Relax rules and regulations governing lending and raising capital; for example, allowing branches of foreign banks in Taiwan to issue New Taiwan dollar-denominated bonds and other such financial instruments.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Develop Taiwan’s green bond market.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Utilize corporate governance assessment mechanisms to induce listed companies to issue green bonds.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Encourage the insurance industry to invest capital in green energy companies.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Loosen rules and regulations governing indirect investment in green energy by insurers.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Open more channels for investment in public works and green energy projects by such entities as private equity funds, venture capitalists and venture fund management firms.
To further improve and make sustainable Taiwan’s pension systems for military retirees, public-school teachers and civil servants, and ensure that all citizens will be able to enjoy a worry-free retirement, the government established the Presidential Office Pension Reform Committee in June 2016. In the more than two years and 20 meetings since, the committee has held four regional pension reform congresses to gather a wider range of public opinion, and one national congress at the Office of the President, after which amendments to the law governing retirement, severance payments, and bereavement compensation for civil servants and the Act Governing Retirement, Severance, and Bereavement Compensation for the Teaching and Other Staff Members of Public Schools were passed by the Legislative Yuan at the end of June 2017. Amendments to the Act of Military Service for Officers and Noncommissioned Officers of the Armed Forces were likewise adopted on June 20, 2018. The pension-reform provisions of the laws took effect on July 1, 2018 for both military personnel and teachers and civil servants.
\r\n
\r\nKey amendments
\r\n
\r\n◆ Public-school teachers and civil servants
\r\n1. Retirement age: A new eligibility age of 65 years will be phased in over several years.
\r\n2. Benefits: Calculation standards will be revised in stages, while the income replacement ratio will decrease gradually over 10 years. Changes have also been made to the system of preferential interest rates on savings deposits.
\r\n3. Funding: Payroll contributions into the pension fund have been raised. All savings derived from lowered benefit payments and preferential interest rates will be injected back into pension system trust fund.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Military personnel
\r\n1. Retirement age: Eligibility for pension benefits remains unchanged at 20 years of service.
\r\n2. Benefits: Standards for calculating monthly retirement income have been revised, with a floor for minimum monthly payments. Preferential interest rates on savings deposits have been reduced, while monthly retirement income in excess of that calculated by the new standards will decrease gradually over 10 years.
\r\n3. Funding: Payroll contributions have been increased. The government will transfer a total of NT$100 billion (US$3.29 billion) over the next 10 years to cover military pension fund deficits caused by the downsizing of the armed forces. All savings derived from lower benefit payments and preferential interest rates will be directed into the military pension system trust fund.
Organic agriculture is such a vital component of nature’s cycle of sustainability that countries around the world have included it in their national green industry policies, with laws supporting and regulating this important method of safe food production. For its part, Taiwan promulgated the Organic Agriculture Act on May 30, 2018 to mark a new milestone in the development of organic and eco-friendly farming practices. This law is the first of its kind in Taiwan and one of few worldwide dedicated to the development of the organic agriculture industry.
\r\n
\r\nKey points of the act
\r\n
\r\n1. Equal emphasis on regulation and guidance
\r\nIn addition to the third-party organic certification regulations currently in place, the act requires competent authorities to adopt a raft of guidance measures to assist farmers, including guidance on environmentally friendly farming practices. This dual emphasis on regulation and guidance will help increase the amount of farmland dedicated to organic and eco-friendly agriculture.
\r\n
\r\n2. Balance farmer and consumer rights
\r\nIn cases where an organic farm is contaminated by an adjacent non-organic farm despite having taken protective measures, and the local competent authority has confirmed the adjacent farm to be the source of contamination, the organic farm will not be penalized but will only be obligated to recall the affected produce for the protection of consumers.
\r\n
\r\n3. Promote bilateral organic equivalency recognition
\r\nFor countries that fail to sign a bilateral organic equivalence mutual recognition agreement with Taiwan within one year after the implementation of the act, Taiwan will announce the abolishment of equivalence recognition with those countries. This is intended to prompt other countries to more vigorously pursue bilateral organic equivalency recognition with Taiwan, which in turn can open the way for offshore certification services and enlarge the scope of Taiwan’s organic industry.
On June 14, 2018 the Executive Yuan approved a new action plan to develop Taiwan’s financial sector. Addressing such issues as economic development and the aging of Taiwan’s population, the plan lays out strategies and objectives covering four sectors: banking, securities and futures, insurance, and financial technology, with the goals of channeling financial sector resources into helping other industries grow, integrating technological innovations, expanding into international markets, and promoting financial inclusion.
\r\n
\r\nStrategies and objectives
\r\n
\r\n►Banking: Plans call for efforts to connect the financial sector with other industries, attract capital and professional talent, establish an international financial management platform, expand global financial networks, increase incentives for mergers, and encourage innovation, as well as ramp up the scale of Taiwan’s financial institutions.
\r\n
\r\n►Securities and futures: The government will create a friendly environment for investment, encourage financial innovation and a diversity of financial products, sculpt a culture of corporate governance, and increase incentives for mergers and acquisitions. These efforts aim to bring at least 100 more companies to local exchanges within two years.
\r\n
\r\n►Insurance: Insurers will be encouraged to offer a broader range of insurance products, while the government builds foundational infrastructure for the digitalization of insurance and promotes technological developments in the insurance industry. The government will also steer the insurance industry toward a larger role in economic development in line with recent amendments to the Insurance Act. Guarantee-type and old-age products (excluding investment types) should account for at least 60 percent of all insurance products within three years; and within five years the number of people covered by microinsurance should reach 1 million. The insurance industry will also invest an additional NT$150 billion (US$4.9 billion) or more over the next three years in such areas as “five plus two” innovative industry startups, public works and long-term care organizations.
\r\n
\r\n►Financial technology: The government will pursue such measures as advancing an experimentation mechanism for new financial technology, building a financial technology innovation campus, and nurturing financial tech startups. Regulators will process at least 10 applications for financial innovation experimentation each year for the next three years.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nThe topic of pension reform has taken center stage across Taiwan as the nation’s rapidly aging population and falling birth rate place enormous financial strains on the pension system for military personnel, civil servants and teachers. In consideration of the special nature of military service, the government is addressing pension reform for military personnel separately from other public-sector employees.
\r\n
\r\nFollowing the Legislature’s passage of amendments to laws governing retirement and pensions for civil servants, teachers and political appointees, the Ministry of National Defense and the Veterans Affairs Council jointly drafted amendments to the Act of Military Service for Officers and Non-commissioned Officers of the Armed Forces. These revisions received the Legislature's approval on June 20, 2018 and came into force July 1 the same year.
\r\n
\r\nII. Features of the new military pension system
\r\n
\r\n◆ The reformed military pension system is modeled after military retirement programs in the U.S., Japan and Korea.
\r\n
\r\n◆ The maximum service period for offers at all levels will be extended appropriately to encourage soldiers and officers to commit to long-term careers in the military.
\r\n
\r\n◆ In addition to raising the salary contribution rate to match that paid by civil servants and teachers, the government will increase funding for the military pension system, and place all resulting funds into the military pension fund.
\r\n
\r\n◆ To protect the rights of those close to or already in retirement under the old pension system, a number of moderate adjustments will be made over the transition period to close the gap between the new and old systems gradually.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Eligibility for retirement remains unchanged at 20 years of service, and pension payments will be prioritized by the government.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Benefits of the new system
\r\n
\r\n◆ Helps promote the military recruitment system.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Encourages active military personnel to serve long-term.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Rewards longer service periods with higher pension payout rates.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Provides financial support for military personnel in retirement.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Places dedicated funding into the military pension fund to ensure sustainable operation into the future.
The loosening of laws and regulations has become an important focus of government work to advance economic development and prevent excessive regulation from hindering Taiwan’s competitiveness. With an eye toward operational benefits, simplified administration and convenience for the public, the government is seeking to temper the restrictive approaches of the past by conducting a top-to-bottom review of outdated legal interpretations, administrative rules and regulatory orders, beginning with financial regulations. The goal is to eliminate barriers to investment and establish an efficient regulatory environment conducive to business operations and public convenience.
\r\n
\r\nMajor accomplishments
\r\n
\r\n◆ Improving the environment for business operations: Efforts include adjusting the collection of slopeland development and utilization fees to incentivize businesses to upgrade, renovate or expand facilities, relaxing rules for rooftop solar panel installation permits and environmental impact assessments for green energy projects, allowing banks to hold up to 100 percent of shares in venture capital enterprises, and permitting government procurement departments—in the event that a contract or award is revoked or rescinded—to negotiate pricing with sequential contractors whose tenders are the most advantageous or match the requirements of a project, without re-opening bidding. These measures provide operational flexibility for businesses and increase the administrative efficiency of government.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Aiding the development of startup enterprises: Actions aimed at eliminating regulatory barriers and providing multiple pathways to raise capital include simplifying procurement procedures, allowing companies to issue stock with a face value of less than one New Taiwan dollar (US$0.033), adding e-commerce as a category of listed company, and relaxing requirements for companies to list on Taiwan’s Go Incubation Board for Startups and Acceleration Firms (GISA).
\r\n
\r\n◆ Providing convenient public services: The government is ushering in digital conveniences and raising administrative efficiency by removing impediments facing small-scale businesses in accepting mobile payments, establishing guidelines for linking mobile phones to debit card accounts as a new payment tool, allowing physicians to diagnose and treat patients remotely, and reducing paperwork by implementing online patent reviews.
In order to effectively boost pay levels in Taiwan, the Executive Yuan announced two multipoint action plans on May 14 of this year. The first lists short-term measures promoting higher wages for low-paid workers, while the second contains medium- to long-term actions aimed at raising pay at all levels of the workforce. Altogether, the 10 major actions described by the two plans will allow both employers and employees to reap the benefits of economic growth and establish a new model of economic development grounded in the values of innovation, employment and equitable distribution.
\r\n
\r\nFive short-term measures to boost wages for low-paid workers
\r\n
\r\n◆ Raise salaries for low-paid public-sector employees
\r\nThe government will take the initiative to gradually raise salaries for low-paid temporary workers to a floor of NT$30,000 (US$1,003) per month, increase hourly pay for contract teachers, and provide university teaching assistants with retirement accounts and coverage under the national labor and health insurance programs.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Include worker pay as a bonus criteria for selecting contractors and making awards
\r\nEmployee pay levels will be considered when awarding government contracts, as well as in the selection of recipients of government awards and subsidies.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Encourage higher private-sector salaries
\r\nBusinesses will be encouraged to offer higher salaries to attract top talent in order to increase production capacity, creating a virtuous cycle beneficial to both workers and employers.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Increase pay transparency
\r\nEfforts will be made to eliminate information asymmetry in the labor market, improve employees’ access to data on market-rate compensation, and increase the public availability of salary information.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Raise hourly wages
\r\nThe government will seek appropriate increases in the hourly wage, and unhook adjustments to hourly pay from changes in monthly salaries.
\r\n
\r\nFive medium- to long-term measures to raise pay for all workers
\r\n
\r\n◆ Promote increased investment
\r\nEfforts will include removing barriers to investment, relaxing rules and regulations, and simplifying the review process for foreign investment projects.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Accelerate the upgrade of industry
\r\nThe willingness of businesses to raise pay will be boosted through innovative added value in the service industry, assistance for small- and medium-sized enterprises to build a platform for the internet of things, an investment environment optimized for startup companies, and improved operational fitness of firms in low-wage industries.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Lighten the burden shouldered by wage earners
\r\nThe government will improve social safety net protections for the economically disadvantaged, cut taxes, and periodically review adjustments to the tax burden borne by income earners.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Improve the quality of the workforce
\r\nActions will focus on helping young working people to develop work skills for new technologies and interdisciplinary approaches, as well as expanding job training subsidies for low-wage workers.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Close the gap between student skills and industry needs
\r\nEfforts will target integrating business and vocational resources, improving job training, and tailoring academic programs based on the needs of society and industry.
As cybersecurity risks arising from the recent development of digital technologies have become a topic of major concern throughout the world, the global demand for cybersecurity products and services will continue to grow. In order to best seize this immense opportunity, push forward the development of Taiwan’s cybersecurity industry and achieve President Tsai Ing-wen’s directive to treat cybersecurity as national security, the government has integrated cybersecurity into the “five plus two” innovative industries plan as a component of national defense. In addition, an action plan to develop the cybersecurity industry was passed on March 22 of this year. By taking advantage of Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductors, integrated circuits, and information and telecommunications equipment, local cybersecurity firms can establish a strong national brand and reputation for excellence. After securing the cybersecurity environment for critical infrastructure at home, Taiwan’s cybersecurity industry will then be ready to expand and conquer international markets.
\r\n
\r\nObjectives for 2025
\r\n
\r\n■ Increase the number of people working in the cybersecurity field to 10,000.
\r\n
\r\n■ Provide assistance and support for the establishment of 40 cybersecurity startups.
\r\n
\r\n■ Establish 21 cybersecurity standards for the testing and certification of information and telecommunication products.
\r\n
\r\n■ Raise the industry’s annual production value from the present NT$38.7 billion (US$1.30 billion) to over NT$78.0 billion (US$2.62 billion).
\r\n
\r\n■ Indirectly boost the annual production value and sales of the “five plus two” innovative industries by 7 percent.
\r\n
\r\nFour principle strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Build a cybersecurity education and training system guided by industry needs.
\r\n
\r\n■ Focus on niche markets and connect with international partners.
\r\n
\r\n■ Create a platform for product testing and validation to provide the industry with the track record necessary to take on global markets.
\r\n
\r\n■ Open capital markets to cybersecurity enterprises and move forcefully to expand international sales.
Taiwan’s science parks, an essential component of scientific and technological development, are the engine driving Taiwan’s high-tech industries. For several years running, the parks’ combined output value has topped the NT$2 trillion (US$65.7 billion) mark, with sales in 2017 reaching NT$2.46 trillion (US$80.8 billion), or 3.58 percent higher than the year before (integrated circuits, optoelectronics and precision machinery were the three largest industries by sales). The 943 resident companies and the 272,194 workers they employed in 2017 were also the highest ever recorded.
\r\n
\r\nRecent achievements
\r\n
\r\n■ Hsinchu Science Park: Hsinchu saw the formation of the Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park industrial cluster.
\r\n
\r\n■ Central Taiwan Science Park: The Taichung Science Park expansion development plan picked up speed, while semiconductor companies received assistance in the mass production of advanced chips that use 7-nanometer process technology.
\r\n
\r\n■ Southern Taiwan Science Park: The park attracted significant investments and implemented industrial upgrading programs.
\r\n
\r\nFuture directions
\r\n
\r\n■ Hsinchu Science Park: In the short term, build a dedicated zone for software development. Over the next 10 years, promote industrial innovation for semiconductors, biomedicine and software services.
\r\n
\r\n■ Central Taiwan Science Park: In the short term, establish a flagship, world-class artificial intelligence robotics hub. Over the next 10 years, hone the strengths of each sector to build industries of the future, including smart machinery, health and well-being, clean energy and environmental sustainability.
