The government is considering allowing foreign nationals who hold Alien Permanent Resident Certificates (APRC) to buy into its economic stimulus voucher programme, according to Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua.

The cabinet has announced a plan to offer families a one-off subsidy payment for each child.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says the government has signed contracts with two domestic companies to purchase a total of 10 million coronavirus vaccine doses.

Cooler weather has brought a return of stable power supplies while rainfall over the weekend has partially replenished reservoirs.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it has no immediate plans to impose a full Level 4 coronavirus lockdown.

The European Union plans to counter the polluting use of fast fashion and is warning consumers to stop using their clothes like disposable facial tissues

Premier Su Tseng-chang is reassuring residents of Taiwan to remain calm, amid rising infections

The ECCT's Human Resources committee hosted a half-day forum on the topic "New challenges, critical employment, and other legal Issues in the pandemic era".

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has confirmed eight new coronavirus infections and another two deaths, which brings the total number of confirmed cases here in Taiwan to 306 and the total death toll to five.

Can Eric Chu revitalise Taiwan's largest opposition party and should we expect any changes in the party’s cross-Strait and economic policies?

By Brian Hioe

Labour Minister Hsu Ming-chun says she supports increasing the minimum wage

Over 80% of office workers said they believed the Quintuple Stimulus Voucher will increase the chance of finding a part-time job

Addressing the fundamental demographic issues facing Taiwan will require drastic structural change

By Brian Hioe

Recorded at the National Taiwan University's GIS Convention Center, this special show features regular ICRT commentator Ross Feingold, Albert Chiu, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Taichung's Donghai University and National Taiwan University Professor of Political Science Huang Min-hua -- who discuss the ramifications for Taiwan be it a Donald Trump re-election or a Joe Biden White House for the next four years. 

Taiwan's Gross Domestic Product rose 3.3% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2020 (3Q20).

The price of prime residential properties in Taipei has climbed almost 19% in the third quarter of the year - and that sees the city ranking in 7th place globally - that according to the latest Prime Global Cities Index.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it's now recommending that individuals who are considered at a high risk for the coronavirus, and who have already received two vaccine doses, get booster shots

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung is stressing that people who attend large-scale outdoor celebrations for Christmas or on New Year's Eve will be required to wear face masks

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has now added Malawi, Mozambique, Egypt, and Nigeria to its list of high-risk coronavirus countries amid concerns overa highly mutated omicron coronavirus variant

The ECCT hosted a Premium Event lunch with Dr Wu Tsung-tsong, Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST).

New subsidies to be introduced to encourage local travel agencies to organise more charter flights to Taiwan

By Matt Kovac

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says the government is currently formulating a policy aimed at re-opening the island's borders to business travellers

The invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces has sparked renewed concerns and debate about Taiwan's security, but will it lead to a shift in defence spending priorities and military preparedness?

By Brian Hioe

Premier Su Tseng-chang says the government will be taking steps to improve the national power grid and step-up risk management policies in the aftermath of 3 March islandwide blackout

The National Development Council (NDC) has published a roadmap for Taiwan's path to net zero including setting the goal of producing 60% of Taiwan's electricity with renewable energy in 2050

The contractor to build Taoyuan International Airport's much-delayed third terminal has finally emerged.

A new study finds that coronavirus has negatively impacted young people's willingness to join the labour force.

According to an official press release on the website of the European Council, the EU is taking swift action to make available money to help tackle the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) says people at high risk of contracting lung cancer will be eligible to receive a NT$4,000 subsidy every two years from 1 July onwards as part of efforts to curb the disease

The National Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a draft digital intermediary service act

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says the face mask mandate will remain in place through to the end of July, due to the current domestic coronavirus situation and the rising number of imported cases of the newest Omicron subvariants

The Central Weather Bureau says Taiwan experienced the hottest May since records began in 1947 with an average temperature of 27.8 degrees.

Taipei, New Taipei and Kaohsiung will begin vaccinating senior citizens who have not yet received their coronavirus vaccines, as well as some categories of indigenous people, from tomorrow, when the central government's expanded vaccine rollout begins.

Taiwan's health minister, Chen Shih-chung, has confirmed that Taiwan is in talks with foreign companies to manufacture coronavirus vaccines on a contract basis.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that the government will continue to requisition eight million surgical face masks per day until the end of July, despite the coronavirus situation easing off here in Taiwan.

Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang is encouraging the public to pre-order their government-issued stimulus vouchers and to choose the digital format if possible to avoid long lines when they are made available from tomorrow.

Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau says the mercury in Taipei rose to 38.9 degrees at 13:15 on Monday, 29 June, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in the capital in the month of June since the city's weather station was established in 1896.

Legislative Speaker You Si-kun says an extraordinary legislative session will run until 22 July as scheduled, during which lawmakers will vote on whether to approve President Tsai Ying-wen's nominees for the Control Yuan, among other issues.

Taiwan's economy grew 2.98% in 2020, beating a November forecast because of strong electronics and information technology exports in the fourth quarter, according to an advance estimate by Taiwan's statistics bureau, the Directorate General of Budget Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS).

ECCT directors give their predictions for the year ahead and what trends to watch

By Duncan Levine

Taiwan's official manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 61.2 in December, the sixth straight month of gains and the highest level since March 2017.

Based on the advanced estimate, Taiwan's real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 12.93% on a quarter-on-quarter seasonally-adjusted annualized basis (SAAR) and 8.16% on a year-on-year (yoy) basis in the first quarter of 2021 (1Q21), according to the Directorate General of Budget Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS).

The government is offering rescue loans for labourers facing financial difficulty due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The United States' economy has had its worst performance since the great recession in 2008 in the first quarter of 2020 (1Q20).

A foreign resident's first-hand perspectives on Taiwan's coronavirus pandemic response and healthcare system

By Douglas Habecker

The ECCT hosted a webinar on the topic "Recovering from Covid-19 - Personal experiences and perspectives from Case 50, a coronavirus survivor in Taiwan" with guest speaker Douglas Habecker, Co-Publisher of Compass Magazine.

Taiwan's Minister of Health and Welfare, Chen Shih-chung, says if ongoing trials of a domestically-produced coronavirus vaccine prove successful, mass production could begin by mid-2021.

Campaign against legislator illustrates partisan divides

By Brian Hioe

The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) expects Taiwan’s 2021 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to rise by 6.01% year-on-year

Taoyuan has a young population and a dynamic environment that continues to attract investment and talent

Female filmmakers say women still pit motherhood and career against each other

By Joanna Lee

The jury is still out on how much life will change when the pandemic is finally over but while we wait for a vaccine and effective treatments for Covid-19, businesses and consumers will have to find innovative ways to adapt

By Duncan Levine

Provisions in Taiwan's laws that treat adultery as a criminal offense have been ruled unconstitutional and declared invalid effective immediately, according to an announcement by Constitutional Court Chief Justice Hsu Tzong-li today.

The Robert Walters Salary Survey 2022 was co-launched with the ECCT at a Premium Event lunch, which was followed by a press conference for the media

The cabinet says it plans to extend the removal of business tax on imported corn, wheat, soybeans and other commodities until the end of June

The newly opened Taichung metropolitan rail (MRT) line has attracted hundreds of thousands of riders over its first few days of operation.

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) says young people are being paid more than before.

National Sun Yat-sen University, located in Kaohsiung city, has become the base for cultivating bilingual education teachers.

Many insurance companies in Taiwan have suffered huge losses from Covid-related claims. How did this happen, what could companies have done to prevent such losses, and where does this leave us now?

By Lee Faulkner

Officials say the first batch of the Novavax vaccine is set to arrive in Taiwan at the end of the month

The Group of Seven (G7) country leaders have agreed to spend US$4.5 billion on addressing food security issues around the globe exacerbated by rising grain and food costs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Taichung District Prosecutors' Office has indicted four people involved in a labour brokerage company on charges of exploiting migrant workers through wage manipulation.

A new report indicates that Taiwan continues to uphold an image of clean government.

The Legislative Yuan (LY) has passed a resolution proposed by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to decommission Taichung Power Plant's coal-fired generators by 2035, and to preserve the generators in the event of a national security emergency.

Global stocks fell sharply last week over fears that the ongoing spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (Covid-19) will severely hurt the economy.

Taiwanese journalists are not jailed or censored by the state, but media groups are vulnerable to foreign political interference, libel laws may be abused, and journalists are suffering from a polarised media environment dominated by sensationalism and the pursuit of profit

By Brian Hioe

Transport Minister Wang Kwo-tsai is stressing that the government fully supports the corporatisation of the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) within three years.

Taiwan's minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) Wang Mei-hua is seeking to play down reports that Taiwan's leading semiconductor manufacturers could build new plants in Europe.

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported that Taiwan has seen a fourth consecutive day with no new coronavirus infections.

Agriculture Minister Chen Chi-chung is confident that local farmers would benefit if Taiwan successfully joins the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it will be easing some coronavirus restrictions at movie theatres, sports venues, and train stations this week while more entertainment venues will also be allowed to re-open on 5 October.

The European parliament's Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety held a debate with Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, on stepping up Europe's 2030 climate ambition.

More pandemic restrictions are set to be eased soon.

The decennial national population and household census will begin in November, with 16,000 census workers set to visit more than 1.2 million households around Taiwan.

Researchers at National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) have developed a rapid Covid-19 test.

Facebook says it will no longer remove claims that Covid-19 is man-made or manufactured from its apps.

The National Development Council says it plans to allocate an additional NT$210 billion budget to the government's coronavirus relief fund.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says the latest batch of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines are now being distributed.

The ECCT, in conjunction with ICRT, hosted a briefing by the Taipei City Government on the latest Covid-19 situation in Taipei.

Foreign nationals whose Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs) are about to expire will receive an automatic 30-day extension with immediate effect due to the heightened Covid-19 situation.

Health Minister Chen Shi-chung says Taiwan is preparing to negotiate with the United States over producing American coronavirus vaccines here.

The European Commission has published its guidance on how the Code of Practice on Disinformation, the first of its kind worldwide, should be strengthened to become a more effective tool for countering disinformation.

