President Tsai Ing-wen said March 9 that the government is fast-tracking infrastructure development and energy transformation as part of efforts to create a more robust and resilient business environment in Taiwan.
As the world grapples with COVID-19 fallout, the country’s economy continues expanding, Tsai said. The Taiwan Model minimized the impact of the pandemic and laid the foundations for projected economic growth of 4 percent this year, she added.
Tsai made the remarks while attending an event organized by locally headquartered MUGA—an association comprising 14,000 plus manufacturers from 74 industrial zones—in central Taiwan’s Taichung City.
According to Tsai, Taiwan’s economic prowess amid coronavirus is also a credit to the contributions and dedication of the private sector. A deep-seated commitment to promoting industrial upgrades is key to ensuring the country is ready to capitalize on opportunities as the world transitions toward a post-pandemic bounceback, she said.
Tsai said complementary government policies and measures are integral to this process. Some of the standouts are three major investment promotion projects, a single window resolving regulatory hurdles and ongoing plans to enhance industrial parks around Taiwan, she added.
Equally important, Tsai said, is the role of green energy in Taiwan’s economic development. The potential-laden sector of the future will help cement the country’s position in RE100-related supply chains, she added.
RE100 is a global initiative bringing together influential businesses driving the transition to 100 percent renewable electricity. Members operate worldwide across an array of industries ranging from automobile manufacturing and cement to retail and telecommunications.
Tsai also took the opportunity to thank MUGA for pledging to buy pineapples from Taiwan growers following China’s decision to ban imports, as well as donating 160,000 surgical masks to member firms during the height of COVID-19 last year. The government and people sincerely appreciate this heartening show of unity, she said. (Taiwan Today)