\r\n
\r\n■ Southern Taiwan Science Park: In the short term, establish an environment for advanced semiconductor processes while creating a smart robotics innovation and production base. Over the next decade, become the world’s highest-valued semiconductor science park, develop the smart robotics innovation and production base, and transform into an industrial hub for smart biomedicine, intelligent manufacturing and aerospace technology.
The Asia Silicon Valley Development Plan was approved by the government on September 8, 2016 to connect Taiwan with high-tech R&D communities worldwide and seize opportunities in next-generation industries. As the flagship program of the “five plus two” innovative industries, the plan focuses on promoting innovative research and development for the internet of things (IoT) and building a comprehensive ecosystem for innovative startups. Its aim is to boost economic growth and create job opportunities by transforming Taiwan from a traditional contract manufacturer to a provider of smart, innovative services such as mobile lifestyles, artificial intelligence, automated driving, and augmented and virtual reality.
\r\n
\r\nFour main strategies
\r\n
\r\n■ Build a comprehensive innovative startup ecosystem: Including attracting and retaining bright talent, helping startups obtain capital, improving the regulatory environment, strengthening the functions of innovation clusters, and forging stronger ties with innovation clusters in other countries.
\r\n
\r\n■ Connect to international R&D communities: Including establishing an innovative R&D center, connecting with Silicon Valley and other innovation communities, importing foreign technologies, and pursuing cooperation with venture capital firms overseas.
\r\n
\r\n■ Create an IoT value chain: Including converting IoT academic research into commercial applications, and filling the gaps in IoT technologies.
\r\n
\r\n■ Provide demonstration sites for smart technologies: Including coordinating field verification among central and local governments and international firms, setting up an IoT testing center for the Asia-Pacific, and promoting demonstration projects for smart application services, in particular smart logistics, smart transport and smart health care.
\r\n
\r\nExpected benefits
\r\n
\r\n■ Taiwan’s share of the IoT global market will grow to 5 percent by 2025.
\r\n
\r\n■ Taiwan will have 100 IoT ventures, either local startups rising to success or R&D centers set up by international corporations.
\r\n
\r\n■ Three world-class systems integration companies will be nurtured in Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\n■ Taiwan will attract investments from two world-class corporations.
Taiwan’s location in an active seismic zone means that building safety is a vital concern, and as the island’s aging buildings increase in number and proportion, their ability to withstand earthquakes has become more pressing than ever. To provide a safe and secure environment for residents, the Executive Yuan on March 29, 2018 passed draft amendments to the Building Act, seeking to ensure the design and construction quality of new structures while shoring up the safety of existing ones.
\r\n
\r\nMain points of proposed amendments
\r\n
\r\n♦ Three levels of controls to ensure new building construction quality
\r\n1. Consolidate design reviews: For buildings of a certain size, the building’s structure, fire evacuation design and other safety features should be inspected by third-party professionals.
\r\n2. Step up construction inspections: For buildings of a certain size, the construction quality should be inspected and approved by third-party professionals before construction can continue.
\r\n3. Conduct acceptance checks: For buildings of a certain size, the physical site should be inspected and approved by third-party professionals before a usage license is issued.
\r\n
\r\n♦ Quake-resistance improvements mandated for existing buildings
\r\nQuake-resistance assessments and inspections should be mandated for all privately owned, public-use buildings (hotels, department stores, movie theaters and the like) with total floor space of at least 1,000 square meters and whose construction licenses were issued prior to December 31, 1999. Buildings that fail to make the necessary improvements will be fined NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 (US$2,045 to US$10,225), and may face repeated fines.
\r\n
\r\n♦ Licenses required for all compliant buildings
\r\nWhere a public-use building was constructed prior to the implementation of building codes, and the building is of a certain size and designed for specific activities, a penalty will be assessed if the building is already in business operation but has failed to obtain the legally required usage license.
New agriculture is a main component of the government’s “five plus two” innovative industries policy. To build a robust and revolutionary new agricultural paradigm, the government in late 2016 rolled out the New Agriculture Innovation Promotion Program, which reverses the passive agricultural subsidies and traditional policies of the past. A reward mechanism in the form of the Green Environmental Payment Program was also launched in 2018 to encourage eco-friendly farming practices, improve the quality of crops, and ensure farmland is devoted to agricultural use. All of these measures will promote sustainable development of Taiwan’s agricultural industry while benefiting the farmers themselves.
\r\n
\r\nDual-track system of payments and price guarantees, three-way win for farmers, consumers and the environment
\r\n
\r\n■ Offers direct payments, guarantees purchase price for rice: Farmers of high-quality rice can opt to receive direct payments from the government rather than have the government purchase the grain at guaranteed prices. This measure encourages farmers to cultivate quality rice crops that will not only bring in direct payments but also fetch higher market prices.
\r\n
\r\n■ Encourages crop rotation in rice fields: Farmers will receive higher rewards for cultivating import-substitute crops, export-oriented crops and other policy-specified items.
\r\n
\r\n■ Promotes organic and eco-friendly farming practices: Farmers certified for organic farming or who have land registered with eco-friendly farming groups may receive a subsidy in addition to green payments.
Seeking to advance the transformation and upgrade of Taiwan’s industry and add new momentum to economic growth, the Executive Yuan—in line with President Tsai Ing-wen’s core principles of innovation, employment, and equitable distribution—has made a number of policy adjustments concerning overall national development. This includes the “five plus two” innovative industries plan, which will serve as the central driver of Taiwan’s industrial growth in the next era, and forge a new model for sustainable development.
\r\n
\r\nThe plan covers seven industries and projects: intelligent machinery, Asia Silicon Valley, green energy, biomedicine, national defense and aerospace, new agriculture and the circular economy. The focus on these areas is expected to move Taiwan forward from contract manufacturing to a new commercial model centered on high-value-added business, services and solutioning. This shift will stimulate innovation, boost the competitiveness of industry and increase corporate profitability, all the while raising wages, creating jobs and bringing more balanced development to all regions of Taiwan.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nEncouraging startup development is a key component of the government’s plan to accelerate the transformation of industry in Taiwan, as well as a global trend. In order to optimize the environment for startup companies, the government is promoting both the “five plus two” innovative industries program and a new action plan for improving the environment for investment in startups. The action plan lays out 40 specific action items reflecting five broad policy approaches to achieve the plan’s two main objectives. This active assistance will energize the development of startup firms in Taiwan and enable expansion into markets abroad.
\r\n
\r\nII. Two primary objectives
\r\n
\r\n♦ Every two years, foster at least one “unicorn,” or a startup with a valuation of at least US$1 billion.
\r\n
\r\n♦ For the next five years, expand investment in startups by NT$5 billion (US$170.6 million) annually.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Five policy approaches
\r\n
\r\n♦ Ensuring plentiful capital for newly established startups: This approach includes such efforts as promoting preferential tax treatment for angel investors under the Statute for Industrial Innovation, enhancing cooperation with top international venture capitalists, and simplifying review procedures for overseas investors.
\r\n
\r\n♦ Fostering talent and fine-tuning laws and regulations: The government will continue to relax rules and regulations governing visa requirements, employment and residency for foreign professionals, as well as improve the functionality of the National Development Council’s Startup Regulatory Adjustment Platform to provide clarification when startups encounter legal gray areas.
\r\n
\r\n♦ Making government a good partner for startups: Through a wide variety of channels—including government procurement, business proposal and product competitions, and open data—the government will encourage cooperation among startups.
\r\n
\r\n♦ Providing exits for investors in successful startups: Greater flexibility for stock exchange listings and more corporate acquisitions of startups will provide channels for investors and owners to cash in on success.
\r\n
\r\n♦ Helping startups to conquer overseas markets: The government will attract international startup accelerators to Taiwan as well as invite foreign startup professionals and overseas Taiwanese businesspeople to invest in local startup firms.
Taiwan has designated the circular economy as one of the “five plus two” innovative industries in order to create a win-win for the environment and the economy while aligning with international practice. As part of this effort, a resource recycling and recovery plan (2018-2020) was drafted with the aim of ensuring that waste materials are properly recycled at every stage of the process, from production and consumption through disposal and recycling. By harvesting usable materials from waste rather than from natural resources, the plan will advance Taiwan toward its vision of a fully circular, zero-waste economy.
\r\n
\r\nFour main strategies
\r\n
\r\n◆ Increase resource utilization rate: Promote products with greater durability, repairability and recyclability. Raise energy and resource efficiency in manufacturing processes and reduce the creation of waste.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Minimize wasteful use of resources: Create green consumption models while cutting down on the use of disposable products. Promote green procurement in government. Use recycled aggregates in public construction projects.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Reduce waste: Improve front-end sorting in recycling systems to maximize recovery efficiency. Enhance renewable energy technologies, nurture emerging industries and promote recycling of energy resources.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Improve recyclability: Ensure the quality of recovered materials and recycled products. Enhance technologies for recycling and recovery of resources.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nCapital and people are the driving forces behind a nation’s economic development. As capital markets become highly liberalized and competition intensifies for skilled workers, governments around the world are implementing tax reform and creating friendly tax environments to boost national competitiveness.
As an open economy, Taiwan must resolve key issues with its tax system before it can compete effectively with other countries for capital and talent. This includes easing the heavier income tax burdens on Taiwan’s top talent and investors, balancing tax burdens between domestic and foreign investors, and addressing the negative impact that taxes on undistributed surplus earnings may have on the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and new businesses to transform and upgrade.
\r\n\r\nTo build a fair and equitable tax system that is internationally competitive and on par with global standards, the Executive Yuan on October 12, 2017 approved the Ministry of Finance’s amendments to the Income Tax Act, which were promulgated by the president on February 7, 2018 and put into effect retroactively from January 1, 2018. Measures for optimizing the tax system include redistributing income tax burdens more reasonably; easing taxes on wage and salary earners, low and medium-income taxpayers, and families with children; and creating a tax environment that encourages investments in Taiwan while helping to recruit and retain professional talent. A set of complementary measures is also being rolled out to deliver the benefits of tax optimization to all taxpayers.
\r\n
\r\nII. Summary of amendments and benefits
\r\n
\r\nA. Ease burden on wage and salary earners, low and medium-income taxpayers, and families with children
\r\n
\r\n1. The standard deduction for individuals has been raised by NT$30,000 (US$1,022)— from NT$90,000 to NT$120,000 (married couples filing jointly may deduct twice this amount)—or 33 percent. Approximately 5.17 million taxpayers are expected to benefit from this measure.
\r\n2. The special deduction for wage and salary earners and persons with disabilities has been increased by NT$72,000—from NT$128,000 to NT$200,000—or 56 percent. This will benefit 5.42 million income-earning and 620,000 disabled taxpayers.
\r\n3. The special deduction for parents with preschool children has been raised significantly by NT$95,000 per child—from NT$25,000 to NT$120,000—or 380 percent. This measure will encourage childbirth and benefit an estimated 610,000 families.
\r\n4. After these changes are implemented, a new member of the workforce with an annual salary of NT$408,000 (monthly salary of NT$30,000) or less, for instance, will be exempt from paying taxes, as will a dual-income household with an annual salary of NT$816,000 or less, or a dual-income four-member household (two children aged 5 or under) with an annual income of NT$1.232 million or less.
\r\n
\r\nB. Help recruitment and retention, boost Taiwan’s competitiveness
\r\n
\r\nThe highest income tax rate for individuals has been lowered to 40 percent, eliminating the 45 percent tax bracket on the portion of individual income over NT$10 million. This measure is expected to help recruit and retain talent while attracting investment.
\r\n
\r\nC. Simplify tax system to align with international trends
\r\n
\r\nThe dividend imputation tax system has been eliminated. The requirement that profit-seeking enterprises set up shareholder tax offsetting accounts has also been abolished—along with related provisions on account recordkeeping, calculations, distribution and penalties—in order to lower taxpayers’ compliance costs and reduce the incidence of tax collection disputes.
\r\n
\r\nD. Increase investor willingness, create jobs
\r\n1. Establish a new dividend earnings tax system (offering two options):
\r\n♦ Dividends may be taxed as part of individual income while qualifying for an 8.5 percent tax deduction (deduction amount limited to NT$80,000 per taxpayer). This option will lower the payable tax amount, and any excess or unused dividend deductions may be claimed as a tax refund.
\r\n♦ Dividends may be treated separately from other taxable income and subject to a flat tax rate of 28 percent.
\r\n2. Reasonable adjustments to the corporate income tax structure:
\r\n♦ The corporate income tax rate has been raised from 17 to 20 percent, but if the corporation’s taxable income does not exceed NT$500,000, this rate can be gradually increased over three years, by 1 percent per year.
\r\n♦ The surtax on undistributed surplus earnings has been lowered from 10 to 5 percent.
\r\n♦ The dividend income tax withholding rate for foreign investors has been increased from 20 to 21 percent.
\r\n3. Earnings by a sole proprietorship or partnership business will be taxed not as corporate income but as individual income of the investor.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nThe purpose of these income tax system optimization measures is fourfold: to create an equitable tax system, improve Taiwan’s economic efficiency, simplify tax administration, and ensure sustainable fiscal revenue. Ordinary taxpayers will benefit from tax cuts and keep more of what they earn as tax burdens are eased for wage and salaried workers, low and medium-income households, families with children, as well as SMEs and new businesses. Meanwhile, major investors in corporations will see dividends taxed at a reasonable rate, and companies will have more incentive to invest, which in turn will create jobs, spur economic development, and create a tax environment that encourages investments in Taiwan while recruiting and retaining talent. All of these measures are expected to optimize the tax system where wealth is distributed more fairly for the benefit of all.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nFinancial technology (or fintech) describes the application of technology to support or enable banking and other financial services. Such new applications are now transforming business models throughout the world and changing the face of the industry. Yet these changes will enable more secure and efficient financial services as well as promote financial inclusion, bringing benefits to an ever expanding body of customers.
As the government encourages innovation in fintech services, consideration must be given to the regulatory barriers and difficulties that businesses may encounter. To provide a secure, lightly regulated environment where providers may experiment with the development of innovative fintech products, services and business models, the Executive Yuan approved a draft of a financial technology innovative experimentation act on May 4 of 2017. This bill was then passed into law by the Legislative Yuan on December 29 of the same year. The act allows providers to test the feasibility and effectiveness of new technology to deliver financial services in a controlled-risk environment unencumbered by existing regulatory restrictions.
\r\n
\r\nII. Taking the global lead with financial regulatory sandbox law
\r\n
\r\nInnovative experimentation with new financial technology is conducted within a framework of regulations that is known as a financial regulatory sandbox. Taiwan is the first country in the world to enact legislation specifically establishing such a framework. This mechanism for innovative experimentation avoids the pitfalls of regulatory infractions as operators pursue more rapid development of fintech services that will enhance Taiwan’s financial competitiveness. At the same time, measures are in place to protect consumer rights and maintain market order, with an emphasis on responsible innovation.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Setting up mechanisms for fintech innovation and experimentation
\r\n
\r\n■ For innovative experimental projects, both financial and non-financial services companies alike will be able to seek approval from the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), so long as such trials fall within the scope of chartered financial services approved by the FSC.