The ECCT's Low Carbon Initiative (LCI) invited Ethan Tu, one of Taiwan's early tech pioneers, to give a speech at a lunch to coincide with its mid-year meeting.

Taiwan's Directorate General for Budgeting Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) has revised its 2020 GDP forecast downwards by 0.7 percentage points to 1.67% to take into account the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is reporting 203 new coronavirus cases, of which 83 are domestic infections

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says 61 people who recently arrived in Taiwan have been found to be infected with either the Omicron BA.4 or BA.5 subvariant

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) says large industrial consumers will seetheir electricity rates riseby 15% from 1 July.

Finland and Sweden are now one step closer to becoming members of NATO after Turkey dropped its opposition to them joining the alliance, which has been taken in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Taipei officials are discussing how night markets will be reopened.

Taiwan's system for childcare leave is getting some updates.

The European Union says it has launched action against China at world trade's governing body, for discriminatory practices against Lithuania

Based on advance estimates by the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS), Taiwan's real gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 4.88% on a year-on-year basis (y-o-y) in 4Q21 and 6.28% for the full year in 2021, the highest growth rate in 11 years

The Central Epidemic Command Center has announced a precautionary ban on all inpatient visits to hospitals in Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan until 9 February.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced that it is resuming regular passenger flights to Taiwan, starting on 1 September.

A testing programme for coronavirus antibodies by the National Taiwan University's College of Public Health has found low rates of exposure to the virus among high-risk population groups.

Local drug maker Adimmune has started the first phase of human trials for its experimental coronavirus vaccine.

Taiwan's current renewable energy targets and roll-out plans are probably underestimating future demand

Interview with James Liu, General Manager, Industrial Services & Cybersecurity, TÜV Rheinland Taiwan Ltd.

Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) The Environmental Protection Administration says all beverage chain stores will be required to offer greater discounts to customers who bring their own cups and provide "reusable cup" loan services

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has further loosened its quarantine rules for contacts of people confirmed to be positive for the coronavirus - removing the need to take a second rapid test originally required on the third day of quarantine

The government has now begun rationing the sale of coronavirus rapid test kits. Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says from today the kits will be available at controlled prices at contracted pharmacies and public health centres islandwide

Taiwan's real gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 3.06% on a year-on-year (yoy) basis in the first quarter of 2022 (1Q22) and 6.39% on a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted annualised basis (saar)

Andreas Gursch, 1963 – 2020
With the passing of Andy Gursch, the world has lost a passionate environmentalist and the ECCT, one of its finest ambassadors

By Duncan Levine

Newly elected opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu is expressing his hope that exchanges and cooperation between his party and Beijing will be strengthened on the basis of the "1992 consensus."

The government has strong ambitions and local industry players see significant business opportunities by being part of the global electric vehicle supply chain

After the initial shock of the Covid-19 pandemic, how have people adapted and how are they feeling and acting one year on?

By Mike Jewell

Taiwan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 3.92% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2020 (3Q20), according to a report by the Directorate General of Budget Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS).

The annual report, produced by Michael Page in association with the ECCT, was released at a Premium Event lunch. A summary of the report’s highlights was presented at the lunch by the guest speakers. After the lunch the report was released to the media at a press conference.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) yesterday reported 81,852 local Covid cases today with a record 104 deaths

Despite the loss of formal diplomatic allies, Taiwan's relations with the world continue to strengthen thanks to pragmatic leadership and shifting geopolitical priorities 

By Brian Hioe

The Legislative Yuan has approved the cabinet's request to extend the special Covid-19 relief act and budget by a year

Taiwan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to slow down to 3.91% in 2022 from the more robust growth rate of 6.57% in 2021

The Central Election Commission has officially announced this year's referendums.

The Swiss government has withdrawn from negotiations with the European Union (EU) over a stalled EU-Swiss framework agreement after years of talks.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported 667 domestic Covid-19 cases today, four imported cases and 13 deaths in its daily press conference today.

Cybersecurity has been an important topic in Taiwan recently, one that touches several areas of the technology business. A recent case concerns the Covid-19 pandemic when the central government prohibited all government agencies from using a popular video conferencing service based on cybersecurity concerns.

By John Eastwood, Wendy Chu, Nathan Snyder, and David Rosenthal

The Central Epidemic Command Center says the government's 1922 website is scheduled to begin accepting appointment bookings today for Covid-19 booster jabs that will be administered from 7-13 February

The Covid pandemic may have made working from home a thing-- even in Taiwan

Taiwan has recorded 46 new domestic Covid-19 cases, two clusters of unknown origin in Taipei and Yilan County having been confirmed as Omicron variant infections

Taiwan's industrial production increased for the eleventh consecutive month by 9.9% in December and 6.8% for the full year, according to a report by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

The cabinet is accepting an agreed reduction of NT$25.5 billion from the government's proposed 2021 budget after lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties reached a consensus on budgetary cuts during their ongoing negotiations.

How are British businesses adapting to life outside the EU and how do Taiwanese firms now view the UK?

By Mike Jewell

Taiwan has established a connection with one of its recently launched satellites.

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has published its Covid-19 vaccination priority list, ahead of a planned national immunisation campaign, set to start sometime in March.

Congratulatory message from Shen Jong-chin, Minister, Ministry of Economic Affairs

The National Development Council (NDC) has outlined its plans for the new stimulus voucher programme.

The cabinet has approved the central government's proposed 2022 budget of NT$2.2391 trillion

Dynamic and constantly evolving

By Mike Jewell

Over recent decades we have seen an increasing trend of transferring risk from institutions to individuals. There may be good reasons for this, but information asymmetry can make life very difficult for ordinary people to manage the consequences

By Lee Faulkner

The Ministry of Education says it is preparing to begin offering Covid jabs to children aged between 6-11 on school campuses as early as next Monday

Taiwan's Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says people who arrive in Taiwan and who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus could be allowed to shorten their quarantine from 14 to seven days by mid-May.

The 2021 ECCT EU-Taiwan Healthcare Forum brought together experts from Europe and Taiwan to discuss solutions for today's most urgent healthcare challenges.

Taxpayers in Taiwan are expected to be allowed to use their smartphones to file taxes in 2021, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

The National Development Council has revised regulations on work, residence and tax concessions designed to attract foreign professionals to live and work and Taiwan

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says the government will only consider loosening border restrictions once 70% of the island's population has received at least one coronavirus vaccine shot and over 60% are fully vaccinated

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it's considering whether to allow incoming travellers to be able to quarantine at home once again

The ECCT, in partnership with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), hosted the 2021 Global Offshore Wind Energy Summit -Taiwan (GOWST) 2021

The Ministry of Education (MOE) says there are currently no plans to allow elementary and junior high school students to have an early summer vacation

The ECCT's annual Europe Day Dinner was attended by a capacity crowd of distinguished guests including President Tsai Ying-wen, Filip Grzegorzewski, Head of the European Union's (EU) European Economic and Trade Office (EETO) in Taiwan, senior government officials and executives from European and Taiwanese companies. At the dinner, speeches were given by President Tsai, the EETO head and the ECCT chairman.

Central Epidemic Command Center advisor Zhang Shan-chun says seniors who contract the coronavirus should be hospitalised.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has announced that the island-wide level 3 alert will be extended until 14 June, citing the severity of domestic transmission rates.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says the island's food and beverage industry had its worst sales month in April since November of 2014, as more consumers opted to stay at home and eat due to concerns about the coronavirus.

 
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) and Hai Long Offshore Wind (Hai Long) have announced that the new SG 14-222 DD offshore wind turbine is intended to be used in its 300MW Hai Long 2 project in Taiwan. According to a press release issued today, the deployment of the new turbine for the rest of the 1,044 MW Hai Long pipeline is also being considered.

Taiwan's successful energy transition requires grid investment

By Tim Ferry

The UN's sustainable development goals are even more relevant to business sustainability today in the face of a global pandemic and devastating climate change

By Duncan Levine

ECCT member companies across multiple industry sectors are working to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment

Most EU member states are not on track to reduce air pollution and its related impacts by 2030.

The government will lower the Level 3 Covid-19 alert to Level 2, starting from Tuesday, 27 July.

Taiwan's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has approved the inclusion of a locally developed Covid-19 vaccine in the country's rollout.

The ECCT hosted a special Premium Event Grand Dinner ahead of the Chinese New Year with the theme "Europe-Taiwan: Roaring into the Year of the Tiger"

7% of Taiwan's labourers say they were either laid off or suffered reductions in payments due to the impact of coronavirus last year, according to the Ministry of Labour (MOL).

Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan has cancelled all extracurricular winter activities at all schools in the city.

The Tourism Bureau expects fewer than one million visitors will come to Taiwan this year.

We are pleased to welcome the following new members to the ECCT in February!

A majority of EU governments have agreed to push ahead with plans for more corporate tax transparency, unblocking progress on draft rules that have stalled for half a decade.

Pupils all across Taiwan returned to school yesterday following a mandatory three week extension of their Chinese New Year holidays as a precautionary measure in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Ministry of Labor set this year's Equal Pay Day on 21 February, two days earlier than last year, based on estimates that women needed to work that far into the year to earn the same amount that men did last year.

The ECCT is pleased to announce that the chamber has formed a news sharing partnership with ICRT. Under the new cooperative agreement, the ECCT will publish selected ICRT news stories in the News section of Euroview online as well as ICRT's weekly “Taiwan this Week” podcast. In return, ICRT will draw on or cite selected content from Euroview and the ECCT's website.

Will the US withdrawal from Afghanistan accelerate trends toward self-reliance in Taiwan?

By Brian Hioe

The local real estate market is heating up.

Central bank Governor Yang Jin-long says interest rates are likely to remain unchanged for the time being, as the local economy is not overheating.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says strict border control measures will remain in place until the national vaccination rate rises.

The Central Epidemic Command Center says the first-dose coronavirus vaccination rate has now surpassed 77%, while almost half of the population have now received the two doses needed to be fully vaccinated

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is thanking the US government for inviting Taiwan to attend President Joe Biden's "Summit for Democracy."

The ECCT launched its 2022 Position Papers at a Premium Event lunch, which was attended by 90 members and guests

To maintain economic momentum, Taiwan should re-embrace the winning formula of connection and integration with the world, advance the energy transformation and enhance Taiwan's attractiveness for talent

China wants 10 small Pacific nations to endorse a sweeping agreement covering everything from security to fisheries in what one leader warns is a game-changing bid by China to wrest control of the region

The Taoyuan Metro is set to cut service, due to declining ridership

Tai-Power says its supply system flashed a "yellow" warning light due to high demand on Monday, after a coal-fired generator in Taichung suffered a breakdown.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says medical experts have suggested that the Level 3 coronavirus alert be extended due to the current level of transmission rates.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it is adjusting measures to ensure that there is enough space in hospitals to care for Covid-19 patients.

The ECCT's Low Carbon Initiative (LCI) organised a forum on the topic "Risk management in solar financing - Due diligence and bankability" in conjunction with the EU Taiwan Centre and TÜV Rheinland.

Taiwan's industrial production index increased 3.51% in April 2020 compared with the same month in 2019. According to a report by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), an annual comparison by main industrial division showed that manufacturing increased 4.15%, mining & quarrying increased 21.89%, electricity & gas supply decreased 5.35% and water supply decreased 0.19%.

Taiwan has announced sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This is a quick review of the implications

By John Eastwood, Heather Hsiao, Jamie Chen, Nathan Snyder and Erin Hopkins

The ECCT arranged a special lunch featuring guest speaker Filip Grzegorzewski, Head of Office, of the European Economic and Trade Office to talk about the EU's response to the crisis in Ukraine and what the new reality means for EU member states and multinational companies

Lawmakers across party lines have voted to lower the voting age in Taiwan to 18 from 20, sending the issue to a national referendum later this year

Premier Su Tseng-chang says the Executive Yuan is introducing a new employee disaster insurance bill.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has confirmed the first case of a serious allergic reaction to the AstraZeneca (AZ) coronavirus vaccine, a nurse, who has existing allergies to eggs, peanuts and antibiotics.

Taiwan's government is continuing to step up measures to tackle COVID-19.

Taiwan takes on Covid remote learning one year later, but challenges still remain

By Joanna Lee

Taiwan's cabinet says the vaccination appointment platform is now ready but it won't be used until the vaccination programme is open for all.

Taipei has been named the best leisure destination in Asia for the fourth straight year, in a survey conducted by the American magazine, Global Traveler.

Taiwan's National Federation of Teachers Unions says elementary and secondary schools will start the new school year on 1 September.

The Central Epidemic Command Center says coronavirus testing stations set up near wholesale vegetable markets in Taipei and New Taipei will remain in place to ensure the disease has not spread into local communities.

Members of the European Parliament have endorsed the EU's Climate Law, which was agreed informally with member states in April, with 442 votes to 203 and 51 abstentions.

"There are lies, damned lies and statistics"; there are also models, damned models and lies. Sophisticated mathematical models are widely used and can be of enormous help, but not communicating their limitations properly only benefits deniers and sceptics.

By Lee Faulkner

In this exclusive interview, Jakub Janda, Director of EVC, the first European thinktank to establish an office in Taiwan, talks about how increasing bilateral exchanges between research institutes in Europe and Taiwan will provide mutual benefits for both sides

By Duncan Levine

Data compiled by the Ministry of Economic Affairs shows the industrial production index up more than 13.2% from a year earlier

Health officials say they will extend the current Level 2 Covid alert now in place across the island. The alert level is expected to remain in force until 7 February

The cabinet has approved a plan to disband the ad-hoc Transitional Justice Commission

Taiwan's real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.86% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2021 and by 6.45% for the whole 2021, according to the latest preliminary estimate by the Directorate General of Budget Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS)

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is lifting some coronavirus prevention measures from 1 March

Taiwan is making progress on its 2025 and beyond goals, but will it be enough?

By Tim Ferry

Lawmakers from across party lines are pushing for a new law to fight against climate change.

The Water Resources Agency has introduced tougher water restrictions from today due to shortages in some parts of the island – meaning industrial water usage in certain areas has now been cut by up to 11%.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) will be partially lifting restrictions on the entry of foreign visitors from 1 March.

Global stock markets suffered some of their worst drops in more than two years on Monday, following fears that the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (Covid-19) will be much more damaging to the economy than originally feared.

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan (LY) has passed a bill authorising a series of measures aimed at supporting businesses and workers in Taiwan affected by the 2019 novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. The Special Act on COVID-19 Prevention, Relief and Restoration was shortly afterwards signed into law by President Tsai Ing-wen. The act authorises the use of NT$60 billion (US$1.9 billion). Implementation is backdated to activities starting from 15 January this year and will end on 30 June next year.

The Ministry of Education says Chinese students enrolled in tertiary-level schools here in Taiwan are now allowed to enter the country. According to the ministry, the new regulation will benefit some 5,000 students from China.

Cabinet spokesman Luo Bing-cheng says Premier Su Tseng-chang has agreed in principle to support a "3 4" proposal to shorten the home isolation period for close contacts of those who tested positive for Covid

In the absence of rules in the Internet age, artists make their own

Will the Glasgow Climate Pact save us from global warming?

By Mike Jewell

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is expanding the availability of mix-and-match second coronavirus vaccine shots

Taiwan's rigid localisation requirements risk raising costs and slowing development, while belying real opportunities for Taiwanese champions in the global market.

By Tim Ferry

The government is optimistic about Taiwan's economic growth this year. The National Development Council says the Taiwan economy could grow by over 1.8% in 2020, thanks to better-than-anticipated export orders and exports in the fourth quarter.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says the government is hoping to procure at least 30 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine. 

President Tsai Ing-wen is voicing her hope that English proficiency here in Taiwan can improve over the next decade.

A forum on the theme "Carbon pricing strategy of Taiwan: path to global net zero roadmap" (台灣碳定價策略：邁向全球淨零 論壇) was organised by the ECCT’s Low Carbon Initiative (LCI) together with Greenpeace (綠色和平), Business Weekly (商業周刊) and co-organised by the European Economic and Trade Office (歐洲經貿辦事處).

Ministry of National Defense (MND) Minister Chiu Kuo-chen says his office will present an evaluation report later this year on whether or not to extend the current four-month mandatory training for conscripts

The Ministry of Labor (MOL) says employer-held migrant worker employment permits set to expire from 1 April to 30 June will be automatically extended for an additional three months

The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee has adopted a report identifying the security challenges facing the body in the Indo-Pacific

The 2022 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) International Forum was organised by CommonWealth Magazine (CMW) in cooperation with the ECCT’s Low Carbon Initiative (LCI) for the third consecutive year

The 2021 Sustainable City Forum was organised by the Taoyuan City Government, the International Climate Development Institution (ICDI) and co-organised by the ECCT's Low Carbon Initiative (LCI) and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability.

Over the past few days, major central banks globally have announced massive monetary expansion plans while governments in European countries have announced a slew of fiscal stimulus plans to offset the huge drop in both supply and demand caused by the coronavirus epidemic.

Taiwan's jobless rate remained relatively stable in February despite the growing battle with the novel coronavirus disease during the month.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it is currently reviewing the possibility of raising the cap on arrivals sometime in the next few months.

With relaxed social distancing laws, Taiwan's film industry seems on track for recovery, but filmmakers and festival organisers are not breathing sighs of relief just yet.

By Joanna Lee

Public health officials say 89 hospitals across the island are setting up special clinics to treat people who might be suffering from long Covid

Taiwan's government is condemning Russia for undermining Ukraine's sovereignty... and is urging all sides to seek peaceful means to resolve their disputes

Taiwan's export orders in January 2021 increased 49.3% to US$52.7 billion year-on-year, according to a report from the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

Message from the chairman

European companies start to assess how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting their operations and supply chains 

By Duncan Levine

Halted travel and manufacturing slowdown mean a drop in carbon emissions, at least in the short term.

By Duncan Levine

Authorities in Italy have imposed strict quarantine restrictions in the two northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto, close to Milan and Venice, following a large coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

The European Commission has announced a new aid package worth €232 to support global efforts to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak.

The ECCT hosted the Tainan-ECCT-NCKU Low Carbon City Conference with the theme Public Private & Academic Partnership (PPAP) for a sustainable future

New Taipei Mayor Ho Yo-yi has announced that the “conditional opening” of water-related recreational activities and supporting measures begins today.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) plans to test 5,000 randomly selected blood donation samples for coronavirus antibodies as it seeks to better understand the prevalence of the disease during its peak here in Taiwan.

The government says the island's unemployment rate fell from a month earlier in July as the local job market has now stabilised.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it will be launching a series of measures to combat the spread of the more infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus.

Taiwan's official unemployment rate reached 4% in July, according to the monthly Manpower Survey Results report by the Directorate General of Budget Accounting & Statistics (DGBAS).

As you can read in our latest Feature article, retail purchases have not registered much change in total spending during the pandemic, but the shift in product demand has changed the profile of channel use quite significantly.

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center says restrictions on flights to and from China and an entry ban on transit passengers will remain in effect after the initial end date later this month

The cabinet says it has now allocated the bulk of the government's special NT$150 billion coronavirus relief and revitalization budget.

Restaurants continue to suffer under the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The government has formally submitted its application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Premier Su Tseng-chang says the government expects the island's first-dose vaccination coverage to hit 70% by the end of October.

The pandemic has introduced a new dynamic into mobility planning, with profound changes in attitudes to travel in the world's cities

By Mike Jewell

The Fisheries Agency has issued a new draft regulation for a system to better manage derelict fishing gear that causes marine pollution.

Taiwan's wholesale, retail and food services sales all rose in August compared with the same month in 2019.

Taiwan's industrial production index increased 10.73% in September 2020 compared with the same month in 2019.

Compared with the same month in 2019, sales of wholesale trade in September 2020 increased 8.2% to NT$952.1 billion while retail sales in September 2020 increased 2.9% year-on-year to NT$320.6 billion.