\r\n■ There are no restrictions on the types of entities that may apply. Natural persons, sole proprietors, partnerships and corporations—as well as non-residents represented by an agent—are all eligible to submit applications.
\r\n■ Innovative trials may run for up to one year, with a single six-month extension permitted where necessary. However, where cases involve legislation awaiting amendment, more than one extension is allowed, and trials may run for a total of up to three years.
\r\n■ Upon the conclusion of a service trial, an operating license may be sought under the appropriate regulations as determined by the nature of the business.
\r\n■ For experimental technologies that prove innovative and promise more efficient service delivery, lower costs of use, and greater benefits for consumers and companies, the FSC will take the initiative to review and revise regulations as necessary, as well as offer assistance and provide referrals to other agencies and organizations for guidance.
\r\n■ The FSC will establish mechanisms to furnish assistance and provide guidance to fintech service providers.
\r\n■ The FSC will enact measures to protect the rights and interests of consumers participating in approved trials. The commission will also have the authority to revoke permits mid-project where innovative experimentation may significantly impact financial markets or threaten the rights and interests of trial participants.
\r\n
\r\nIV. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nAs a wave of new fintech services builds, the government has passed tailored legislation to promote related development and create a mechanism for innovative experimentation. With Taiwan moving toward an optimized environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, cooperation between financial and non-financial services companies will accelerate as firms race to seize fintech business opportunities, and in the process raise the competitiveness and quality of Taiwan’s financial services.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nThe National Palace Museum (NPM) is home to the most exquisite and comprehensive collection of ancient Chinese cultural relics and artifacts in the world. With a reputation as one of the globe’s top four museums, it is a must-see destination for international visitors to Taiwan.
In 2018, the museum launched the New National Palace Museum Plan (2018-2023) to boost the development of Taiwan’s tourism industry and set the lead for other museums in promoting cultural tourism. Five policy directions are included in the plan: engage public participation, connect with local communities, enhance the museum’s professional capabilities, diversify the scope of exhibition contents, and raise the NPM’s international competitiveness.
\r\n
\r\nII. Create a world-class tourism site, promote cultural diplomacy
\r\n
\r\nThe plan will invest a total NT$10.1 billion (US$344.7 million) into hard and soft infrastructure and service quality at the NPM’s northern and southern branches, including aesthetic improvements, exhibition innovation, event coordination, transportation links and international marketing. The NPM will also partner with local museums to jointly promote the industry and create a museum-centered tourism industrial chain in Taiwan.
When completed, the plan is expected to create value for the new NPM, enable international visitors to experience Taiwan’s diverse cultures, and elevate the nation’s global brand and image. Promoting Taiwanese culture to the world community is an exercise in cultural diplomacy that will open up more international space for Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Spur tourism, consolidate museum tourism resources
\r\n
\r\nThe New National Palace Museum Plan comprises three subprojects:
♦ Renovation (expansion) of the Northern Branch
\r\nThis subproject will renovate the museum’s gallery environments, enhance and beautify landscapes and architecture, improve overall space quality, and upgrade the artifact collections environment including displays and tours. All of these efforts will create a world-class attraction to boost the NPM’s international tourism potential.
♦ Construction of a national treasures restoration and exhibition hall at the Southern Branch
\r\nThe national treasures hall, to be built within the 20-hectare museum area of the 70-hectare Southern Branch, will strengthen the museum’s collection capabilities and restoration mission while also training art restoration personnel. The branch’s gallery space will be expanded to accommodate international-level exhibitions including thematic exhibitions on Asia’s cultural diversity, and provide restoration and experiential areas for the artifacts. The branch will also work with the local government to connect with local culture and businesses, capturing spillover benefits from the museum’s tourism boom to help promote urban renewal, deepen central and southern Taiwan’s artistic roots, and enrich cultural tourism resources in the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan region.
♦ Establishment of an international tourism online system for local museums
\r\nThis subproject will create an international tourism assistance platform allowing museums throughout Taiwan to connect with one another and consolidate resources. With access to the NPM’s tourism capabilities and resources, the museums will be able to improve their own international tourism services and facilities and together bolster the development of Taiwan’s museum tourism industry. A marketing platform for cultural and creative products will also be established for local museums to collectively develop international markets and build a system showcasing Taiwan’s cultural diversity.
\r\n
\r\nIV. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nIn an era of rapid innovation and relentless change, even the world’s most renowned museums must pursue constant evolution to offer innovative services and stay competitive. After the completion of the New National Palace Museum Plan, the museum will be able to more effectively preserve and protect the nation’s treasures and artifacts in its care, improve the quality of museum tours, and engage more of the public in arts education. These efforts will in turn spur the development of local culture, tourism and other industries to create mutual prosperity for the branches and their communities, while putting Taiwan’s distinctive culture on display for the world to enjoy.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nIn 2000, Taiwan promulgated the Act for Promotion of Private Participation in Infrastructure Projects to build a regulatory foundation and conducive environment for public-private partnerships (PPP). From 2002 through December 8, 2017, public and private entities signed 1,532 PPP contracts worth NT$1.26 trillion (US$42 billion) in total, cutting government expenditures by NT$1.5 trillion (US$50 billion) while increasing revenues by NT$765.2 billion (US$25.5 billion), and creating 230,000 jobs over the terms of the contracts. These cooperative arrangements support a portion of the government’s public mission and contribute positively to Taiwan’s economic development.
\r\n
\r\nII. Encourage private participation, faster completion of projects
\r\n
\r\nA. Strengthen the PPP regulatory and operating environments, boost investor confidence
\r\n
\r\n1. The PPP act was revised on December 30, 2015, following which the enforcement rules for the act were also amended accordingly.
\r\n2. The Regulations for Favorable Rentals Regarding Public Land Lease and Superficies in Infrastructure Projects were revised to limit increases on public land rent to 6 percent per year.
\r\n3. The types of major infrastructure projects permitted to offer tax benefits for investors have been expanded to cover government office building projects (excluding land) having investments of NT$1 billion (US$33.4 million) or more.
\r\n
\r\nB. Create a PPP platform, attract more investors, help government agencies set up projects
\r\n
\r\n1. The government has formed an advisory task force and convened PPP investment platform meetings to help remove barriers to investment.
\r\n2. Government agencies are given a time limit to evaluate their PPP policies and take stock of all potential investment cases. Projects under the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program that qualify for the PPP scheme are receiving priority review.
\r\n3. Investor conferences and business forums have been organized.
\r\n4. Assistance and consultation are provided to help government agencies initiate investment projects.
\r\n
\r\nC. Provide subsidies, encourage government agencies to promote PPP scheme
\r\n
\r\n1. Government agencies receive subsidies for setting up PPP projects.
\r\n2. Rewards are given to local governments that sign investment agreements with private organizations.
\r\n3. The Golden Thumb Awards are conferred to encourage outstanding central and local governments and private organizations.
\r\n
\r\nD. Strengthen guidance and follow-up measures
\r\n
\r\n1. Projects with private investments of NT$1 billion or more are assessed once a month for progress.
\r\n2. Government agencies have established task forces to formulate promotional strategies and time tables for infrastructure projects with PPP potential. The task forces also initiate warning and tracking measures for projects falling behind schedule.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nGovernment resources are limited but the strength of the private sector is unbounded. Infusing private-sector resources into public infrastructure not only reduces public expenditures and enhances government services, but also accelerates socioeconomic development while achieving winning outcomes for government, businesses and the people of Taiwan.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nAs a demonstration of the government’s commitment to revitalizing the economy, the Executive Yuan on September 27, 2017 launched a series of meetings convened by Premier Lai Ching-te to accelerate investments in Taiwan and address the range of issues hampering industrial growth. After government agencies analyzed and cataloged the problems most often faced by investors, Premier Lai again held four press conferences starting November 6 to present the government’s strategies and measures for dismantling these barriers.
\r\n
\r\nII. Government strategies for the “five shortages”
\r\n
\r\nA. Land shortage
\r\n
\r\n◆ Strategies: To address the shortage of land, the government is employing 12 measures under three broad strategies: releasing state-owned land at discount prices, making use of idle private land in government-developed zones, and developing and repurposing land for industrial use.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Benefits: By 2022, a total 1,442 hectares will be freed up to meet the increase in the demand for land, estimated at 1,266 hectares.
\r\n
\r\nB. Water shortage
\r\n
\r\n◆ Strategies: Four strategies are in place to ensure water reliability for industrial use: development of new resources, water conservation, water allocation and emergency backup systems.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Benefits: All of Taiwan’s science parks and industrial parks are expected to have reliable access to water supplies by 2031. In the event of severe droughts or water shortages in the meantime, emergency backup mechanisms are already in place, along with inter-regional water allocation measures if necessary, and various water conservation plans.
\r\n
\r\nC. Electricity shortage
\r\n
\r\n◆ Strategies: The government has three policy objectives for safe and reliable power supplies: phasing out nuclear power, stabilizing electricity supplies, and curbing air pollution. Implementation strategies include a diversity of resources to increase electricity supply, a nationwide energy conservation program, and management of supply and demand combined with smart-tech conservation.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Benefits:
\r\n1. From 2017 through 2025, electricity from gas-fired generators will increase by 8.896 million kilowatts (kW) while that from coal-fired generators will increase by only 1 million kW. Renewables will be expanded to account for 20 percent of Taiwan’s energy portfolio.
\r\n2. By 2025, the nation’s maximum available power supply will be increased to 46.91 million kW to meet expected peak demands of 40.32 million kW. From 2019 onward, Taiwan will maintain a reserve margin of at least 15 percent and an operating reserve of at least 10 percent.
\r\n3. Air pollution will be reduced by adjusting the use of fuel-fired generators in each region as needed.
\r\n
\r\nD. Shortage of skilled professionals
\r\n
\r\n◆ Policy directions: The shortage of skilled professionals will be addressed through retention, recruitment and cultivation policies.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Strategies:
\r\n1. Retention: To keep skilled talent from leaving Taiwan, the government will build an attractive tax environment, create new channels for companies to offer rewards, and provide opportunities for young people to flourish.
\r\n2. Recruitment: The Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professional was passed by the Legislature October 31, 2017, relaxing regulations on visas, residency, health insurance, tax, and retirement benefits. The Contact Taiwan online job-matching platform has been upgraded to a one-stop international recruitment portal. The Immigration Act will be amended, widening the door for overseas talent to enter Taiwan and remain in Taiwan, and easing long-term and permanent residency requirements for returning overseas Taiwanese and their second generation.
For international students wishing to work in Taiwan after graduation, the length of time permitted to find employment has been extended from six months to a year. Regulations on foreign personnel from multinational corporations transferring to Taiwan for work or training have been loosened, and a personnel exchange mechanism with countries targeted by the New Southbound Policy has been established. Within the “five plus two” industries, thresholds on capital and revenue have been eased for companies seeking to hire foreign professionals. More experimental bilingual courses will be set up at public elementary, junior high and high schools.
\r\n3. Talent cultivation: Strategies include strengthening industry-academia links, involving corporations in the teaching process, encouraging industries to collaborate with schools in training workers needed in their fields, expanding the industry professional assessment system, training at least 1,000 high-level specialists in smart technologies, producing college students with interdisciplinary skills for smart technologies, and promoting courses on skills upgrading or a second area of expertise to help workers transition to high-tech jobs.
\r\n
\r\nE. Labor shortage
\r\n
\r\n◆ Policy directions: The government’s policy directions for addressing the general work force shortage consist of matching workers to unfilled positions while developing the work force, improving wages and working conditions, and promoting industry-academia cooperation to bridge the education-to-employment gap.
\r\n
\r\n◆ Specific measures:
\r\n1. Match workers to unfilled positions, develop the work force: Measures include establishing an interministerial platform to match workers to priority industries or industries designated for major investment, attracting workers with incentives to industries with labor shortages, providing career development services for young people, drafting a law promoting employment of middle-aged and older workers, and raising women’s labor participation through family-friendly policies.
\r\n2. Raise low wages, improve working conditions: Measures include promoting industrial upgrading, guiding the “3D” (dirty, dangerous and difficult) industries to improve work conditions, publishing job market salary information, and encouraging companies to invest in human resources.
\r\n3. Promote industry-academia cooperation, bridge the education-to-employment gap: Measures include encouraging industry-academia cooperation on off-campus internships for students, expanding joint training programs by schools and businesses to better match skills to jobs, organizing diverse and customized occupational training programs, offering job-oriented courses and certification, and encouraging students to begin work right after graduation.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nTo make it possible for businesses to upgrade, innovate, and stay rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally, the government is facing the problems honestly, formulating strategies pragmatically, and addressing the five industrial shortages steadily. Removing business barriers to investment will not only spur investments domestically but lure other countries to invest in Taiwan as well, all with the promise of moving Taiwan’s economy to the next level of performance.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nOn December 6, 2016, the Legislative Yuan passed an amended Labor Standards Act to implement a flexible five-day workweek and improve conditions for workers. After almost a year under the system established by the revised law, however, voices on all sides suggest that greater flexibility is needed. After consideration of opinions and reactions from all sectors of society, the Executive Yuan on November 9, 2017, approved new revisions to portions of the act, with the expectation that the changes will create a safe and flexible labor system that fulfills President Tsai Ing-wen’s instruction to protect the rights and interests of workers while providing operational flexibility for employers. These new amendments were passed by the Legislative Yuan on January 10, 2018 and will take effect on March 1, 2018.
\r\n
\r\nII. Key points of the draft amendments to the Labor Standards Act
\r\n
\r\nTwo major points characterize this round of revisions to the law: the first is four unchanging principles to preserve the rights and interests of workers, and the second is four points of flexibility to provide appropriate leeway for employees and employers.
\r\n
\r\nA. Four unchanging principles
\r\n
\r\n1. The standard workweek will not change in principle from the current eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
2. The principle of two days off per week—one mandatory day off and one flexible rest day—will not change.
\r\n\r\n3. The overall amount of permitted overtime will not change in principle from the current 46 hours per month.
\r\n\r\n4. The pay rate for overtime work will not change, with an overtime premium to apply equally for overtime work done on both regular workdays and flexible rest days.
\r\n
\r\nB. Four points of flexibility
\r\n
\r\n1. The draft amendments will provide flexibility for permitted overtime. Although overall overtime will not change in principle from the current 46 hours allowed per month, with union approval or mutual agreement between employees and employer, this 46 hours can be apportioned flexibly such that total overtime over a three-month period does not exceed 138 hours. However, total overtime per single-month period is limited to 54 hours. Companies employing 30 or more workers must also submit plans to the local supervisory agency for review.
2. Workday scheduling will also gain flexibility. The principle of one mandatory day off every week will not change, but designated businesses meeting the conditions below will have the leeway to schedule the mandatory day off on any day over a given seven-day period:
\r\n\r\na. Companies must first receive approval from the relevant central government supervisory organization (e.g., the Ministry of Transportation and Communications for tour guides, or the Ministry of the Interior for the construction industry) and then submit to review by the Ministry of Labor.
\r\n\r\nb. Companies that wish to apply this exception must receive union approval or a mutual agreement between employees and employer. Firms employing 30 or more workers must also submit plans to the local supervisory agency for review.