Taiwan's official industrial production index increased by 11.25% in October 2021 compared with the same month in 2020, according to a report by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA)

Taiwan's export orders came in at US$51.9 billion in April 2022 a decrease of 5.5% compared with the same month in 2021, according to a report by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA)

Taiwan's state-run Taipower says that from 1 June, electric car owners will be charged a flat-month rate of NT$262.5 for household electricity

The ECCT's Low Carbon Initiative was a co-organiser of the 2022 Sustainable City Forum

The ECCT held its annual Premium Event lunch with Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je and senior officials from the Taipei City Government (TCG), marking the 23rd year since the ECCT held its first round table lunch with the TCG.

Canada and the United States have launched coordinated sanctions against Chinese officials over human rights abuses in China's far western Xinjiang region. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is continuing to administer the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine.

Throughout the globe, Clarins have acted responsibly, at both the individual and collective levels. Due to the unprecedented impact of Covid-19, especially in EU in recent days, Clarins believes that it's a vital time to take social responsibilities as a global citizen.

Taiwan's main international airport has reached a significant milestone in dropping passenger numbers.

Foreign nationals in Taiwan are getting a break on their visas.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) says it will review electricity rates next Monday

European Union leaders agreed at a summit today to make Ukraine and Moldova candidates to join the bloc, marking an historic move by Brussels following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Travellers from Taiwan will be allowed to visit the Netherlands without having to quarantine or present a negative coronavirus test result from tomorrow.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says all people arriving in Taiwan will be tested for the coronavirus on the last day of their mandatory 14-day quarantine.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) today announced that the current coronavirus alert level (Level 3) will be extended for an additional two weeks until 12 July.

Wholesale, retail and food services sales all fell in May compared to the same month in 2019.

The Ministry of Labor says the hourly pay of male workers in Taiwan last year was at about NT$361 while that of female workers was NT$304

The European Commission has proposed new rules on who can use and access data generated in the EU across all economic sectors

Premier Su Tseng-chang has blamed the opposition KMT for DPP lawmakers' forcing the 2022 general budgetary plan through the legislative assembly yesterday

Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) spokesperson Zhuang Ren-xiang says the government is in the process of preparing its digital coronavirus certificate and more details about the system will be released next week

The European Council and the European Parliament provisional agreement for making the internet a safer space for European citizens took another important step forward with the provisional political agreement reached on the Digital Services Act (DSA) between the Council and the European Parliament

President Tsai Ing-wen has apologized for the handling of the coronavirus cluster infection on board a navy supply ship, saying "as commander-in-chief, she holds ultimate responsibility for the military."

Premier Su Tseng-chang says some 900,000 people will have received coronavirus relief payments from the government by the end of this week.

Unlike their confrontational counterparts in Europe, Taiwan's chapter of the Extinction Rebellion takes a creative approach to raising environmental awareness

The coronavirus pandemic is making people more cautious about going out and changing how and what they buy

By Mike Jewell

Students aged between 12 and 17 will begin being administered Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccinations this morning. Most of the shots will be administered on school on-campus

Taiwan leads the way in Asia in gender equality, but can it overcome its patriarchal heritage?

By Mike Jewell

An economic think tank is getting more optimistic about the local economy.

Taiwanese views of US president Donald Trump and his Democratic Party challenger, Joe Biden, are nuanced and shaped by the complex interplay of relations involving the US, China and Taiwan.

By Brian Hioe

The Taipei Representative Office in France is celebrating the inauguration of France's first Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says there are no current plans to change the mask mandate

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has said it has increased the number of quarantine rooms available for citizens abroad returning to Taiwan for the Lunar New Year holiday to 35,500

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Luo Chih-cheng is calling on the government to extend the mandatory military service period

President Tsai Ing-wen has reaffirmed her administration's plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says Taiwan will likely be one of the first countries to receive shipments of the second-generation Moderna vaccine if it proves effective

Taiwan's jobless rate rose slightly last month.

The ECCT's Low Carbon Initiative cooperated with CommonWealth Magazine to arrange the full-day forum, which was recorded live for broadcast later.

Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) Minister Wang Kwo-tsai says the current weekly cap of 25,000 visitor arrivals will likely continue until at least the end of this month

Water conservation efforts and heavy rainfall over the past few days have further eased water shortages in Taiwan, allowing for the lifting of strict water rationing in central and southern Taiwan.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is now allowing all pregnant women in Taiwan to choose the Covid-19 vaccine they want.

Taiwan's unemployment rate rose by 0.4 percentage points to 4.07% in May, compared with the same month in 2019.

Besides articulating the general pathos and anger of Taiwanese youth, indie is the preferred musical genre of many young political activists

By Brian Hioe

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says the government is moving towards lifting the ban on foreign visitors next month.

The rejection by Taiwanese voters of all four referendums is a setback for the opposition and signals internal disunity

By Brian Hioe

Taiwan's unemployment rate in November declined to 3.66% or 3.71% on a seasonally adjusted basis

In a packed agenda over three days, the delegation held a series of meetings with senior officials from the European Commission (EC) and several other important industry associations and other organisations including the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Wind Europe, BusinessEurope (the pan-European federation of European industries), the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), Cosmetics Europe and the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE).

A delegation of ECCT board directors took a two-day trip to Pingtung County

Is it a sign of an agile, dynamic company or a further devaluation of the employee as an individual?

By Mike Jewell

Lawmakers have voted to increase funding for a coronavirus response, relief and revitalization bill from NT$60 billion to NT$210 billion.

Britain has agreed to a trade deal with New Zealand, eliminating tariffs on a wide range of goods as the UK seeks to expand economic links around the world following its exit from the European Union

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says more vaccine mixing will be allowed in the next round of vaccinations.

The Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER) has raised its forecast for Taiwan's economic growth for 2021 to 5.84%, bringing it more or less in line with the forecast of the Directorate General of Budget Accounting and Statistics, which last raised its forecast to 5.88% on 13 August

Taiwan's battery sector has surged on the Covid-fuelled consumer electronics boom. Electric vehicles and energy storage will drive future growth

By Tim Ferry

Taiwan's personal data protection regimen: Essential approaches to prevent gaps in compliance

By John Eastwood, Wendy Chu and Nathan Snyder

Religious groups in Taiwan strive to maintain services amid the coronavirus pandemic

By Mark Caltonhill

Taiwan's export orders in April 2020 increased 2.3% to US$38.53 billion from the same month in 2019, according to a report by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, although, when measured in New Taiwan dollars, given the local currency's appreciation, the report said export orders were approximately NT$1,159.2 billion, which was down 0.3% year-on-year.

Agriculture Minister Chen Chi-chung says the government will be extending business tax exemptions on corn and soy beans for two more months

Taiwan's Air Force says all wind farms in Taiwan have passed evaluations to guarantee they won't affect the operation of Taiwan's military radar

Taiwan's Tourism Bureau has lifted a ban on vaccination requirements for local tour groups

Taiwan's export orders rose by 6% year-on-year to US$55.4 billion in May 2022

​​​​​​​The ECCT was a co-organiser of the 2022 EU-Taiwan Electric Vehicle Conference together with the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO), the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and co-organised by the European Business & Regulatory Cooperation Program (EBRC), the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and the Vehicle Safety Certification Center (VSCC)

A shipment of 2.5-million doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine donated by the United States government arrived in Taiwan on Sunday (20 June).

The value of export orders placed by foreign companies with Taiwanese businesses in May rose by 34.5% year-on-year to reach NT$52.29 billion, the highest level on record for the month.

EU leaders have agreed to a recovery package and the 2021-2027 budget that will help the EU to rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic and will support investment in "green and digital transitions".

The cabinet has approved draft amendments to the Copyright Act and Trademark Act

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je has postponed the city's Lantern Festival and cancelled the annual Di-Hua Street Lunar New Year market due to the recent rise in coronavirus cases.

The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) has halted the plan for electronic national ID cards.

Taiwan top envoy to the US, Hsiao Bi-khim, has attended US President Joe Biden's swearing-in ceremony in Washington DC.

Leaders across Europe have expressed hope for improved relations with the United States following the inauguration of President Joe Biden on 20 January.

Premier Su Tseng-chang is calling for an investigation into speedskater Huang Yu-ting

An estimated 400 animal rights activists have braved low temperatures and heavy rains in Taipei to call for the addition of animal protection clauses in the constitution

Premier Su Tseng-chang says the government has finalised a plan to build an MRT line in Keelung, that connects the northern city with New Taipei and Taipei

The number of confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in Taiwan continues to rise, although at a scale and pace much slower than in China. Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has reported two more confirmed coronavirus cases in Taiwan, bringing the total number of cases in Taiwan to 24, with one death since the outbreak began.

Transport Minister Wang Kwo-tsai is defending the government's decision to locate a high-speed rail extension station near Yilan County Hall.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it will be opening more Covid-19 vaccine mixing options by Friday.

Average year-end bonuses are expected to fall to their lowest level in 11 years - that, according to a survey by the 111 online job bank

Electric trains have now begun running on Taiwan Railways Administration's South Link line.

A growing list of European Union nations and Canada have barred flights from the UK and others are considering similar action.

The EU has granted conditional marketing authorisation to the vaccine produced by BioNTech and Pfizer.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is reporting Taiwan's first domestic coronavirus case since April 12.

Taiwan has seen the rise and fall of several third parties over the past 30 years but creating a true Third Force to challenge the two major parties continues to prove extremely challenging

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has approved a fourth dose of a coronavirus vaccine to people aged 65 and over and for residents of long-term care facilities.Individuals aged 18 and above who are immunocompromised have also been given the approval to receive a fifth vaccine dose

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says coronavirus patients in home quarantine and case contacts isolating at home are now allowed to go to hospital themselves if they require emergency medical assistance

The European Council and the European Parliament's negotiators have reached a provisional political agreement setting into law the objective of a climate-neutral EU by 2050, and a collective, net greenhouse gas emissions reduction target (emissions after deduction of removals) of at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990.

Air Liquide has announced plans to invest close to €200 million euros to build production capacities in Taiwan's Tainan and Hsinchu science parks.