\r\n\r\n3. Scheduling of time off between shifts will see added flexibility. The current requirement is at least 11 hours of rest between shifts, but exceptions will be allowed if management receives union approval or the assent of employees. Any exception, however, must still allow no less than eight hours off between shifts. Companies employing 30 or more workers must also submit plans to the local supervisory agency for review.
\r\n\r\n4. Workers will gain flexibility in the use of annual leave. Unused annual leave may, with the consent of management and labor, be carried over to the next year. Any annual leave still unused by the end of the second year or at the time of contract termination should be converted into pay.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nThese new amendments to the Labor Standards Act are aimed squarely at expanding protections for workers while at the same time providing even greater operational flexibility for businesses, ultimately benefitting the industrial transformation of Taiwan and improving the nation’s overall economic environment.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nThe 2017 World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) was held in Taiwan from September 10 to September 13, putting Taiwan’s technological prowess on display and facilitating networking among global industry players. Now in its 21st year, this year’s event marked the second time that Taiwan has staged the “Olympics of the tech industry” since 2000.
Centered on the theme “Taiwan, Living the Digital Dream,” WCIT 2017 showcased Taiwan’s creative technological soft power and the impact of its information and communications technologies (ICT) around the world. In addition to signaling Taiwan’s transformation from hardware contract manufacturing to innovative smart applications, the exhibition demonstrated Taiwan’s willingness to provide resources for the next generation, as they pursue their digital dreams and create new visions for innovative technology.
\r\n
\r\nII. Over 2,500 tech professionals from 80 countries
\r\n
\r\nFor this year’s event, over 2,500 tech professionals from more than 80 countries and territories converged on Taipei for the opportunity to hear the insights of more than 90 keynote speakers. The agenda centered around Taiwan’s “five plus two” innovative industries policy, with a spotlight on Taiwan’s transformation from a contract manufacturer of information hardware to a digital powerhouse of information applications. Opportunities were also provided for the younger generation to participate. The congress consisted of three portions:
\r\n
A. Exhibition: Featuring nearly 700 booths and 335 exhibitors, the “Taiwan, Living the Digital Dream” exhibition of futuristic technologies showcased the strengths and latest R&D achievements of Taiwan’s industrial, academic and research sectors. The exhibition also drew over 250 top innovation teams and provided young people with a platform for global networking.
\r\n
\r\nB. Conference:
1. The conference portion shared insights into the latest trends in ICT applications, including green energy technology, the circular economy, smart medical care, the internet of things, financial technology, big data, virtual/augmented/mixed reality, artificial intelligence and open data.
\r\n\r\n2. Participants explored high-tech solutions for such global challenges as population aging, energy shortages, environmental pollution, the well-being of society, and urban-rural development gaps.
\r\n
\r\nC. Firsthand experience: Participants took trips through eight major cities (Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung) to see the development of smart city industries and experience the friendliness and convenience of Taiwan firsthand.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nOnce renowned as a global manufacturing hub, Taiwan has in recent years incorporated information technology applications, software and hardware into an impressive digital infrastructure that has turned the nation into an ICT application service powerhouse and a trendsetter in digital living and smart city technologies. WCIT 2017 was not only a three-day international conference but also a unique opportunity for the world to see and experience Taiwan’s smart city achievements up close.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nSince the start of the nation’s space program in 1991, Taiwan has successfully executed three satellite programs: FORMOSAT-1, the nation's first artificial satellite, was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida on January 27, 1999 and decommissioned in June 2004; FORMOSAT-2 was launched in May 2004 and decommissioned August 2016; and FORMOSAT-3 was launched April 2006 and continues to carry out meteorological and scientific missions in orbit.
The fourth satellite, FORMOSAT-5, successfully lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on August 25, 2017. The first high-resolution, remote-sensing optical satellite fully designed and developed in Taiwan, FORMOSAT-5 occupies a significant place in Taiwan's space development history.
\r\n
\r\nII. Taiwan’s first domestically developed satellite
\r\n
\r\nFORMOSAT-5 is the culmination of six years' collaborative research and development involving Taiwan's CMOS Sensor Inc., National Central University, and about 50 teams from the industrial, academic and research sectors. After the teams completed the satellite system, which comprises the satellite body frame, an optical remote-sensing payload and a science payload, all components were successfully integrated and tested by late 2015 to prepare for the satellite's mission and launch.
Having developed and put into operation its own high-resolution optical remote-sensing satellite, Taiwan now looks forward to promoting missions and R&D focusing on domestic development of crucial optical remote-sensing satellites and related technological innovations.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Continuation of FORMOSAT-2’s remote-sensing mission
\r\n
\r\nRemote-sensing satellites are like giant digital cameras that can photograph the Earth from space and send back clear images of the planet's surface. After the devastation of Taiwan’s Typhoon Morakot in 2009 and the massive 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, FORMOSAT-2 sent back detailed images of disaster-hit areas, providing first responders with valuable intelligence and considerably accelerating the pace of disaster relief and reconstruction.
Now that FORMOSAT-5 has taken over the Earth-imaging mission from the decommissioned FORMOSAT-2, the new satellite provides 2-meter panchromatic and 4-meter multispectral resolution images that have a wide range of applications, including government administration, disaster forecasting and mitigation, environmental observation, homeland security, international technological exchanges, academic research and international humanitarian assistance. FORMOSAT-5 also carries the Advanced Ionospheric Probe (AIP) science payload to monitor the ionosphere and study seismic precursors associated with earthquakes.
\r\n
\r\nIV. Leverage industrial advantages to boost Taiwan’s space technology
\r\n
\r\nA. Develop indigenous space technology
\r\n
\r\nIn simplified terms, an artificial satellite is made up of the satellite body and the attached payloads—much like a truck and the cargo it transports. FORMOSAT-5's interdisciplinary teams harnessed Taiwan's industrial, academic and research capabilities to build key satellite body components, the remote-sensing payload, the science payload, and a ground image processing system, developing key technologies unavailable from abroad due to export-permit restrictions. The teams also forged a complete technology chain consisting of satellite design, analysis, manufacture, assembly, testing, mission controls and data processing, demonstrating Taiwan's technological and systems integration capabilities while pushing the standards for space technology in Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nB. Apply Taiwan’s semiconductor industry advantages
\r\n
\r\nTo develop internationally competitive space technology that's unique to Taiwanese industries, the FORMOSAT-5 teams built the world's first linear CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) image sensor for Earth observation, propelling Taiwan into the ranks of countries able to manufacture their own high-resolution remote-sensing satellites.
\r\n
\r\nC. Set milestones for Taiwan’s space research
\r\n
\r\nThe AIP, Taiwan's first ionospheric probe developed by National Central University, currently boasts the highest sampling resolution in the world. It will be used to create space weather models, measure plasma irregularities, and study ionospheric anomalies as precursors to earthquakes.
\r\n
\r\nV. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nWith the spectacular lift-off of FORMOSAT-5, Taiwan prepares to write a new chapter in the history of indigenous space technology. The coming years represent a crucial time for the government’s continued promotion of space technology R&D and the cultivation of the human resources needed to elevate Taiwan's space innovation capabilities. Space technology R&D results will also be used to create value-added applications that can promote industrial development and improve the public's well-being.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nHigh-level education talent has a long and lasting impact on a nation’s development. With the fierce competition in recent years for academic and technology talent among neighboring countries in Asia seeking to raise academic, research and teaching performance and promote industrial development, Taiwan has seen a gradual trend towards accomplished scholars being poached by other nations.
To make teaching and research salaries in Taiwan more competitive internationally, the Ministry of Education (MOE) plans to begin promoting the Yushan Project in 2018, while the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) will increase stipends for researchers. By easing restrictions on the salary system and making wages more flexible, Taiwan will be able to build a superior academic environment and provide sufficient resources in response, as well as attract and retain exceptional talent.
\r\n
\r\nII. Attract and retain top talent
\r\n
\r\nBeginning next year (2018), a maximum of NT$4.15 billion (US$136.8 million) per year will fund up to 19,000 awards in higher education, as part of three programs:
\r\n
\r\nA. Yushan scholars: Recruit globally and retain locally
1. This program will focus on top academic and research personnel newly hired from abroad, as well as exceptional academics and researchers currently employed domestically, who work in fields that are national development priorities.
\r\n\r\n2. Yushan scholars will be eligible for up to NT$5 million (US$165,000) per year on top of existing salaries. There is funding for about 1,000 awards. The grants will continue for three years, with the possibility of renewal.
\r\n
\r\nB. Flexible wage payments: Promote excellence among all institutions
Subsidies worth NT$2 billion (US$66 million) per year will be provided to give schools greater flexibility in paying top talent.
\r\n\r\n1. The funds may be used to pay existing academics and researchers as well as new hires.
\r\n\r\n2. Schools will control their own flexible salary structures for faculty as part of efforts to recruit and retain talent. The pay rules they establish must then be submitted to the MOE for reference.
\r\n
\r\nC. Research allowance increase for professors: Widen pay gap to reflect talent
Annual investments of NT$600 million (US$19.8 million) will go to public colleges and universities to increase allowances for professors by 10 percent, with monthly allowances to rise from NT$54,450 (US$1,795) to NT$59,895 (US$1,975). Starting in 2018, an additional NT$550 million (US$18.1 million) will be awarded to private colleges and universities to help retain top professors.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Higher stipends for researchers: Promote innovative research
\r\n
\r\nThe government plans to raise research project stipends beginning in 2018.
A. Increased stipends for research: Secure outstanding talent
\r\n\r\n1. This measure targets principal investigators conducting MOST-supported single-topic research projects.
\r\n\r\n2. The government will approve a rise in monthly stipends from NT$10,000 (US$330) to NT$15,000 (US$495) for about 16,000 researchers.
\r\n
\r\nB. Higher contract research stipends: Encourage outstanding researchers to undertake long-term, forward-looking research projects
1. This measure targets principal investigators conducting contract research who have twice received MOST’s Outstanding Research Award
\r\n\r\n2. The government will approve a rise in monthly stipends from NT$25,000 (US$824) to NT$30,000 (US$989).
\r\n
\r\nIV. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nTo strengthen the recruitment and retention of exceptional academic and research talent, the government will consider granting colleges and universities greater flexibility in recruiting faculty, in accordance with their independently developed hiring needs. It will also move quickly to establish stable, feasible pay levels or a flexible salary structure for college and university academics, as well as continue to improve various award and subsidy mechanisms, thereby putting into motion a perpetual talent dynamo and steadily raising research and development standards.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nThe trafficking of human beings, especially of women and children, is held by the international community as a crime against humanity. The United Nations, for instance, passed the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons in 2000 and put it into force in 2003. The U.S. Department of State began publishing the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report in 2004 to evaluate each country’s actions in combating trafficking.
For its part, Taiwan has also taken a number of strong actions to fight human trafficking crimes, including announcing the Human Trafficking Prevention Action Plan in November 2006, establishing an Executive Yuan board to coordinate anti-trafficking efforts in February 2007, and implementing the Human Trafficking Prevention and Control Act on June 1, 2009.
\r\n\r\nRecognizing these and other longstanding public-private collaborations to fight trafficking and protect human rights, the U.S. placed Taiwan in Tier 1 in the 2017 TIP Report, the eighth consecutive year that Taiwan has earned the top-tier status. This year’s report cites Taiwan’s sustained efforts to investigate trafficking cases, access to shelters and other victim services, new regulations requiring standard contracts and benefits for foreign fishermen hired overseas, training programs for law enforcement officials, and campaigns to increase public awareness of trafficking crimes.
\r\n
\r\nII. Major tasks in anti-trafficking work
\r\n
\r\nA. Provide protection
Governments at all levels and private organizations have together established 25 shelters for trafficked victims. The shelters provide a range of care services for victims during their stay, including assistance for day-to-day needs, psychological counseling, medical treatment, translation services and legal assistance. Shelter workers may also accompany victims at police interviews, help them secure permits to stay or work in Taiwan, or assist them in repatriating safely. In 2016, a total of 92 temporary stay permits and 199 work permits were issued to victims.
\r\n\r\nB. Step up prevention
\r\n\r\nGovernment agencies use regulatory controls, administrative guidance, education and training, media campaigns, publicity events, and a variety of tools to increase the public’s awareness of human trafficking and prevention. These efforts will also give those coming to Taiwan a better understanding of their rights and keep more people from falling prey to traffickers.
\r\n\r\nC. Investigate and indict
\r\n\r\nProsecutorial and police agencies have appointed special units to take charge of human trafficking investigations and strengthen investigative and indictment operations. For the years 2014 through 2016, police conducted 138, 141 and 134 trafficking investigations while local prosecutors brought indictments in 102, 63 and 69 cases.
\r\n\r\nD. Strengthen partnerships
\r\n\r\nIn addition to promoting interagency cooperation and harnessing private resources, Taiwan has built cooperative mechanisms with international partners to fight cross-border trafficking crimes. Each year, Taiwan invites foreign governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) for exchanges and discussions, and sends personnel abroad to learn from the experiences of other countries. The National Immigration Agency, for instance, hosted the second Taiwan-Paraguay immigration affairs conference in September 2016, and participated in Taiwan and Indonesia’s 5th Immigration Bilateral Meeting held in Jakarta in May 2017.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Future directions
\r\n
\r\nResponding to the U.S.’s recommendations in the 2017 TIP Report, Taiwan will continue to step up the fight on several fronts:
\r\n
\r\nA. Protect the working rights of foreign workers in Taiwan
1. Continue offering pre-employment classes for first-time employers: In July 2016, the government began holding classes for Taiwanese employers who hire foreign domestic caregivers for the first time.
\r\n\r\n2. Continue promoting direct hiring rather than through brokers: Provide employers with customized telephone reminder services to help them manage foreign workers on their own and increase their willingness to hire workers directly.
\r\n\r\n3. Protect the rights of foreign fishermen working in Taiwan: The Regulations on the Permission and Administration of the Employment of Foreign Workers requires employers requesting permission to hire certain types of foreign workers to submit a plan describing basic benefits for workers coming to Taiwan, including food, housing and other support services. This provision was amended on July 6, 2017 to cover the hiring of foreign fishermen as well, and will take effect January 1, 2018.
\r\n\r\n4. Crack down on illegal brokers: The government is mulling amendments to the Employment Service Act to impose harsher penalties on those engaging in illegal brokerage of foreign workers, and to levy penalties according to the number of workers involved rather than number of occurrences.
\r\n
\r\nB. Improve treatment of foreign fishermen hired overseas
1. In January 2017, Taiwan implemented the Regulations on the Authorization and Management of Overseas Employment of Foreign Crew Members, with the following key provisions:
\r\n\r\n(1) The ship operator, the domestic broker, and the foreign crew member should sign contracts with one another.
\r\n\r\n(2) The wages of the foreign crew member may not be less than US$450 per month. He or she should also be entitled to no less than 10 hours of rest per day and no less than four days off per month.
\r\n\r\n(3) Brokers should submit a guarantee bond and undergo annual reviews.
\r\n\r\n2. Authorities will interview foreign fishermen to check if ship operators and brokers are indeed abiding by regulations.