The current Level 2 Covid-19 alert has been extended for another two weeks until 4 October

European Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager said today that the European Union will further its engagement with Taipei at a time when China is ramping up its pressure on Taiwan and the island's partners

Premier Su Tseng-chang has waded in the disputes over influenza vaccinations, saying infants and those aged beyond 65 should get the shot first.

The ongoing drought in the south is likely to affect agricultural irrigation.

Taiwan's export orders set a monthly record high in September 2020, rising by almost 10% from a year earlier, on the back of solid demand for consumer electronics, according to a news report on CNA, citing the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

Approved foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first nine months of 2020 has surpassed US$6 billion, according to a report by the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Investment Commission.

Wealth effects from stock market fuel sales

By Matt Kovac

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expressing its "deep regret and dissatisfaction" that Taiwan did not receive an invitation to the 75th World Health Assembly

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says people who have recovered from Covid are now exempt from any contact listing for three months after they first test positive

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has raised its coronavirus alert to Level 3 islandwide after recording over 100 locally-transmitted cases for the fifth consecutive day.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen was inaugurated for a second four-year presidential term today together with Vice President Lai Ching-de. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 92 foreign dignitaries from 41 countries congratulated President Tsai Ing-wen on her inauguration via pre-recorded video messages.

When the coronavirus epidemic finally ends, which beneficiaries will maintain momentum and which business sectors are likely to recover quickly?

By Duncan Levine

The European Commission presented its opinions on the application for EU membership submitted by Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova and recommended that all three countries be candidate status on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) yesterday reported 50,636 new Covid cases, of which 50,561 were domestic infections.

With one of Europe's highest vaccination rates and its most pandemic-battered economies, the Spanish government is laying the groundwork for a new different Covid-19 playbook

The health minister has announced that the 20,000 Covid treatment courses that Taiwan ordered from the US pharmaceutical company Pfizer will soon arrive

The average number of people employed in the industrial and service sectors in Taiwan fell in 2020 for the first time in 11 years because of the economic disruption caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic, according to Taiwan's statistics bureau.

Taiwan’s real GDP increased by 5.09% on a year-on-year basis in the fourth quarter of 2020, taking full year GDP growth to 3.11%, according to a news release of a revised preliminary estimate by the Directorate General of Budget Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS).

The tourism industry is taking the hit from the 2019 novel coronavirus (Covid-19) by the drop in the number of both international and local tourists. Airlines and hotels have been the most affected given their large operating costs.

All four of the referendum questions put to Taiwanese voters on 18 December failed to achieve the minimum 25% of votes in favour to pass, mainly due to low voter turnout of 41.09%, including the invalid votes

Filip Grzegorzewski arrived in Taiwan in September 2019 to assume the position as Head of the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO) in Taiwan. Euroview sat down with the new EETO head to talk about his initial impressions of Taiwan and how he sees the future of EU-Taiwan relations developing

A ban on the use of disposable tableware at restaurants and food courts in shopping malls will take effect in 10 municipalities in Taiwan next year, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) said.

What the ECCT delegation learnt from the recently-completed Open Door Mission

By Duncan Levine

Taiwan's export orders in July rose 6.9% compared with the same month in 2019 when measured in NT dollars.

The Taiwan Food & Drug Administration has approved Taiwan's first clinical trial for a coronavirus vaccine.

The ECCT hosted a Premium Event lunch with Dr Chen Chien-jen, Former vice president and currently Distinguished Professor at Academia Sinica.

Seven months out from the municipal elections, the DPP is currently in a strong position, but this could change if there are missteps in managing the pandemic situation or Taiwan's economy suffers fallout from the Ukraine war, high inflation or a recession in major export markets

By Brian Hioe  

The Kaohsiung Prosecutors' Office has indicted the Taiwanese captain and first mate of a fishing vessel and 7 others on charges of human trafficking, coercion and forgery

Reservations for self-paid coronavirus vaccinations are now open.

The new minister of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has said that his top priority on the job is to fully implement the reform plan for the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA).

Food delivery workers to unionise

Taiwan's export orders for the month of March set a new record of US$56.3 billion, 33.3% higher than the same month in 2020, according to a report by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

The head of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan says the European Union's strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is expected to provide more opportunities for cooperation between the EU and Taiwan.

The second in the ECCT's Next Generation Business and Leaders Series was held on the topic "The future of Taiwan tourism - MICE, business, and leisure travel".

Deputy Defence Minister Chang Che-ping has defended the navy's decision to carry out its "Fleet of Friendship" mission, despite 24 naval personnel having now tested positive for the coronavirus following their return to Taiwan.

More than 90% of the rubbish collected was discarded equipment from the fishing industry. The fact that so much fishing waste was collected from just a tiny section of Taiwan's coastline clearly showed the disproportionate level of damage caused by the fishing industry along Taiwan's coast.

Government officials said Thursday that a 4% salary raise for public employees that has been approved by the Executive Yuan will benefit around one million people

Taiwan on Thursday officially opened its new representative office in Lithuania

The ECCT arranged a special tour of IKEAs sustainable office and hosted a panel discussion on the practical and legal issues that need to be addressed to ensure continued productivity under a hybrid working model

The Taipei City Government has announced that all schools, both public and private, will be moving to online classes from next Monday

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says coronavirus infections will likely peak in the next seven days.

The Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office in Taipei has suspended its operations

The European Commission has adopted a "Communication on Business Taxation for the 21st century" aimed at promoting "a robust, efficient and fair business tax system" in the European Union.

The government has ordered Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) to submit an improvement plan within a week following supply shortages that have resulted in two large-scale power outages over the past week.

President Tsai Ing-wen says phase 2 clinical trials of locally developed coronavirus vaccines are nearly complete and doses are expected to be available by the end of July.

The government has taken delivery of 400,000 doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine from the global COVAX vaccine sharing programme. The vaccines were shipped from Amsterdam to Taoyuan International Airport.

The Central Epidemic Command Center says Taiwan is in talks with Stanford University to create a protocol for travellers that will help shorten the amount of time they have to stay in quarantine when they go abroad.

Jerry Fong is retiring after 23 years at the ECCT. During this time he has witnessed dramatic events and changes and made valuable contributions to the chamber's development

By H Henry Chang

The ECCT arranged a webinar on the topic of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), decoupling global supply chains and the challenges facing European business in China.

Air Liquide has completed the first phase of the construction of its planned 25 MW electrolysis hydrogen plants in the Tainan Technology Industrial Park.

The government has now banned entry to all foreign nationals into Taiwan, with some exceptions, as it seeks to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

By H Henry Chang, Chairman, ECCT

ECCT directors provide some insights on the business and economic trends to watch in the year ahead while Taiwan-based political commentators give their views on the geopolitical outlook for Taiwan

By Duncan Levine

Vice President William Lai will serve as President Tsai Ing-wen's envoy to attend the inauguration ceremony of Honduran President-elect Xiomara Castro later this month

Airlines across the world, including the long-haul carrier Emirates, are rushing to cancel or change flights heading into the US over an ongoing dispute about the rollout of 5G mobile phone technology near American airports

The Taipei City Government has announced all schools must cancel or postpone off-campus education, graduation ceremonies and other learning services until the end of February

GNSS.asia arranged an EU-Taiwan online workshop on GNSS for unmanned traffic management.

Crisis management through force majeure - Legal implications and advice for businesses

By H Henry Chang, Lai Chien-hung and Hong Hui-heng

The ECCT was invited to join a joint regional European chamber webinar featuring guest speaker Harald Schwager, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries.

Taiwan's health minister says the government could begin allowing quarantine-free entry from July for travellers from countries with similar Covid infection rates

The ECCT held a Premium Event lunch with Dr Lin Chia-lung, Minister of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC).

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is extending the current level 2 coronavirus alert for another two weeks to 1 November.

Several foreign missions here in Taiwan are urging the government to ease its border control measures

People other than medical workers now have the option of being vaccinated against Covid-19 using different vaccine brands

Around 5,000 international students hoping to come to Taiwan for language study who do not hold the Ministry of Education's (MOE's) Huayu Enrichment Scholarship may be allowed to enter the country starting from next March

A draft amendment to the Criminal Code that would address crimes involving "deepfakes" has been sent to the cabinet for review

Could Taiwan become a regional hub for fighting disinformation?

By Brian Hioe

Taipei Dangdai is back, but with shifts in behaviour, consumption and the industry in general – just who will meet them on the other side?

By Joanna Lee

The European Commission has presented the REPowerEU Plan, its response to the hardships and global energy market disruption caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

All schools in Taipei and New Taipei, from high schools down to kindergartens, will be suspended from 18-28 May.

Taiwan is once again closing its borders to foreigners, except legal residents.

Germany and France have jointly proposed a €500 billion recovery fund to be distributed to EU countries worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Taiwan-based contract semiconductor manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Company (TSMC) has declined to say whether it has stopped accepting purchase orders from Huawei.

The board of Taiwan's central bank decided unanimously to raise the discount rate, the rate on refinancing of secured loans, and the rate on temporary accommodations to 1.375%, 1.75%, and 3.625%, respectively, effective from today. The decision was made at the bank's quarterly policymaking meeting on 17 March

Taiwan's Air Force Chief of Staff Huang Zhi-wei says the upgrade of 42 of its 141 F-16A/B fighter jets to F-16V variants has now been completed.

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says a much-anticipated travel bubble between Taiwan and Palau will open on 1 April, becoming the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region.

Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior is taking steps to ease restrictions on the opening of foreign non-profit organization (NPO) branch offices in Taiwan.

Taiwan's Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says the government plans to begin administering the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine next Monday at the earliest.

What do early moves by the Biden administration signal for future US-EU trade relations and where does that leave Taiwan?

By Brian Hioe

Government officials are responding to growing speculation about whether the Central Epidemic Command Center's (CECC) current coronavirus restrictions could be relaxed.

Dragon Boat weekend traditionally brings a surge in travel, as people head back to their family homes to celebrate, but, in the midst of the widespread domestic coronavirus outbreak, the government had repeatedly urged the public ahead of time not to travel, to reduce the chances for further spreading of the disease.