\r\n
\r\nIV. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nThe fight against human trafficking is an important part of defending the universal values of human rights. With government agencies, civic groups and NGOs joining forces, Taiwan has become an anti-trafficking model for other countries in Asia. The government will continue to work closely and effectively with private organizations to maintain Taiwan’s top-tier status, reducing human trafficking crimes and protecting human rights for all.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nIn 1996, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to pass a law dedicated to combating money laundering activities. The following year, Taiwan also became a founding member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), and for the effectiveness of its dedicated law, received positive reviews in the first round of mutual evaluations conducted by APG members in 2001.
Since then, however, Taiwan’s money laundering regulatory systems have failed to keep up with the changing times. The nation was placed on a regular follow-up watchlist after the second round of APG evaluations in 2007, and further relegated to an enhanced follow-up watchlist in 2011. Taiwan will undergo the third round of mutual evaluations in late 2018, the results of which could have a profound impact on its ability to conduct financial business worldwide.
\r\n\r\nAs to judicial practice, Taiwan’s enforcement of these regulations has also lacked effectiveness as evidenced by persistent increase in cross-border telecom fraud cases (including the use of fake accounts and money mules), illegal solicitation of capital, and smuggling of cash. These trends reflect the difficulty law enforcement agencies have had in shoring up the borders from financial criminals.
\r\n\r\nTo address these issues, the government recently pushed a raft of legislation to bolster the nation’s anti-money laundering regime, reestablish orderly money flows, and bring Taiwan’s system into conformity with international standards. These include amendments to the Criminal Code of the Republic of China and the Code of Criminal Procedure to expand authority on confiscation and preservation of evidence, the passage of a terrorist financing prevention act, and amendments to the all-important Money Laundering Control Act, which came into effect June 28, 2017.
\r\n\r\nThe Executive Yuan also established an Anti-Money Laundering Office on March 16, 2017 as the coordinator of national anti-money laundering efforts. As well as readying Taiwan for the next round of APG evaluations, the office will endeavor to transform Taiwan into a world-class, orderly financial hub, and build its reputation as an effective model against money laundering in the Asia-Pacific.
\r\n
\r\nII. Key amendments to the Money Laundering Control Act
\r\n
\r\nA. Make money laundering offenses more prosecutable
Several amendments were made to expand the scope of confiscations, lower the threshold for predicate offenses to money laundering, widen the definition of money laundering activities, and include new provisions on special money laundering crimes. Also, a suspect need not be convicted of a predicate offense to establish the commission of a money laundering crime. Providing one’s bank account for use by another person, or serving as a money mule, may also constitute money laundering crimes that carry a minimum imprisonment sentence of six months.
\r\n\r\nB. Promote transparency in the flow of funds
\r\n\r\nAlong with financial institutions and jewelry retail businesses, the latest amendments brought other designated nonfinancial businesses or professions (real estate agencies, land administration agents, lawyers, accountants and notaries) into the money laundering prevention system. All of these institutions and businesses are now required to undertake customer due diligence measures, maintain records on transactions, report high-value or suspicious transactions, and conduct enhanced customer due diligence for politically exposed persons.
\r\n\r\nTo strengthen control of money flows at the border, travelers entering or leaving Taiwan are now required to declare the following items at customs: cash in New Taiwan dollars of more than NT$100,000, Chinese yuan (renminbi) of more than RMB$20,000, or foreign currencies or currencies issued by Hong Kong or Macau valued at more than US$10,000; negotiable securities with face value totaling more than US$10,000; gold valued at more than US$20,000; and diamonds, precious stones and platinum not intended for personal use and valued at more than NT$500,000 total. Non-declaration or false declaration of any of these controlled items will result in confiscation of the item or a fine equivalent to the undeclared amount. The same rules apply to these items delivered as general cargo, express consignments or postal parcels.
\r\n\r\nC. Strengthen Taiwan’s anti-money laundering system
\r\n\r\nInstitutions governed by the Money Laundering Control Act must establish internal control procedures and participate in on-the-job training against money laundering. The government will also set up a fund to combat money laundering activities.
\r\n\r\nD. Step up international collaboration
\r\n\r\nInternational money laundering countermeasures have been included in the Money Laundering Control Act and the terrorist financing prevention act. Other provisions include the return or sharing of confiscated proceeds with the countries harmed, and encourage stronger collaboration with foreign governments, institutions or international organizations.
\r\n
\r\nIII. New system to be implemented on three fronts
\r\n
To promote the new money laundering control system, the Executive Yuan’s Anti-Money Laundering Office is publicizing the new measures, overseeing the progress of implementation, and preparing government agencies for the next round of APG evaluations:
\r\n
\r\nA. Raise public awareness of money laundering activities
Using a variety of publicity tools, the office will strengthen awareness of money laundering prevention among citizens, dispel public concerns about Taiwan’s anti-money laundering efforts, and implement the new act through more effective means.
\r\n
\r\nB. Improve compliance by industries
1. Promote comprehensive regulations: Supervise government agencies in drafting secondary legislation and complementary measures as early as possible. Assist them in crafting guidelines or templates of standard operating procedures for each sector so that businesses can carry out the new measures.
\r\n\r\n2. Align with international practice: Finish translating into Chinese sector-specific supervision and enforcement guidelines provided by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the world’s main anti-money laundering cooperative organization. Provide these documents to local regulators and businesses as reference in implementing the anti-money laundering system.
\r\n\r\n3. Provide training and guidance: After secondary legislation is promulgated, organize seminars to strengthen guidance and communication with businesses governed by the regulations, and help industries improve their business operational quality and risk management capabilities.
\r\n
\r\nC. Prepare for the next round of APG evaluations
1. Conduct national risk assessment: Organize forums inviting members of the public and private sectors to help identify, assess and understand the money laundering and terrorist financing risks that Taiwan is exposed to. Compile a national risk assessment report, and formulate a nationwide action plan for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
\r\n\r\n2. Improve assessment capabilities: Learn the methodology for assessing the effectiveness of Taiwan’s system and its technical compliance with the FATF 40 Recommendations. Where there are regulatory shortcomings, convene the agencies involved to improve communications, and help them set up mechanisms and secondary legislation that align with international norms. Conduct simulations of the APG mutual evaluations to familiarize the assessed departments with the process.
\r\n
\r\nIV. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nSignaling its full commitment to fighting financial and money laundering crimes, the government has implemented the new anti-money laundering regime with the aims of improving the effectiveness of Taiwan’s overall financial system, protecting citizens from the harms of such crimes, and helping Taiwan succeed in the third round of APG mutual evaluations. Going forward, the government will continue to deepen the public’s awareness of money laundering prevention concepts in everyday life, and build a healthier, more transparent, and more orderly financial environment that will enable Taiwan to connect with other countries and expand the scope of its financial activities.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nAlthough the government has spared no effort to combat drug abuse over the years, problems still persist, so on May 11 the Executive Yuan proposed a new-generation drug strategy to address contemporary drug issues.
With a projected budget of NT$10 billion (US$331.56 million) over four years (2017-2020), the strategy will seek to prevent the raw materials and precursors for illegal drugs from entering Taiwan, reduce drug-related health problems for addicts and make them less likely to commit other types of crime, and strengthen investigation and seizure measures against the manufacture, sale and transport of drugs. These measures will all work to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and curb drug supply.
\r\n
\r\nII. A new-generation strategy to combat drug abuse
\r\n
\r\nIn contrast to past efforts that focused only on the quantity of drugs seized, the current government’s new-generation strategy centers on people—apprehending the source of drugs—as well as quantitative targets to eliminate drugs from Taiwan society.
Five major strategic measures include:
\r\n
\r\nA. Drug monitoring: Deny entry and strengthen inspections
1. Procure additional high-speed detection instruments; increase import spot checks and follow-up inspections for high-risk active pharmaceutical ingredients; upgrade border control measures to prevent drugs from entering Taiwan.
\r\n\r\n2. Expand inspection capabilities to detect emerging drugs by establishing standard analytical profiles for them, and upgrading inspection capabilities at public and private test laboratories.
\r\n\r\nB. Drug prevention: Zero tolerance for drugs in schools
\r\n\r\n1. Have schools and district police precincts set up cooperative patrol networks covering drug “hot spots”; strengthen reporting requirements for educational units.
\r\n\r\n2. Make principals and schools take on more responsibility for drug prevention by incorporating such efforts into their performance evaluations.
\r\n\r\n3. Provide guidance, referrals and follow-up services for student drug users on an individual, case-by-case basis.
\r\n\r\nC. Drug sweeps: No place for drug dealers to hide
\r\n\r\n1. Employ a tech-oriented anti-drug strategy, integrating cross-ministerial resources to establish a national drug database and create drug network graphics for each locale to help track drug sources and cut off supply.
\r\n\r\n2. Mount offensives against community-based middlemen and retail drug dealers through scheduled as well as unscheduled sweeps, and establish comprehensive reporting networks.
\r\n\r\n3. Establish regional joint prevention planning and supervision mechanisms.
\r\n\r\n4. Set up reporting networks for drug issues in remote areas and step up investigation and seizure actions targeting drug smugglers.
\r\n\r\n5. Establish a reporting, investigation and seizure mechanism within the military.
\r\n\r\nD. Drug rehabilitation treatment: Provide comprehensive, empirical and continuous treatment services
\r\n\r\n1. Increase coverage for medical treatment of drug and narcotic addictions.
\r\n\r\n2. Build four integrated medical treatment demo centers for drug and narcotic addicts, one each in the north, central, south and eastern regions.
\r\n\r\n3. Build additional therapeutic communities and halfway houses.
\r\n\r\n4. Promote regional services for methadone replacement therapy and improve the accessibility of replacement therapy in remote areas.
\r\n\r\n5. Set up family-centered support services to encourage drug addicts to return to their families.
\r\n\r\n6. Provide one-stop employment services that link network resources to help patients prepare to find employment.
\r\n\r\n7. Transfer administrative oversight of local drug abuse prevention centers from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Health and Welfare to enhance the medical rehabilitation and counseling services of those centers.
\r\n\r\n8. Evaluate methods to transform drug rehabilitation centers under the Ministry of Justice’s Agency of Corrections, introducing a new rehabilitation model focused on services that provide medical treatment and help addicts return to society, with addict supervision as a secondary consideration.
\r\n\r\nE. Strategies for amending laws and regulations
\r\n\r\n1. Increase criminal sentences and fines for manufacturing, transporting and trafficking in illegal drugs.
\r\n\r\n2. Increase punishments by half for the sale of illegal drugs to minors or pregnant women, and for the manufacture, transport or sale of hybrid drugs.
\r\n\r\n3. Amend criteria for possession of Category 1 and Category 2 drugs, replacing the term “pure narcotics” with “narcotics” to reduce testing costs and harmonize domestic law with regulations in other countries. Lower the sentencing threshold for possession of Category 3 and Category 4 drugs from 20 grams (pure narcotics) to 5 grams (narcotics), thereby making distribution more risky.
\r\n\r\n4. Employ the “administrative interventions first, with judicial sanctions thereafter” model to achieve effective prevention and deterrence. Users of Category 3 or Category 4 drugs with multiple offenses will be fined and complete workshops and counseling first. Those who fail to complete prescribe counseling, or are convicted of drug offenses four times or more within a three year period, will then be subject to criminal sanctions
\r\n\r\n5. Introduce an expanded confiscation system to cut off money flows generated by drug trafficking.
\r\n\r\n6. Devise amendments to bring emerging illegal drugs and similar substances and precursors under legal supervision all at once, closing any loopholes where these substances that are not yet under legal supervision can be circulated.
\r\n\r\n7. Amend regulations regarding rewards and punishments in anti-drug efforts, giving equal weight to the number of suspects investigated and the amount of drugs confiscated to incentivize drug enforcement efforts and trace upstream drug sources.
\r\n\r\n8. Establish a reporting and tracing mechanism for military cases involving drugs.
\r\n\r\n9. Continue to promote legislation that holds venues of special businesses responsible for drug control to foster a safe and clean entertainment environment free of drug parties and gatherings.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nBecause drug abuse prevention and control efforts have a major impact on public safety and national development, the government’s new-generation anti-drug policy takes a more comprehensive approach to combating drug crimes and preventing the dangers inherent in drug abuse. As Premier Lin Chuan said at the Cabinet meeting on May 11, 2017, “Drug-abuse prevention and control is a major battle that requires the concerted efforts of the central and local governments, and the public and private sectors. This is an appeal to government at all levels and citizens from all walks of life to join forces, and declare war on drug abuse so that drugs will not endanger future generations.”
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nTaiwan’s cities are densely populated with 80 percent of the total population living in urban areas—just 12 percent of the nation’s land—according to urban and regional development data from the National Development Council. Yet some 34,000 of the 86,000 buildings over 30 years old do not meet seismic resistance standards, according to real estate data from the Ministry of the Interior (MOI). So in a densely populated country as earthquake-prone as Taiwan, any strong seismic event has the potential to cause considerable property damage and loss of life.
Taiwan also faces an aging population and a declining birth rate, with more than 13 percent of the population now aged 65 or over. Given that most old buildings with five or fewer floors lack elevators, the need for barrier-free residential environments is more pressing than ever.
\r\n\r\nTo head off potential disasters while improving residential safety and quality, the Executive Yuan drafted a special bill to provide incentives for expediting the reconstruction of dangerous and old urban buildings. The bill was approved by the Legislative Yuan on March 30, 2017.
\r\n
\r\nII. Reasons for drafting dedicated legislation
\r\n
\r\nA. Urban Renewal Act requires lengthy amendment process
The Urban Renewal Act has been amended eight times since it was promulgated and implemented on November 11, 1998. As building relocation or reconstruction measures involve individual property rights guarantees that are protected under the Constitution, such measures cannot be subject to compulsory execution. The attendant controversies make amending the Urban Renewal Act difficult, necessitating the drafting of separate, dedicated legislation that prioritizes dealing with issues surrounding dangerous and old buildings.
\r\n
\r\nB. Promoting reconstruction difficult without incentives
Incentive measures are needed to encourage property owners to rebuild aging and dangerous buildings. In the past, these projects have been difficult to promote for a variety of reasons: floor area laws are stricter than earlier regulations; the usable first-floor area would be decreased due to building coverage ratio regulations; residents may decide for themselves whether to participate in such projects; and economically disadvantaged areas have less access to reconstruction funding and government assistance mechanisms.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Buildings to be covered by the draft act
\r\n
\r\nA dangerous or old building approved for reconstruction may be rebuilt in conjunction with adjacent building sites or plots of land, provided that the combined area does not exceed the size of the plot of land on which the dangerous or old building sits. The prospective builder should first file an application and acquire the consent of all land and building owners within the proposed reconstruction project zone.
\r\n
\r\nA. Definition of a dangerous building
1. A building for which a mandatory demolition order, or an order to demolish within a certain time period, has been issued by the competent authority pursuant to the Building Act or the Disaster Prevention and Protection Act.
\r\n2. A legal building that has been deemed unsafe and must be demolished or structurally reinforced within a certain time period.