By Mike Jewell

Residents in Taiwan should soon be allowed to visit member states of the European Union (EU) for any reason after the regional bloc included Taiwan on its safe travel list on Friday.

The government is set to officially authorize private companies to purchase vaccines on its behalf.

Whether you are managing the immediate crisis, stabilizing operations or looking beyond to what a world after COVID-19 will look like, this series features key practical insights intended to strengthen your organization's capacity to respond, recover and thrive.

The nation's on-going ban on international visitors continues to impact guest residences to different degrees

By Douglas Habecker

Education Minister Pan Wen-chung says more than 2,000 foreign students from 11 countries and areas, who are graduating this year, will be allowed to return to Taiwan soon.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says business travellers arriving from certain countries will be allowed to apply to shorten the length of their mandatory 14-day quarantine upon entering Taiwan, starting from 22 June.

The ECCT's Technology committee hosted a webinar on the subject "The day after the coronavirus crisis - Multidisciplinary and comparative research on corona exit strategies" with guest speaker Professor Deborah Shmueli from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Haifa in Israel.

President Tsai Ing-wen says steps must be taken to ensure that Taiwan remains a key player in semiconductor global supply chains by increasing the domestic production of equipment and facilities used by the sector

A Taoyuan electronics production facility has been shut down, after another confirmed Covid-19 case there

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is reporting 17 new domestic and 48 imported Covid-19 cases

TaiwanPlus has released a new documentary series showcasing ten of Taiwan's top indie music bands and singers

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) is beginning labour inspections in the logistics industry.

Representatives of teacher groups are demanding that the government raise their salaries.

The cabinet has approved a proposal by the Ministry of Labor to provide a pathway to permanent residency for migrant workers and foreign students

The cabinet has approved draft amendments to the National Security Act aimed at making economic espionage a crime punishable by a prison term of up to 12 years and a fine of NT$100 million

The European Parliament has adopted two security policies which include provisions that support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations and which call for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says the government is planning to allow business travellers to enter in March and to shorten the quarantine period for all arrivals

The ECCT's Better Living Committee hosted a lunch with Ambassador Tom TC Chou, Commissioner of Mayor's office for External Affairs, under the Taipei City Government on the topic of Taipei's 2022 challenges & opportunities

Vaccine nationalism in Taiwan touches on conflicted identity issues

By Brian Hioe

The Financial Supervisory Commission says eighteen local banks are now offering bilingual services at their branches.

The cabinet says a proposal for the establishment of a Ministry of Digital Development will be submitted to the legislature during the current plenary session, which runs from February until May.

Tech companies are bracing themselves for an overhaul of internet rules later this year by EU regulators that are aimed at clarifying rules drafted two decades ago on illegal content, disinformation and advertising transparency. While Facebook founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has called for more regulation of big tech companies like Facebook, EU regulators have rejected Facebook's most recent proposals for how online content should be regulated, warning that the social media company will have to assume more responsibility for illegal material on its platforms.

In lieu of diplomatic relations, Taiwan pursues artistic ones, transforming arts and culture into the next big export

By Joanna Lee

The European Commission has published recommendations by a group of experts on how to transform the EU’s energy-intensive industries so they help reach EU-wide objectives for a circular and climate-neutral economy by 2050. These objectives were put forward in the Commission’s A Clean Planet for All strategy in November 2018.

Premier Su Tseng-chang says Taiwan will not collapse like Afghanistan in the event of a Chinese invasion and Beijing should not be "deluded" into thinking that it can easily take the island.

MOFA says vaccination proof is not always required when travelling to other countries.

Two Taiwan airlines are joining an international travel pass trial programme.

Health authorities have strengthened vaccination rules as the Covid-19 caseload spiked in recent days

Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised the use of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine in children aged from 6 to 11

The cabinet is requesting lawmakers approve a one-year extension of the government's special coronavirus relief act and its associated budget through 30 June of next year

Public health officials have amended requirements that asymptomatic Covid patients or those with mild infections have to meet in order to leave quarantine

The Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER) has cut its forecast for Taiwan's gross domestic product (GDP) for 2020 to 1.03% to account for the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution urging the European Union to negotiate a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) with Taiwan

Health, innovation and convenience are the key themes for success

By Mike Jewell

The Judicial Yuan has started seminars in preparation for a new jury system that involves ordinary citizens.

Taiwan will start producing geothermal power on a commercial scale for the first time in nearly 30 years on 23 November

Lawmakers from the Legislative Internal Affairs Committee are moving to freeze some of the government's budget for the issuance of the new eID cards.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has announced subsidies for electric long-haul buses.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has launched a new coronavirus subsidy programme for restaurants and food and beverage operators

A survey by parent groups in northern Taiwan shows that a majority are in favour of suspending in-person classes at schools from the junior-high level and below due to the on-going surge in domestic coronavirus cases

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says that, from today, people who have received three shots of a coronavirus vaccine will no longer have to isolate for three days if someone in their household tests positive for the disease

Courtesy of ICRT Taiwan's Council of Agriculture (COA) is assuring the public that there are ample supplies in aquatic products and agricultural produce that can be ordered online.

The Taiwan government has rolled out a slew of coronavirus control measures for medical institutions due to the surge in domestic infections.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says more vaccines should be arriving in Taiwan soon, although he did not provide a precise date.

A team comprising 17 research groups has been formed to accelerate the development of quantum computing here in Taiwan

The Ministry of Health and Welfare's National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) has issued a notice on adjustments to co-payments for medical services provided under the national health insurance system

Onshore wind energy has received little attention in recent years but with no end in sight to the chronic shortage of green energy capacity, companies are finally realising that it is by far the cheapest, most practical and technically feasible renewable energy option available today

By Duncan Levine

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has revised its coronavirus testing regulations for self-health management

The European Commission is proposing to create a Digital Green Certificate to facilitate safe free movement inside the EU during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a press release on the EU's official website, Europa, the Digital Green Certificate will be a proof that a person has been vaccinated against Covid-19, received a negative test result or recovered from Covid-19.

The ECCT's Technology committee hosted a webinar on the topic of "Covid-19 vaccination practice: Lessons from Israel" featuring guest speaker Dr Manfred Green, Professor of Public Health at the University of Haifa in Israel.

Cheap oil and Covid-19 could slow down EV roll-out and airline upgrades

By Duncan Levine

Nearly 90-percent of German businesses in Taiwan say they are pleased with the island's anti-coronavirus efforts.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says Taiwan has now passed the peak of its domestic Covid-19 wave

Taiwan's central bank yesterday raised policy rates by 0.125 percentage points and raised the reserve requirement ratios by 0.25 percentage points

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported 170 new coronavirus cases and 18 deaths yesterday, marking the fourth consecutive day that Taiwan has seen fewer than 200 new cases.

Taiwan's tourism sector says demand for US-bound flights is soaring and pushing up ticket prices to most destinations in North America.

Some thoughts on attempting to translate 1,200-year-old poetry. The writer's translation of a jueju poem by Du Fu during China's Tang dynasty was recently accepted for publication by a UK-based online poetry magazine. Here, he explains some of the considerations behind his adaptation.

By Mark Caltonhill

Taiwan's export value in May 2021 was US$37.41 billion, an increase of 38.6% compared to May 2020, according to a summary of trade statistics released by the Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Moderna is planning to open subsidiaries in Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong to provide a local presence that can support the delivery of vaccines and therapeutics

The European Union's highest court has ruled that the 27-nation bloc can link financial backing for member states to respect for rule of law, and that a challenge by Hungary and Poland should be dismissed

Austria and Germany have both announced plans to relax coronavirus measures only weeks after pushing for compulsory vaccinations to curb the spread of infections

The central bank is leaving key interest rates unchanged following its quarterly policy-making meeting

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says all travellers to Taiwan are now required to have six coronavirus tests in the first 22 days of their arrival

The government has notified member economies of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership that Taiwan is seeking to join the regional trade deal.

Representatives of foreign chambers are praising the government's decision to change the numbering system of Alien Resident Certificates and Alien Permanent Resident Certificates.

The Central Epidemic Command Center is indefinitely suspending entry to all Indonesian migrant workers amid concerns Jakarta is unable to improve the accuracy of its coronavirus test results.

The Fisheries Agency (under the Council of Agriculture) is questioning why Taiwan has been listed as one of the countries engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in a new report by the US government.

The cabinet says the upcoming round of government stimulus vouchers will not require an upfront payment - meaning the NT$5,000 in vouchers will be issued to residents free of charge.

The Taipei European School is set to reopen for the new semester on 23 August.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says over 300,000 people have made appointments to get the locally produced Medigen coronavirus vaccine next week.

The European Commission has reached a first agreement with the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to purchase a potential vaccine against Covid-19 as well as to donate to lower and middle income countries or redirect to other European countries, according to a press release on the EU's official website, Europa.

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has officially inaugurated the company’s first offshore nacelle assembly facility outside of Europe

Restaurants in New Taipei will be allowed to resume dine-in services from today, while public sports and amusement venues in the city are also reopening.

Education Minister Pan Wen-zhong says some 93% of students aged between 12 and 18 are expressing a willingness to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

As the coronavirus outbreaks appear to be under control, health minister Chen Shih-chung says more easings of restrictions may be coming.

Foreigners wait for Taiwan to reopen its doors

By Douglas Habecker

The government is poised to invest NT$2 billion in a cooperative urban renewal project located in Taipei's Nangang District

Taipei health officials are helping six city hospitals set up specialty clinics to deal with the after-effects of Covid-19

Minister of Labor Minister Hsu Ming-chun says the first group of Indonesian migrant workers to be allowed to enter Taiwan since an entry ban was lifted could arrive as early as tomorrow

Economics Minister Wang Mei-hua says the government will continue efforts to join a free trade agreement involving Japan and 10 other Asia Pacific countries, in an effort to cushion the impact of the just signed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Taichung City's Green Line, the city's first metro rail (MRT) route, has finally become operational after years of delay.

 Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says the government will be donating US$11.5 million to help Ukrainians who have fled the war in their country

Taiwan's front-line workers are getting ready for the first wave of AstraZeneca vaccines.

Facing a water shortage crisis, the Water Resources Agency says it is planning to invest some NT$160 billion over the next several years to secure water supply.

Following Italy's move to lock down the whole country in an effort to contain the spread of Covid-19, over the weekend the German government joined a host of other countries in announcing that it will shut its borders with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Denmark.

Lithuania's deputy economics minister says Vilnius is seeking to open a trade office here in Taiwan in September

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says people arriving in Taiwan who wish to spend their quarantine and "self-initiated epidemic prevention" periods at different locations will be permitted to switch locations once

Taiwan has moved up one spot to seventh place in the latest 2022 World Competitiveness Rankings, according to a yearbook released on Wednesday by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD)

MOFA is thanking top US and EU officials for their statements in support of Taiwan.

Over a million people have applied for childcare subsidies already.

The EU and the US have committed to continuing to support the COVAX Facility and encourage more donors to make two billion vaccine doses available worldwide by late 2021.

EU member states, with the support of the European Commission, have agreed on a set of technical specifications to ensure a safe exchange of information between national contact tracing apps based on a decentralised architecture, according to a press release on the EU's Europa website.

Sanofi has detailed plans on how the company will make significant investments in France to increase its vaccines research and production capacities, and contribute in responding to future pandemic risks.

Euroview is taking a break for the summer. No new articles will be added and news updates will be limited until mid-August. 

Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council has ambitious plans and resources to stop pollution and clean up Taiwan's surrounding oceans

By Duncan Levine

CECC mulling easing quarantine & border controls

Digital democracy shouldn't just be about "making the government good" - it should be about holding companies to account too. And that means a major refocus backwards to the noble and humble origins of insurance and banking.

By Lee Faulkner

The ECCT, in conjunction with ICRT, hosted a special lunch to discuss the forthcoming four-in-one referendum to be held on 18 December

It is not the Grinch who will steal Christmas in Europe this year but the Covid-19 pandemic as a new wave of infections has prompted governments across Europe to impose restrictions on gatherings.

The EU has announced a new EU cybersecurity strategy and new rules aimed to make physical and digital critical entities more resilient.

From 'Covid refugees' to 'overseas turtles', can Taiwan seize its sudden pandemic 'brain gain'?

By Joanna Lee

President Tsai Ing-wen has met with members of an American delegation at the Presidential Office, during which she reiterated Taiwan's willingness to work with the US to preserve peace and stability in the region.

Premier Su Tseng-chang has approved the resignation of transport Minister Lin Chia-lung.

Taiwan's cabinet has approved a draft amendment to a foreign talent act as part of government efforts to relax regulations governing foreign professionals in the country will attract more such talent.

The job market in Taiwan is being driven by technology as the pace of digital transformation is accelerated across sectors in the wake of the pandemic, according to the first-ever fully digital Salary Survey 2021 by Robert Walters, co-launched together with the ECCT at a Premium Event lunch.

While there are some exciting and valuable new platforms, tools and materials available, online learning is not going to replace the traditional classroom

By Duncan Levine

Taiwan's Academia Sinica has announced licensing opportunities for rapid screening of the Covid-19 virus antigen.

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has established an ad hoc committee tasked with revising Taiwan's constitution.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is keeping the basic electricity rate at the current price of NT$2.6253 per kilowatt-hour.

Taiwan is working to plug tax loopholes and build more public housing, but can housing affordability be more than just a pipe dream?

By Joanna Lee

With the creative industries hard-hit, Taiwan's artists are rethinking their practice and reimagining their futures

By Joanna Lee

At the event co-hosted with ICRT, guest panellists discussed the outlook for the forthcoming presidential and legislative elections on January 2020.

Despite its limitations, the European Union has been an outstanding success story and delivered exceptional value to its citizens and the world

By Duncan Levine

The ECCT's Human Resources and Better Living committees jointly hosted a lunch to get an update on recent amendments to eligibility requirements, benefits and procedures to apply for Taiwan’s Employment Gold Card

The European Commission has adopted the first strategic plan for “Horizon Europe”, the new EU research and innovation programme worth €95.5 billion in current prices.

Just a week after announcing an emergency 50 basis point rate cut, the US Federal Reserve cut rates today by a further full percentage point to a range of 0-0.25%.

The Supreme Administrative Court has overruled previous rulings and found nine local independent power producers guilty of engaging in concerted practices in a drawn-out fair trade case

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says the island's first dose coronavirus vaccine coverage rate now stands at 91%.

The Ministry of the Interior says it's easing residency rules for professionals from Hong Kong and Macau to allow them to extend their residencies for up to one year.

Without some serious modifications to AI systems used in the recruitment process, professional recruiters risk missing out on or alienating the best candidates

By Paul Shelton

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it will allocate 10% more Covid-19 vaccines to Taipei and New Taipei.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported fewer than 200 new coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day yesterday for the first time since 15 May.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is tightening quarantine regulations for flight crew members who have not received a coronavirus vaccination and mandating antibody tests for those who are fully vaccinated.

The ECCT arranged a webinar with Dr Roy Lee, Senior Deputy Executive Director of the Taiwan WTO and RTA Center at the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER).

The government has suspended a plan to cap the amounts patients pay out-of-pocket for certain special medical devices. The move follows strong opposition from the medical sector.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced that foreigners in Taiwan will be allowed to remain in the country for another 30 days.

The Central Election Committee (CEC) says that around 19.82 million people will beeligible to vote in Taiwan's upcoming national referendum on 18 December and, according to voting laws, if the number of votes in favour reaches 25% of the total number of eligible voters, then it will pass

The government's Lunar New Year holiday quarantine programme has kicked off

The European Commission, in cooperation with the President of the European Council, has announced a European roadmap to phase-out the containment measures due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Dr Sabine Lutz, responsible for Group Research, Sustainability & RD functions at Mercedes-Benz gave a presentation in a webinar on the topic "Sustainability, technology, and innovation: on the way to a carbon-neutral and digital future".

The Ministry of Labour says women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are still banned from working shifts late at night or in the early morning hours, even though women who don't fall into these categories are now allowed to do so without restrictions.

The government is partially lifting an entry ban on foreign spouses of Taiwanese citizens and their underage children with immediate effect.

​​​​​​​The Tourism Bureau is extending quarantine hotel subsidies until the end of the year.

Immigration officials are once again allowing foreigners to stay in Taiwan longer due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

Discover Taiwan SMEs Innovation Power at 2021 TIE

Sponsored by ITRI

Taiwan is considering lifting its entry ban on overseas workers amid a labour shortage

The local job market improved in August amid easing concerns over Covid-19

Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) said on Wednesday it will design a carbon pricing mechanism to charge big emitters for carbon pollution, in line with EU's new carbon bill

The Taipei City government has launched a public electric motorcycle share scheme, offering discounted rental rates to holders of MRT monthly passes.

The National Immigration Agency (NIA) is urging foreigners with the new ARC cards to file their taxes early.

President Tsai Ing-wen says a locally-developed coronavirus vaccine is expected to be available in the coming months.

The Ministry of Education is ready to allocate NT$100 million this year for developing international education at the elementary, junior high and high school level.

Premier Su Tseng-chang led the cabinet to resign en masse earlier today ahead of President Tsai Ing-wen's 20 May inauguration.

The ECCT hosted a Special Lunch examining the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Taiwan’s economy.

The National Development Council (NDC) says a sharp rise in oil prices driven by the war between Russia and Ukraine could push annual inflation up to 2.5% at the very worst

Business and industry leaders are urging the government to lift border restrictions in late May

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is currently planning measures to shorten quarantine periods for people arriving in Taiwan

A visiting Lithuanian delegation has held talks with Deputy Science Minister Lin Min-tsong.

The mandatory quarantine for arriving passengers to Taiwan will be cut from seven days to three, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).

The government plans to establish a national mental health command centre

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is reporting 51 new imported coronavirus cases

ECCT directors give their insights on the business and economic trends to watch in the year ahead

By Duncan Levine

A market analyst is warning that the supply chain of Taiwan's small and medium-sized semiconductor chipmakers could be interrupted as a result of rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih says his administration is suspending on-site classes at two schools in the city after a student at each of them tested positive for the coronavirus.

The debate around the need for a Universal Basic Income (UBI) often focuses on the staggering costs involved with such schemes, but as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics make an ever greater impact on labour markets we may have no alternative.

By Lee Faulkner

The EPA is planning to offer cup rentals on outlying islands to cut down on waste.

The National Immigration Agency has again extended the duration of stay for foreigners who arrived in Taiwan before 21 March.

The Council of Agriculture is downplaying concerns about a looming food shortage.

A new report finds that this year's average annual bonus is at its lowest in nine years.

Taiwan's cabinet has passed a proposed amendment to the Civil Code to lower the legal age of majority to 18 from 20.

Taiwan has signed a new deal on organic foods with the US and Canada.

Taiwan's Directorate General of Budget, Accounting & Statistics (DGBAS) has cut its official 2020 forecast for Taiwan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 0.11 percentage points to 1.56%, following lower than expected growth in the first half of 2020.

Taiwan is facing a shortage of migrant workers and the government is belatedly taking action to improve their rights and future prospects. However, it remains questionable if changes will go far enough to recognise and value the vital role they play in Taiwan's economic and social development.

​​​​​​​By Paul Shelton

Beijing is describing moves by the government here in Taiwan to amend laws to better protect the island's tech industry as being based on a "provocative smear."

The Ministry of Finance has reiterated that tax season this year won't be extended

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has confirmed 874 local cases of Covid-19

China Airlines has cancelled its scheduled 17 April flight to Palau under the bilateral "travel bubble" due to low demand.

New e-book by Robert Walters

The Ministry of Labour has announced the government is providing 10,000 part-time positions for workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic and up to 50,000 more jobs will be made available in the future.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has revealed more details about mask donations to Europe.

As part of BASF's "Helping Hands" campaign in the fight against the corona pandemic, BASF is donating 100 million protective masks to the Federal Republic of Germany.