\r\n
\r\nB. Definition of an old building
1. A legal building over 30 years old that a performance evaluation has deemed to be unsuitable for renovation and must be demolished and rebuilt.
\r\n2. Guidelines for building performance evaluations will be prescribed by the MOI.
\r\n
\r\nIV. Higher floor area ratios, building coverage ratios
\r\n
\r\nA. Floor area ratio: The amount of usable floor area relative to the size of the plot of land on which the building sits (the higher the ratio, the greater the floor area)
1. Based on actual needs, owners of properties within designated reconstruction zones may receive appropriate incentives in the form of additional floor area of up to 30 percent of the building site’s base floor area or 15 percent of the building site’s original floor area.
\r\n2. Property owners applying for reconstruction within three years after the draft act is implemented may be granted an additional 10 percent statutory floor area.
\r\n
\r\nB. Building coverage ratio: The size of the building’s floor when viewed from the sky relative to the size of the plot of land on which it sits (the higher the ratio, the smaller the vacant space that must be retained)
Building coverage ratios may be increased for buildings reconstructed under the draft act. Standards for such increases will be decided by the competent authority of the local government and applicable to residential building sites only.
\r\n
\r\nV. Tax incentives, loan guarantees
\r\n
\r\nA. Tax incentives
The competent authority of the local government may, based on the region’s development trends and financial situation, grant the following tax privileges to those who apply for reconstruction within five years after the draft act is implemented:
\r\n\r\n1. Participants need not pay land value tax if the land is not usable during the reconstruction period.
\r\n2. Participants will receive a 50 percent reduction in the land value tax and housing tax for two years after the reconstruction project.
\r\n3. A legal building that is owned by the same person before and after reconstruction, where that owner does not transfer ownership during the two years of housing tax reduction, will continue to enjoy the 50 percent housing tax reduction until the property is sold.
\r\n
\r\nB. Loan guarantees
Residents of a building or an economically disadvantaged area who initiate a reconstruction project without the assistance of an experienced construction company often have difficulty securing reconstruction loans. The draft act thus stipulates that the competent authority may, depending on its financial situation, provide guarantees for reconstruction loans to applicants deemed by the local government to have fundraising difficulties, lacking fundraising assistance from profit-seeking enterprises, or being located in a priority development location.
\r\n
\r\nVI. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nOne of the government’s most important tasks is safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens, and this includes mitigating the hazards posed by dangerous buildings including falling facade tiles, aging public pipelines and illegal rooftop additions. Many of these buildings are also located in narrow alleys with unsafe surroundings; they lack proper firefighting equipment and do not meet earthquake resistance guidelines. Promoting urban renewal and the reconstruction of aging buildings will therefore make homes safer and improve residential quality, while promoting activities that generate economic output and spur domestic demand.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\niTaiwan is a public Wi-Fi service provided by the government free of charge to local residents and foreign visitors alike. This popular service has been touted by international media including CNN, which listed it as one of the “10 things Taiwan does better than anywhere else,” and The Daily Telegraph, which hailed Taiwan as “the first place in the world to offer free wireless internet access on a large scale to tourists.”
Flexing Taiwan’s digital muscles, the government has implemented several programs to provide convenient internet service for all. The Digital Nation and Innovative Economic Development Plan includes a vision for building an advanced nation where broadband access is a basic human right. The iTaiwan Wi-Fi upgrade plan will raise iTaiwan’s connection speed and increase the number of Wi-Fi hotspots in public areas and mass transportation facilities. The Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program also includes a digital infrastructure component designed to close the urban-rural digital divide while making broadband service easily accessible.
\r\n
\r\nII. Progress of the iTaiwan roll-out
\r\n
\r\nThe government has so far installed 10,136 iTaiwan hotspots throughout the country (including rural areas and offshore islands) to satisfy mobile user demands for faster internet speeds that allow them to stay connected while outdoors for work or play. The hotspots are geographically distributed to ensure widespread coverage while balancing urban and rural development, and signals have even been detected at Song Syue Lodge atop Hehuan Mountain, the highest hotel in Taiwan. The system currently has 4.13 million registered users, who have accessed the service a total of 210 million times, including 730,000 times by visiting tourists.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Comprehensive wireless service
\r\n
\r\nThe iTaiwan Wi-Fi upgrade plan contains several measures to increase usage by foreign visitors and address common user complaints about the system including poor connection quality on the high-speed rail, difficulty detecting hotspots/signals, not enough hotspots, and slow internet speeds.
\r\n
\r\nA. Make iTaiwan accounts usable nationwide: Residents and visitors will be able to use a single account when travelling throughout Taiwan. The iTaiwan system will also be linked with the National Immigration Agency to make wireless internet available to foreign visitors as soon as they enter Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nB. Increase internet speeds: Fixed-line broadband speeds will be raised from 20 megabits per second (Mbps) to over 100 Mbps, increasing per-capita internet connection speed from 1 Mbps to over 5 Mbps.
\r\n
\r\nC. Provide Wi-Fi all along the high-speed railway system: Taiwan’s high-speed railway system has become a vital transportation tool since operations began 10 years ago in March 2007. So far, the bidding process for tunnel cable installation is almost completed, and all 34 trains (408 cars total) are scheduled to be outfitted with Wi-Fi equipment by July. By the end of July, all 12 high-speed rail stations are expected to have fourth-generation (4G) wireless connections and Wi-Fi service.
\r\n
\r\nD. Increase iTaiwan hotspot coverage: To give people access to the internet when they need it, the government will first add hotspots at heavily trafficked locations such as airports, highway rest stops, national scenic areas, visitor centers, museums, libraries, exhibition halls, public hospitals, the 10 top night markets, and public transportation facilities. By allowing residents and visitors to enjoy easy access to wireless internet service, iTaiwan will demonstrate Taiwan’s information infrastructure achievements and cement the nation’s image as a technology powerhouse.
\r\n
\r\nIV. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nIn its World Development Report 2016, the World Bank estimated that a 10 percentage point increase in fixed broadband penetration would increase gross domestic product growth by 1.21 percent in developed economies. This is a clear indication that, for countries around the world, internet infrastructure and innovative application capabilities are now considered core competitive strengths.
In Taiwan, long-held expectations for Wi-Fi service on high speed rail trains will become a reality after the iTaiwan upgrade plan is completed, significantly increasing the ease of access to Wi-Fi and 4G internet service for passengers. Under the iTaiwan program, the public will enjoy faster and stronger information and communications technology, smart lifestyle technologies will become more common, and tourists will be able to enjoy free internet connections, all of which will contribute to Taiwan’s image as an advanced nation for broadband internet technology.
\r\n\r\n\r\n", "上版日期": "106-04-11", "更新日期": "113-07-05", "發布日期": "106-05-02", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/4D475AA1D8EF691A", "相關連結": "" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/97e308bc-967e-4d99-a415-17b1037ca67b", "標題": "Five-year plan to improve agricultural facilities", "內容": "I. Background
\r\n
\r\nGlobal warming and drastic climate change have made extreme weather increasingly common, with Taiwan’s agricultural losses from typhoons and torrential rain increasing every year. In 2016, for instance, typhoons Nepartak, Meranti and Megi brought heavy rainfall that severely damaged agricultural production facilities, with high winds collapsing many greenhouses. Although the government took prompt action to start reconstruction and resume farm production, rebuilding took time and manpower, resulting in produce price volatility and other repercussions that affected daily life during the recovery period.
To increase the agricultural sector’s ability to withstand natural disasters and stabilize produce supplies and prices, this year the Council of Agriculture (COA) launched a five-year plan to improve agricultural facilities around the country. The plan integrates agricultural product safety policies while promoting modularization of production facilities, provides financing assistance and technical consulting, and encourages enterprise participation to help farmers construct reinforced greenhouses and net houses that will increase operating efficiency and stabilize supply and demand.
\r\n
\r\nII. Promote reinforced growing facilities for safe agriculture
\r\n
\r\nLast year’s typhoons damaged 11,000 hectares of vegetable plots as well as 2,488 hectares of growing facilities—about a quarter of the island’s total greenhouse and net house area. Because most of the damaged facilities were poorly designed net houses or simple greenhouses that were structurally unsound, the COA’s five-year plan aims to help farmers construct 2,000 hectares of reinforced greenhouses and net houses by 2021 through technical consulting services and subsidies. These efforts will improve disaster prevention and production efficiency while producing high-quality vegetables, fruits, flowers, special crops and seedlings.
These reinforced growing facilities are expected to protect 55,500 metric tons of produce, including 51,000 metric tons of vegetables and 4,500 metric tons of fruits. That will stabilize the produce supply for the Greater Taipei area during the 30-day period needed to resume farm production after a natural disaster. The plan will also benefit about 8,000 farming households and reduce disaster-related crop damage and social welfare costs by about NT$9.15 billion (US$296.12 million).
\r\n
\r\nIII. Subsidies and preferential loans
\r\n
\r\n1. Subsidy and priority technical consulting targets:
(1) Subsidy targets: farmers, farmer organizations and agricultural community associations as defined by the Agricultural Development Act.
\r\n\r\n(2) Priority technical consulting targets: producers of agricultural produce that have obtained traceability or organic certification; farmers or farmer organizations that participate in contract-based farming; and enterprises or farmer organizations willing to participate in collectively operated growing facilities to stabilize supply and demand for vegetables and fruits.
\r\n\r\n2. Subsidy parameters:
\r\n\r\nSubsidies may cover up to 50 percent of the construction costs for net houses using a reinforced horizontal trellis, greenhouses using plastic film covering, and greenhouses using a reinforced steel skeleton and plastic film. The maximum subsidy will range from NT$900,000 (US$29,126) to NT$5.5 million (US$177,994) per hectare, depending on the type of structure and the area covered by the structure.
\r\n\r\n3. Loans:
\r\n\r\nThe government provides several types of loans to farmers, farmers associations, agribusinesses, and agricultural production and marketing organizations to help cover the costs of constructing reinforced growing facilities: 1) loans for improving agriculture and food production; 2) business loans to farmers and production and marketing organizations; and 3) loans for agricultural marketing operations, research and development, and innovation. Interest rates will range from 1.29 to 1.68 percent, with a maximum loan amount to farmers of NT$11 million (US$355,987) and a maximum term of 10 years.
\r\n\r\n4. Agricultural facility insurance:
\r\n\r\nThe government will provide farmers with subsidies to prioritize growing facility insurance coverage.
\r\n\r\n5. Enterprise investments in rural communities and farmers:
\r\n\r\nPrivate enterprises will be encouraged to make joint investments with farmers using a contract-based production model to construct reinforced growing facilities, alleviating the financial burden on farmers while generating a greater return on investment.
\r\n
\r\nIV. Technical support and personnel training
\r\n
\r\n1. Provide standardized designs for various greenhouses and net houses:
Farmers sometimes find it difficult to select or inquire about greenhouses and net houses with different specifications and structural features that best meets their needs. The COA has therefore commissioned experts to make design blueprints for nine standard facility types to help farmers minimize costs while ensuring proper construction. For facilities not based on the standard designs, farmers may apply to have the COA technical services team review the design and provide professional consulting services.
\r\n\r\n2. Technical services team consulting:
\r\n\r\nPrior to or during the construction of greenhouses and net houses, COA technical services teams for growing facility construction and soil and water conservation can provide consulting services including the review of design blueprints, advice on site layout and excavation, and guidance on self-inspection of construction materials.
\r\n\r\n3. Greenhouse and net houses construction courses:
\r\n\r\nBecause domestic greenhouse and net house construction businesses do not have the production capacity to construct 2,000 hectares of facilities within the next five years, the government will provide courses in construction techniques at the Farmers’ Academy to train builders and encourage more people to get involved. In addition, the academy will work with the Ministry of Labor to offer courses on the construction of modular facilities to train and produce qualified manpower for the facility building industry.
\r\n\r\n4. Speed up the construction permit process:
\r\n\r\nThe COA is requesting that local construction regulators simplify applications and expedite the approval and issuance of permits for the construction of structural greenhouses and net houses.
\r\n
\r\nV. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nAs Taiwan faces increasing challenges from climate change, the government is promoting facility-based agriculture to protect the nation’s crops and staple food supplies and achieve safe agriculture. By helping the agricultural industry construct structurally sound growing facilities, the government hopes to reduce damage from natural disasters and improve production capacity while stabilizing the supply and sales of vegetables and fruits. Achieving these goals will help Taiwan’s agricultural sector become more competitive, while changing farmers lives for the better.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nBetween 1953 and 2016, the Taiwan government implemented 16 medium-term national development plans. These plans served as policy blueprints to address the developmental needs of the day, promote effective resource utilization, and support sustainable prosperity.
The 17th national development plan (2017-2020) was launched this year, along with a single-year plan for 2017. Both plans reflect the president’s core ideals—innovation, employment and equitable distribution—and the premier’s administrative policy guidelines. They also set developmental objectives, strategies and policy priorities for the year 2017 and the next four years, giving due consideration to current conditions at home and abroad, and providing the policy foundation on which private enterprises and government agencies can build a new economic model for sustainable development.
\r\n\r\nThese plans also outline a developmental vision that will create a new economic model, weave a comprehensive social safety net, preserve social equality and justice, promote regional peace, and help Taiwan become a model citizen in global civil society.
\r\n
\r\nII. National development strategies and economic objectives
\r\n
\r\nA. National development strategies
For the next four years, economic stimulus will be the most important national development task. The government will employ public policy and public investment to create new momentum, and reshape a completely new, more dynamic and resilient economic structure.
\r\n\r\nExpanding the social safety net, upholding social justice, and maintaining peace and stability are also key developmental strategies to ensure social equality and environmental viability, and lay a lasting foundation for Taiwan’s peaceful development.
\r\n\r\nThe government will also increase domestic investment and institute structural reforms over the next four years, creating a new economic model to resolve long-standing problems including low business profits, stagnating wages, and companies migrating abroad.
\r\n
\r\nB. Overall economic targets for 2017-2020
After weighing forecasts by international organizations and assessing risks associated with the global economy and the impact of proactive policy measures, the government has set the following macroeconomic targets:
\r\n\r\n1. 2017 targets:
\r\n\r\nOverall economic growth between 2.0 and 2.5 percent; gross domestic product (GDP) per capita between US$23,100 and US$23,300; consumer price index (CPI) increase of 2 percent or less; a labor participation rate between 58.81 and 58.93 percent; increase the employment rate by 0.54 to 0.75 percent and maintain the unemployment rate between 3.90 and 3.93 percent.
\r\n\r\n2. Target averages for 2017-2020:
\r\n\r\nEconomic growth rate between 2.5 and 3.0 percent; GDP per capita between US$25,000 and US$26,000; CPI increase of less than 2 percent; a labor participation rate between 58.89 and 59.20 percent; increase in employment rate between 0.48 and 0.72 percent, and an unemployment rate between 3.75 and 3.82 percent.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Six core policies
\r\n
\r\nThe president’s core ideals and blueprint for the next four years will be implemented through a comprehensive policy package focusing on six main areas: the economy, social affairs, the environment, effective government, education, culture and ethnic issues, national security, and external relations.