Premier Su has agreed that relaxing border restrictions that are currently keeping foreign spouses and family members apart is a humanitarian issue

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its forecast for Taiwan's gross domestic product (GDP) for 2020, on the grounds that Taiwan is performing better than most other countries at dealing with the health and economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Premier Su Tseng-chang has announced that all permanent foreign residents holding Alien Permanent Residence Cards (APRCs) and diplomats will soon be eligible for the government’s so-called “triple stimulus” consumer vouchers.

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to allocate NT$30 billion over the coming five years for the development of Taiwan's national languages

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) yesterday reported 65,446 new coronavirus cases, of which 65,385 were domestic infections and 61 were imported cases

As concerns over domestic coronavirus infections rise, the vaccination rate is going up quickly.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says the Central Epidemic Command Center will implement a six-point plan to curb the recent rise in domestic coronavirus cases.

European representatives in Taiwan give their views on the state of the European Union 70 years on from the Schuman Declaration

The Taiwan government's tax revenues have continued to rise despite the hit to the economy from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Mobile payments in Taiwan have hit a new high.

Transport Minister Lin Chia-lung says the first trial tour groups could make the rounds in Taiwan as soon as the end of May.

The ECCT, in conjunction with ICRT, hosted a lunch on the topic "Dealing with the coronavirus outbreak - Precautions and contingencies for business".

In the absence of a vaccine or definitive treatment, authorities are focusing on containment while individuals should focus on their personal hygiene and staying healthy

By Duncan Levine

After being blocked in the European Council for a decade, the European Parliament and negotiators from EU countries finally agreed on a bill to increase the presence of women on corporate boards.

Yang Ming-chou, a Kaohsiung City Government counsellor, took the helm today as the acting mayor of the city to fill the void left by Han Kuo-yu, who was recalled in a vote last week.

One of the world's biggest computer and technology trade shows - Computex - has been cancelled amid fears over the continuing spread of Covid-19 in other parts of the world.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says President Tsai Ing-wen has been invited to attend the inauguration of Honduran President-elect Xiomara Castro

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it is adjusting its coronavirus quarantine rules to allow people at lower risk of spreading the disease to be released early from hospital to avoid any strains on capacity

The ECCT arranged a Next Generation Business & Leaders Series Premium Event on the topic of ASML and the future of Taiwan’s electronics industry

The Central Epidemic Command Center says the island's border controls will not be tightened, despite concerns about the Omicron coronavirus variant

How the former Academia Sinica lab worker got infected with Covid-19 remains a question

German lawmakers have passed a resolution calling on Berlin to reassess its Taiwan policy and deepen exchanges with the island

Archaeologists' contributions to the ongoing debate

By Mark Caltonhill

Taiwan has made respectable improvements in its battle against corruption, rising from a ranking of 36 out of 177 in the 2013 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index to 28 in 2019.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has revised its regulations regarding class suspensions and school closures due to coronavirus cases

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says foreign relatives of Taiwanese citizens and some residency holders can now apply for a visa to enter Taiwan

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says people in quarantine after being identified as a close contact of a coronavirus case and new arrivals to Taiwan, will now take a rapid antigen test instead of a PCR test at the end of their quarantine period.

The cabinet says it plans to amend the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. The bill is currently slated to take effect on 1 January 2023.

The National Immigration Agency has once again extended the term of stay for visitors in Taiwan who arrived before 21 March last year.

TSMC's Executive Chairman has expressed confidence that direct foreign investment can consolidate economic competitiveness.

Several industry heavyweights will be taking part in this year's Computex.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says visits to patients in chronic disease wards are now allowed during designated time slots, in view of the improving Covid-19 situation in Taiwan

President Tsai Ing-wen has called on the European Union (EU) to establish a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) with Taiwan because of the role it can play as a democratic and economic partner

The ECCT was the co-organiser of the three-day 2020 Global Offshore Wind Summit Taiwan - Virtual together with the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

The ECCT's Human Resources committee hosted a half day forum on the topic: "Labour law and labour force challenges in the hybrid working era"

While we are living in a VUCA world, the global economy is still growing at a reasonable rate of around 3%, powered by the United States and is now in the longest expansionary period on record (since June 2009), although it is weakening.

As cyber-attacks continue to rise, is Taiwan doing enough to guard against cybersecurity threats?

By Paul Shelton

Computex is set to return to Taipei's Nangang Exhibition Hall on 24 May after two years of virtual expos due to the coronavirus pandemic

Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says private individuals are now allowed to import up to 100 coronavirus rapid antigen tests, for personal use, without first obtaining permission

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) on Tuesday raised its local transmission stage warning to level 2 and announced a ban on large-scale gatherings as it tightened Covid-19 prevention measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus amid an increase in domestically transmitted cases in recent weeks.

The European Commission has adopted the EU Action Plan: "Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil" – a key deliverable of the European Green Deal.

The ECCT hosted a webinar on the role of ventilators in the Covid-19 pandemic, covering the medical use of ventilators as well as the business of the ventilator market.

Taiwan's Minister of Labour Hsu Ming-chun says officials from Taiwan and Indonesia are scheduled to hold a fresh round of talks later this month in a bid to resolve a dispute over Jakarta's pending policy on placement fees for its migrant workers.

The Cabinet has approved a draft amendment to the Income Tax Act aimed at curbing short-term real estate speculation.

The ECCT's Technology committee hosted a webinar in cooperation with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce Taipei and AmCham on the topic “The future enterprise: digitalisation, dematerialization, sustainability, global workforce”.

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center has issued Level 2 travel alerts for 10 European and Mid-East countries due to the spread of the coronavirus.

The successful recall of Han Kuo-yu illustrates a robust democratic system and an engaged populous but there are risks of future misuse of the recall mechanism and an over-concentration of political power

By Duncan Levine

The Taiwan government’s Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) has officially cut its forecast for gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2020 to 2.37% in 2020, a downgrade from its earlier forecast of 2.72% made in November 2019, on fears that the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (Covid-19) will have an impact on both the domestic and international economy.

The European Council has endorsed a binding EU target of a net domestic reduction of at least 55% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

Athletes and organisers made the best of extraordinarily difficult circumstances to deliver an outstanding performance at the Tokyo 2020 (2021) Olympics. They demonstrated why the games are important and offer some valuable lessons for hosting future events.

By Duncan Levine

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) says NT$567.3 billion in tax revenue was collected last month.

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) says it's extending a subsidy programme that offers a one-time payment of NT$10,000 to designated workers who have lost at least 20% of their income due to the recent domestic coronavirus outbreak.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) will begin administering Medigen's locally-produced coronavirus vaccine on 23 August.

Education Minister Pan Wen-chung says some 13,000 foreign students will be granted visas to travel to Taiwan before the new school year begins next month

The delicate balancing act between free speech and security concerns is complicated by Taiwan's political spectrum

By Brian Hioe

The ECCT hosted the 2020 ECCT EU-Taiwan telecom forum for the sixth time since 2009 with the theme of “5G - Opportunities and challenges in the new decade”.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says health officials will make a decision within two weeks whether to allow the administering of second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT) coronavirus vaccine to people aged between 12 and 17

The Ministry of Finance says the government has collected record amounts in taxes so far this year

Researchers at Academia Sinica have developed a global-scale climate model suggesting that climate change could have a significant impact on Taiwan without mitigating policy measures

A government survey shows that progress on gender equality is accelerating here in Taiwan, as more women are now taking supervisory and executive positions in the private sector and posts as public representatives in politics

The ECCT's 2021 Position Papers were officially released at a Premium Event lunch.

The Taipei European School (TES) has reported the successful completion of a summer vacation programme aimed at helping senior students get their first experience of working in the real world.

The European Council has reached a mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament on a proposal on gas storage

Mobile apps highlight changing behaviour during the pandemic

By Mike Jewell

Cultured meat has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of meat compared to animal farming, but the lack of a regulatory framework and economies of scale mean that it may take some time before it becomes commercially viable.

By Duncan Levine

Average regular monthly earnings of full-time employees with Taiwanese nationality (excluding the foreigners and part-time employees) was NT$45,423 in April (the latest figures available), representing an increase of 2.77% from the same month in 2019.

Local drug maker, Medigen, says it is seeking an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for its coronavirus vaccine candidate after its Phase II clinical trials showed promising results.

To jab or not to jab, that is the question

By Mike Jewell

Taiwan's domestic carriers have been bleeding cash and reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.

Major travel agencies saw revenues plunge even further in May as border shutdowns continued.

The government is set to issue agriculture and culture stimulus vouchers later this month.

Far EasTone has become the island's second telecom operator to receive a fifth generation mobile telecommunications (5G) license.

KMT fails to replicate past successes in failed recall election of Taipei-based legislator Freddy Lim and Taichung by-election loss to the DPP

By Brian Hioe

Germany-based food delivery service provider foodpanda said Monday that it is planning to establish a global research and development centre in Taiwan to roll out the company's innovative applications

Health officials are seeing a high positivity rate among passengers arriving in Taiwan on long-haul flights

In November 2020, the average regular salaries/wages of full-time employees with Taiwan nationality (excluding the foreigners and part-time employees) was NT$44,926, an increase of 1.37% from the same month in 2019, according to a report by the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting & Statistics (DGBAS).

Tsai Ing-wen wins second term
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen has secured a second term after sweeping to victory in an election dominated by the island's relationship with China. Tsai secured just over 57% of the ballot, which was a record 8.2m votes, well ahead of her rival Han Kuo-yu from the opposition Kuomintang party (KMT).

Taiwan's population continued to decline last month, with the number of people falling by 0.84% year-on-year

Taiwan ranked as the top "full democracy" in Asia, jumping three places from last year in the 2021 Democracy Index

Taiwan's Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 2.84% in January 2022

Taiwan's exports rose by 16.7% year-on-year to US$39.98 billion in January

With the worst outbreak of a communicable disease for a century creating headlines around the world, the efforts of Taiwan's agency tasked with preventing non-communicable diseases has continued its work largely out of the limelight.

By Mark Caltonhill

As students head back to school this month, it might not be 'business as usual' just yet

By Joanna Lee