\r\n
\r\nA. Industrial upgrading and an innovative economy
Innovation is the main driver behind Taiwan’s economic growth and a key to industrial transformation and upgrading. The government will therefore encourage economic innovation over the next four years, developing an ecosystem for industrial innovation by promoting technological innovation, providing funding assistance, personnel support and easing regulations. The “five plus two” innovative industries (an Asian Silicon Valley, intelligent machinery, green energy technology, biomedicine, national defense, new agriculture and the circular economy) will also be promoted to link resources across disciplines and add greater value to all industry sectors.
\r\n\r\nTo harness the opportunities of the digital era, the government will build a digital nation and develop an innovative economy that taps into the broader digital economy to bring technological innovations to the service sector.
\r\n\r\nThe government will also help shape next-generation industries by encouraging technological innovations in the chip design and semiconductor industries, cultural and creative sectors, lifestyle industries (such as tourism and recreation, home reconstruction, and disaster prevention technologies), and fields with high growth potential (such as gaming).
\r\n
\r\nB. A secure and just society
To create a secure living environment and a just society, the government will implement five major social stability programs as well as measures to improve overall well-being:
\r\n\r\n1. Safe residential environment:
\r\nPromote a social housing policy and urban renewal projects.
2. Food safety management:
\r\nImplement a five-point food safety reform program to ensure consumer confidence.
3. Long-term care:
\r\nPromote the “10-year long-term care 2.0” plan and active aging programs to create a senior-friendly environment.
4. Pension reform:
\r\nCreate a sustainable pension system that guarantees economic security for seniors.
5. Secure society:
\r\nBuild a comprehensive social safety net and increase assistance for disadvantaged groups. Maintain public order and crack down on illegal drugs and fraud operations.
6. Citizen well-being:
\r\nCreate an environment that promotes health and fitness, and programs to help the young, middle-aged and women find work, and improve childhood education and care. Promote social harmony and reconciliation, and pursue transitional justice.
\r\n
\r\nC. Regional balance and a sustainable environment
1. Spatial planning:
\r\nMake forward-thinking plans for the nation’s land and water resources, improve the nation’s regulatory system for spatial planning, and restore environmentally sensitive and damaged areas.
2. Balanced regional development:
\r\nImprove infrastructure in Hualien, Taitung and the offshore islands while developing the maritime economy. Strengthen joint regional governance mechanisms and promote regional integration and resource allocation.
3. Convenient transportation:
\r\nUpgrade land, sea and air infrastructure, facilitate transport networks, and balance development between different regions.
4. Environmental sustainability:
\r\nDevelop renewable energy resources such as solar and wind power, and step up energy conservation and greenhouse gas management at government agencies. Protect and restore marine resources, control air pollution, and develop and conserve water resources.
\r\n
\r\nD. Effective government and fiscal soundness
To improve overall government effectiveness, agencies will improve administrative efficiency, simplify oversight and evaluation procedures, expand the benefits of public infrastructure, and provide digital government services.
\r\n\r\nTo improve fiscal effectiveness and discipline, the government will also make dynamic adjustments to financial policies and methods, find new revenue sources and reduce expenditures, manage debt more closely, and exercise stronger fiscal controls over local governments while promoting fiscal health on the national level. This dual strategy of effective government and fiscal soundness will support steady and efficient implementation for all reform efforts.
\r\n
\r\nE. Education, culture and ethnic diversity
1. Education:
\r\nPromote the transformation of higher education while guaranteeing quality and quantity, reform technical and vocational education to bridge the industry-academia gap, and improve the 12-year fundamental education system to strengthen the foundations of higher and vocational education. Promote digital learning and facilitate access to educational resources. Set up savings accounts for children from disadvantaged families to help remove financial barriers to education.
2. Culture:
\r\nNurture the nation’s cultural strengths and create a public management mechanism for cultural affairs. Restore cultural assets to recreate the public’s historical memory, and develop the cultural economy while adding greater value to cultural industries.
3. Ethnic diversity:
\r\nPromote a cultural renaissance of Taiwan’s ethnic groups. Reinforce social support networks, promote ethnic rights, and encourage social participation so that all the people of Taiwan, from all backgrounds, can coexist in peace and prosperity.
\r\n
\r\nF. National security and external relations
1. National defense:
\r\nEnhance armed forces combat capabilities and expand regional military cooperation. Develop autonomous defense capabilities, strengthen protection of citizens, and build elite defense troops.
2. International participation:
\r\nUphold the principles of steadfast diplomacy, mutual benefit and mutual assistance, and promote substantive relations with political allies and like-minded countries such as the U.S., Japan and the European Union. Seek pragmatic participation in intergovernmental organizations, and help domestic nongovernmental organizations take part in international affairs. Continue seeking integration into the regional economy, expand Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, enhance bilateral ties with trade partners, and diversify export markets and products.
3. Cross-strait peace and stability:
\r\nFoster positive interaction and dialogue with China, deepen cultural and educational exchanges, and share Taiwan’s values. Promote steady cross-strait economic and trade exchanges, review regulations governing such exchanges, establish comprehensive regulations on exchanges with Hong Kong and Macau, and enhance substantive relations to maintain stable cross-strait ties.
4. New Southbound Policy:
\r\nImplement the New Southbound Policy, encourage people-to-people exchanges in all domains, and collaborate with target countries to foster regional prosperity and growth.
\r\n
\r\nIV. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nTaiwan faces numerous challenges at home and abroad, including rising anti-globalization sentiment, world economic disorder and realignment, insufficient domestic investment, an aging population, and a social safety net that needs to be overhauled. Over the next four years, the government will therefore vigorously promote massive structural reforms to boost the domestic economy, ensure social justice and security, and maintain peace and stability to create a better tomorrow.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nThe digital economy is thriving, sparked by developments in science and technology, increasing internet bandwidth, and widespread application of mobile devices and the internet of things, making innovative internet-based industries like e-commerce and the sharing economy the order of the day. As a result, bringing current laws and regulations in line with these changes has gradually become a pressing issue for countries around the world.
The government is proactively responding to this issue by adapting domestic laws governing the digital economy, making key amendments to the Value-added and Non-value-added Business Tax Act (the “Act”) to create a welcoming environment for the relevant industries, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
\r\n\r\nBefore the Act was amended on December 28, 2016, domestic consumers that purchased services from a foreign e-commerce business paid a 5-percent business tax, with a tax-free threshold of NT$3,000 (US$92.82). But when those same consumers purchased services from a domestic e-commerce business, the domestic business was responsible for paying that 5-percent tax on gross sales, with no tax-free threshold. Moreover, some domestic consumers who purchased services worth more than NT$3,000 from a foreign e-commerce business failed to declare and pay the 5-percent tax, giving foreign businesses an unfair advantage.
\r\n\r\nTo resolve this issue, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) drafted amendments to the Act based on suggestions from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and solutions adopted by the European Union, Japan and South Korea. The amended Act provides that the subject of taxation is now the seller of services rather than the purchaser, and stipulates that a foreign business entity that sells a service across borders to a domestic individual via the internet shall register with Taiwan’s competent tax authority and either pay the business tax themselves, or through an appointed tax-filing agent.
\r\n\r\nThe amended Act was promulgated by the president on December 28, 2016, and approved by the Executive Yuan to enter into force on May 1, 2017.
\r\n
\r\nII. Amendments ensure fair taxation and tax revenues
\r\n
\r\nResponding to international e-commerce taxation trends, the current amendments to the Act ensure greater control over sources of tax revenue while meeting practical needs, and contribute to a more equitable tax structure while enhancing the competitiveness of Taiwan enterprises. Key points in those amendments:
\r\n
\r\nA. Define foreign companies conducting cross-border sales of electronic services as business entities obligated to pay business tax in Taiwan.
B. Require that foreign business entities selling electronic services to domestic individuals register with Taiwan’s competent tax authority, either on their own or through a tax-filing agent.
\r\n\r\nC. Require that a foreign business entity conducting cross-border sales of electronic services to domestic individuals file business tax returns and pay the requisite tax on a regular basis; the provision that previously allowed a domestic purchaser to buy services from a foreign entity up to a certain amount on a tax-free basis was deleted.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nThe current amendments to the Act provide a legal basis for levying a business tax on cross-border e-commerce companies. After the amended Act comes into force, foreign businesses that sell electronic services to domestic natural persons, such as Apple Store sales of paid apps and LINE sales of stickers and games, must register with Taiwan’s competent tax authority and pay the business tax, just like domestic companies. This applies to all foreign businesses, whether they have a fixed place of business in Taiwan or not.
These changes will make the tax regime more equitable for domestic and foreign businesses while helping to develop innovative domestic enterprises. To ensure smooth implementation, the government will promptly amend the relevant secondary legislation and set up a streamlined platform to handle business tax registration along with filing and payment procedures, and publicize the amended law’s relevant provisions.
\r\n\r\n\r\n", "上版日期": "106-02-13", "更新日期": "113-07-05", "發布日期": "106-03-24", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/16C7C44CA6FB1E89", "相關連結": "https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=G0340080" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/add45770-fd12-4c5c-9230-4a2d8321cbb5", "標題": "Revitalizing state-owned land and idle public facilities", "內容": "I. Background
\r\n
\r\nState-owned land is an important resource that belongs to the people, and in a dynamic economic environment, society expects something more than static, passive land management. The government is therefore promoting the revitalization of state-owned land and idle public facilities to make full and efficient use of these national resources.
Revitalization and appropriate development improve land-use efficiency, create asset value, boost state finances, and generate revenues that can be shared with all citizens. Facilities that have been left idle by changes in the broader environment should also be actively managed and put to good use to reduce the waste of national resources.
\r\n
\r\nII. Revitalize state-owned land, create asset benefits
\r\n
\r\nAs of December 31, 2015 the government owned 2.187 million hectares of public-use land, 218,000 million hectares of land for non-public use, and 105,000 hectares of unregistered land for a total of 2.51 million hectares (accounting for 69.7 percent of Taiwan’s total land area of 3.6 million hectares).
\r\n
\r\nA. State-owned land for public use
1. Increase utilization of state-owned real estate:
\r\n\r\nThe Ministry of Finance (MOF) is guiding government agencies to utilize more of the state-owned real estate under their management to generate additional revenues.
\r\n
\r\n2. Transfer management of land for public use:
After evaluating alternate uses for larger pieces of state-owned construction land, the MOF has selected 100 idle or underutilized land used for construction managed by government agencies, and transferred management of those properties to the National Property Administration (NPA). Fifteen such plots, approximately five hectares each, have already been re-designated as non-public use properties. The NPA will revitalize such plots by creating superficies on them to be auctioned off, offering them for rent through public tender, or using them for urban renewal projects.
\r\n
\r\n3. Introduce private funding for public infrastructure projects:
The Act for Promotion of Private Participation in Infrastructure Projects provides for several types of public-private partnership projects that increase the value of state-owned land.
\r\n\r\nFor a build-operate-transfer (BOT) project, a private institution invests in the construction of new infrastructure and then operates it for a specified period of time. When the operation period expires, ownership of the infrastructure is transferred to the government.
\r\n\r\nFor a build-transfer-operate (BTO) project, a private institution invests in new infrastructure construction. When the construction is completed the government acquires ownership of the completed infrastructure from the private institution either without compensation, or by paying construction expenses to the private institution as a lump sum or on an installment basis. The private institution then operates the infrastructure for a specified period, after which operating rights revert to the government.
\r\n\r\nFor a rehabilitate-operate-transfer (ROT) project, a private institution invests in the expansion, reconstruction or repair of existing infrastructure, and operates that infrastructure for a specified period. When the operation period expires, operating rights revert to the government.
\r\n\r\nFor an operate-transfer (OT) project, a private institution operates an infrastructure project that was constructed using government investment funds. When the operation period expires, operating rights revert to the government.
\r\n
\r\n4. Generate legal revenue:
Effective utilization of state-owned property pursuant to laws and regulations, including the proviso in Article 28 of the National Property Act, generated NT$41.5 billion (US$1.3 billion) in revenues in 2015 and NT$20.3 billion (US$626.5 million) in revenues during the first half of 2016.
\r\n
\r\n5. Build offices for central government agencies:
As of December 2016, a total of 73 premises and 24 plots of state-owned land were allocated to central government agencies to build office facilities.
\r\n
\r\nB. State-owned land for non-public use
1. This type of land includes state-owned land used for national security purposes, national parks, land used for infrastructure and construction, and land used for agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fisheries.
\r\n
\r\n2. Regeneration strategies include promoting development by selling small plots and retaining larger ones, providing developers with land in exchange for the construction of buildings, and promoting long-term development and short-term utilization:
\r\n
\r\n(1) The policy that prevents the sale of plots of land measuring 1,650 square meters or more has been retained.
\r\n
\r\n(2) State-owned land will be used to support the Executive Yuan’s five major social stability programs and five innovative industries program. As of the end of 2016, the MOF helped local governments appropriate 20 plots (18.82 hectares total) of state-owned land and two state-owned premises (including 34 structures) to construct social housing units. The MOF also engages and cooperates with the competent authorities of different industries to improve land utilization and provide land required for the long-term care industry, cultural innovation businesses, startup clusters and solar energy installations. Other measures for increasing land utilization include participating in urban renewal projects, auctioning rights of superficies, releasing land rights, and cooperating with the private sector on development projects.
\r\n
\r\n3. Examples of effective asset utilization include the Taiwan Provincial Government releasing usage rights on its old dormitory by renting them out as office space to young entrepreneurs. The facility boasted 100 percent occupancy on opening day December 5, 2015 and generates annual rental income of NT$1.38 million (US$41,800).
\r\n
\r\nTaiwan’s largest outlet mall was constructed with private financing and expertise on a 6.7-hectare site owned by the state and New Taipei City. The 50-year right of superficies on the land, won by Japanese developer Mitsui Fudosan Co., generated a development royalty of NT$500 million (US$15.8 million) and brings in NT$56.7 million (US$1.8 million) in rent and operation royalties each year.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Increase utilization of idle school grounds and fishing ports
\r\n
\r\nThe state currently owns 124 idle facilities (42 managed by central government agencies and 82 by local governments), including markets, fishing harbors, parking lots and school buildings. Changes and developments in the broader environment were the top reasons (in 61 cases) these facilities were left idle. The government will keep more sites from becoming idle, accelerate revitalization efforts, integrate resources, and take the following measures to increase utilization:
\r\n
\r\nA. Use a revitalization platform to guide the managing government agencies to match idle resources to market needs and transform underused facilities.
\r\n
\r\nB. Provide specific rewards and incentives to encourage proposals from local governments and private groups.
\r\n
\r\nC. Systematically plan the use of underutilized or idle facilities nationwide:
Idle spaces may also be used to support other major government policies such as long-term care and public childhood education and care. As an example, the government is taking a comprehensive inventory of underutilized elementary and junior high school campuses and making those spaces available for elder care, child care and regular education for school-aged children.
\r\n\r\nTo increase utilization of Taiwan’s fishing ports, the government is also considering releasing resources or consolidating resources in conjunction with coastal tourism industries, which will transform and reuse those ports while injecting new life into the local economy. Other large facilities that are underutilized or that require high annual maintenance expenses may be demolished, made into parks, or used more effectively in an overarching land utilization plan.
\r\n
\r\nIV. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nState-owned land belongs to all citizens. Effective utilization and appropriate development of these assets will ensure environmental sustainability and fiscal stability while promoting economic and job growth. Idle or underutilized public facilities are a waste of national resources, and must be actively managed in conjunction with local governments and the private sector. Repurposing these old facilities will make full and effective use of the nation’s resources while spurring regional redevelopment.
I. Background
\r\n
\r\nTaiwan first imported foreign labor in 1989 to help with the construction of large public works projects under the Six-Year National Development Plan, and in 1992 the Employment Services Act (the “Act”) was promulgated to give labor imports a firm basis in law.
To protect Taiwan citizens’ right to employment, however, the government’s foreign labor import policy has always included a licensing system that limits both the job categories in which imported foreign labor can be employed and the total number of foreign laborers. Industries currently permitted to employ foreign labor include manufacturing, construction, maritime fishing, slaughterhouses, institutional and outreach nursing, and home nursing and assistants. Pursuant to amendments to Article 52 of the Act promulgated on May 13, 2003, upon completing the term of their contract, a foreign laborer was also required to leave Taiwan for at least one day. That provision prevented foreign laborers from establishing long-term residence as part of a covert scheme to immigrate to Taiwan.
\r\n\r\nTaiwan is currently facing an aging population and low birth rate, as well as the need for high-quality manpower in a globalized economy. To address those trends and establish a mechanism to retain high-quality foreign labor, the Immigration Act has been amended several times. As there is no longer any concern that foreign laborers will establish long-term residency and thereby immigrate to Taiwan by covert means, ruling-party legislators proposed draft amendments to Article 52 of the Act. Those amendments passed a third and final reading in the Legislative Yuan on October 21 of this year, eliminating the requirement that foreign laborers leave the country for one day upon expiration of their employment permit and then re-enter the country to work. Another new provision allows foreign laborers to request leave to visit family in their native country during the term of their employment permit, and requires employers to grant such requests. These amendments were promulgated by the president and entered into force on November 5, benefitting 600,000 foreign workers now in Taiwan.
\r\n
\r\nII. Elimination of one-day exit requirement for foreign laborers has no effect on job opportunities for domestic labor
\r\n
\r\nThe amendments to Article 52 of the Employments Services Act eliminated the requirement that, after working in Taiwan for three years, a foreign laborer had to leave the country for at least one day. The qualifications for extending a foreign laborer’s contract, however, remain unchanged. In the future, employers that require labor and wish to continue to employ foreign laborers are still required to first recruit personnel domestically based on reasonable working conditions. Only if the number of domestic laborers recruited is insufficient will the employer then be permitted to apply to continue employing foreign laborers. If an employer refuses, without legitimate reason, to hire a domestic job seeker, permission to hire foreign laborers will be denied. These amendments therefore have no effect on job opportunities for domestic workers.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Amendments give equal consideration to foreign laborers’ rights and employers’ manpower needs
A. Article 52 of the Act previously required that, after being employed in Taiwan for three years, a foreign laborer had to leave the country for at least one day. If, after leaving the country, a laborer wanted to return to Taiwan to work, they also had to pay a labor broker’s fee. For employers, employee absences to meet these requirements created gaps in the labor supply; for laborers, the broker’s fee was a tremendous financial burden. Under the amended Act, employers are permitted to directly renew employment contracts, reducing potential gaps in the labor supply as well as training costs, making manpower deployment more flexible. The financial burden on Taiwan’s foreign laborers was also eased, protecting their work-related rights and interests and taking a major step forward in protecting their human rights.
\r\n
\r\nB. Under the amended Act foreign laborers are permitted, during the term of their employment contract, to apply to their employer for leave to return to their home countries. By law, the employer cannot refuse that application. An employer that refuses such request and fails to rectify the situation within a specified period of time will be subject to a fine of not less than NT$60,000 and not more than NT$300,000, and their permission to recruit and hire foreign labor will be revoked.
Pursuant to the Labor Standards Act currently in force and the provisions of the labor contract, leave taken to visit family in a laborer’s native country is classified either as the laborer’s special leave for that year, or as personal leave for a trip home. Where such leave is designated as special leave, the employer pays the laborer’s salary during the leave period. Where the leave is handled as personal leave, the employer need not pay the laborer’s salary during that period. The government plans to amend the relevant regulations governing these matters to guarantee a laborer’s right to take leave to return home.
\r\n
\r\nIV. Coordinate efforts to amend relevant supporting measures
\r\n
\r\nA. The Ministry of Labor, in coordination with the current amendments to the Act, will stipulate the relevant application process and administrative regulations in the Regulations on the Permission and Administration of the Employment of Foreign Workers for an employer and foreign laborer to renew an existing contract upon expiration. Where an original employer and foreign laborer do not renew an existing contract when it expires, the employment transfer regulations will stipulate an application procedure that gives foreign laborers whose contract was not renewed ample time to transfer to a new employer and continue to work. This process will both protect employers’ right to hire labor and foreign laborers’ right to employment.
\r\n
\r\nB. To make it easier and more convenient for foreign laborers to come to Taiwan and work, the Ministry of Labor has set up a service center to help handle direct hiring procedures. The center provides diverse channels for importing foreign labor, with dedicated personnel to assist employers handle the direct hiring process without having to rely exclusively on labor brokers. After the current amendments are passed, the plan is to expand the direct hiring center’s services to include facilitating the re-hiring of foreign laborers by the original employer, or transferring their employment permission to a new employer, all without engaging a labor broker to handle application documents.
\r\n
\r\nV. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nAfter amending the current Act, the importation of foreign laborers remains a strategy designed to supplement the domestic labor market, and will not impact the rights of domestic laborers. The amendments will, however, simplify labor contract renewal procedures, reduce employee absences due to previous exit requirements, make manpower deployment more flexible, and reduce the financial burden imposed on laborers by foreign brokers. These moves will strengthen the employment rights of foreign laborers in Taiwan and enhance the nation’s international image.
The government will continue to amend laws and regulations and carry out policy initiatives that create an economically sound and attractive labor environment, fostering harmonious and stable labor-management relations while taking a progressive stand on human rights.
\r\n", "上版日期": "105-11-15", "更新日期": "113-07-04", "發布日期": "107-09-05", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/7FFDEFE9546DFE2B", "相關連結": "https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=N0090001,https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=D0080132,https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=N0030001" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/91894952-bbc6-4d12-b205-72341ae7cf8c", "標題": "Low-voltage smart meters promote energy conservation", "內容": "I. Introduction\r\nIn recent years, global climate change has caused average annual summer temperatures in Taiwan to soar, increasing domestic demand for electrical power. As a result, insufficient standby capacity during the summer months is becoming the “new normal.” So to guarantee a stable supply of electrical power while meeting Taiwan’s international carbon-reduction commitments and realizing our nuclear-free aspirations, the government is expanding its renewable energy resource development efforts and actively promoting energy conservation.
\r\n\r\nTo meet our energy conservation goals, we must transition to low-carbon energy sources and build an automated metering infrastructure (AMI). “Smart” electric meters and time-of-use pricing strategies can also be used to enhance demand-side energy management and energy efficiency while reducing peak power consumption and conserving energy.
\r\n
\r\nII. What is a “smart” electric meter?
AMI utilizes communication and data management systems to link smart electric meters. Unlike traditional electric meters, smart meters have communication capabilities that allow end-users and power suppliers to exchange information. The system can thus replace human meter readers, and employ usage forecasts and analysis to help meet real-time power needs. Data monitoring and analysis can also optimize energy efficiency, automatically record power usage habits, and detect discrepancies between power transmission and end-use data to help prevent theft. The system automatically shuts off the power flow and sends a maintenance request when voltage or current irregularities occur, and also lets users manage their own consumption by checking usage data through the system platform.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Domestic smart meter installation status
Smart meters are generally of two types—low-voltage models used by most households, and high-voltage models for high volume consumers such as commercial buildings and factories. By June of 2013, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Taiwan Power Company had installed smart meters at over 24,000 high-voltage end users. But since low-voltage users accounted for 51 percent or more of total power consumption during peak periods in 2015, they must be transitioned to smart meters much faster. Plans to accomplish that are as follows:
\r\n
\r\nA. Basic principles for meter installation: Target users with energy-saving potential, prioritizing Taiwan’s six major metropolitan areas and districts with power supply bottlenecks; eliminate communication bottlenecks by promoting modular units featuring plug-in communication modules.
\r\n
\r\nB. Goals and schedule: Begin in 2017 with installation for 200,000 end-users; complete 1 million installations by the end of 2020; complete 3 million installations by the end of 2024.
\r\n
\r\nC. Expected benefits:
1. By integrating smart meters and time-of-use payment programs, end-users will be able to select a program based on their consumption habits to conserve energy, reduce power requirements during peak periods, and maximize smart meter benefits. The number of households using smart meters is projected to reach 1 million by 2021, reducing power consumption during peak load periods by 275,000 kilowatts, equivalent to 40 percent of the First Nuclear Power Plant’s Reactor No. 1 power output.
\r\n
\r\n2. Domestic vendors will be encouraged to invest in new modular electric meters, develop dedicated frequency communication technology, and use domestic demand to train personnel and obtain performance certification so they can move into the international market. Output value between 2017 and 2024 is projected to reach NT$41.3 billion (US$1.3 billion).
\r\n
\r\n3. By 2024, we will have detailed power usage information for over 80 percent of the country. Consumption scenarios from home energy management systems, power generating enterprises and users can thus be integrated to maximize AMI benefits.
Smart meter deployment will provide the infrastructure necessary for effective energy control, and help promote domestic load management policies. Together with time-of-use pricing policies, smart meters will thus help consumers adjust their usage habits, meet energy conservation and carbon reduction goals, improve the quality of electric power delivery, boost energy efficiency, and promote the development of smart meter manufacturing peripheral industries. This will generate numerous benefits for our country as a whole, as well as domestic industries and consumers of electrical power.
\r\n\r\n\r\n", "上版日期": "105-10-03", "更新日期": "113-07-04", "發布日期": "105-11-23", "相關圖片": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/File/6812E8B892328CC7", "相關連結": "" }, { "來源網址": "https://english.ey.gov.tw/News3/9E5540D592A5FECD/96f269f0-e3ba-470c-b05e-0ad8336d7b6b", "標題": " Indigenous Peoples Day marks beginning of social reconciliation and harmony", "內容": "I. Background
\r\n
\r\nThe indigenous peoples of Taiwan are the first inhabitants and original owners of this land, with their own languages, cultures, customs, domains, and social and political systems. Over the last four centuries, however, different regimes have pushed indigenous groups to the margins of political, economic, social and cultural development through exploitation, oppression and discrimination. To achieve justice, Taiwan must face up to that period of history and sincerely reflect on its past. As a concrete step in that direction, President Tsai Ing-wen issued a formal apology to the nation’s indigenous peoples on August 1, 2016, Indigenous Peoples Day in Taiwan, pledging on behalf of the government to take comprehensive and vigorous action to achieve transitional justice and promote social harmony and reconciliation.
\r\n
\r\nII. Historic apology on Indigenous Peoples Day
\r\n
\r\nA. In the amendments to the Additional Articles of the ROC Constitution announced on August 1, 1994, the Chinese term “mountain people” (shanbao) was deleted, and officially replaced with the term “indigenous people” (yuanzhumin). In the fourth round of amendments in 1997 the Constitution included another new Chinese term, “indigenous peoples” (yuanzhuminzu), in provisions that invest indigenous peoples as a whole with collective rights. These changes both eliminated discriminatory terminology and underscored the status of indigenous peoples as Taiwan’s original owners. In 2005 the Executive Yuan also approved a draft enforcement act governing commemorative days and holidays that designated August 1 as Indigenous Peoples Day.
\r\n
\r\nB. President Tsai’s historic apology on Indigenous Peoples Day was significant because it demonstrates the government’s firm resolve to foster reconciliation and peaceful coexistence in Taiwan society.
\r\n
\r\nIII. Steps to promote comprehensive policies regarding indigenous peoples
\r\n
\r\nA. The government has taken a number of initiatives to promote indigenous issues. The Council of Indigenous Peoples currently implements an employment program that uses financial policies to encourage self-sufficiency and innovation among indigenous businesses. The council also sponsors a four-year economic and industrial development program to promote the sustainable development of indigenous economies and close the income gap with the rest of Taiwan. Efforts to increase the National Health Insurance enrollment rate among indigenous peoples have been successful, with a 99.4 percent enrollment rate as of the first quarter of 2016, and local authorities have received subsidies to set up indigenous family care centers and tribal cultural and health stations. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has also extended coverage of the 10-year long-term care 2.0 plan to members of indigenous tribes from low-lying areas over age 55 who suffer from disabilities.
\r\n
\r\nB. Underscoring the importance of these issues, the first policy proposal of President Tsai’s election campaign addressed indigenous peoples, outlining three main goals—to enforce the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law, promote indigenous historical justice, and lay the foundation for indigenous self-government. To achieve these goals the Executive Yuan on July 29, 2016 approved a government-wide plan containing 32 policies and 80 measures to be carried out by the Office of the President, 23 Cabinet-level ministries and agencies, and local governments. The plan includes a full range of policies designed to improve the lives of indigenous peoples and bolster their cultural rights:
◆ The Office of the President will establish an Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Commission with the president serving as convener.
\r\n\r\n◆ The Executive Yuan will convene the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law Promotion Committee on a regular basis to handle matters including retrieving historical memories, promoting indigenous self-government, seeking fair economic development, ensuring the continuation of culture and education, safeguarding indigenous health, and protecting the rights of urban indigenous peoples.
\r\n\r\n◆ An Indigenous Legal Service Center will be established to reduce growing clashes between indigenous customs and modern laws.
\r\n\r\n◆ The government will present an investigative report on the decision-making process for nuclear waste storage on Lanyu Island. Before finding a permanent solution, appropriate compensation will be provided to the Yami tribe.
\r\n\r\n◆ By September 30, relevant laws are to be examined so that the identities of Pingpu ethnic groups receive the rights and status they deserve.
\r\n\r\n◆ On November 1, the government is to begin delineating and announcing the traditional territories of indigenous peoples.
\r\n\r\n◆ The Executive Yuan will submit for legislative deliberation three bills on indigenous self-government, land and sea areas, and the development of indigenous languages.
\r\n\r\n◆ Every August 1, the Executive Yuan will report to the nation its progress on restoring indigenous historical justice and transitional justice.
\r\n
\r\nVI. Conclusion
\r\n
\r\nThe president’s apology to Taiwan’s indigenous peoples was just the beginning. It is more important to turn that apology into government action—and this is the responsibility of all agencies under the Executive Yuan. The Executive Yuan will lend full support to the Council of Indigenous Peoples as it pursues transitional justice for indigenous groups. The government will also coordinate inter-agency efforts to implement indigenous policies systematically so that all of Taiwan’s ethnic groups can enjoy peaceful coexistence and co-prosperity.