President Tsai Ing-wen has announced NT$40 billion in additional funding for the island's space development programme.

The Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) say they've agreed to collaborate in January's election to maximize the number of seats in the Legislative Yuan (LY) and to avoid what they're calling "one-party democratic rule" by the DPP.

Thailand will be waiving visa requirements for ROC passport holders from 10 November through 10 May of next year.

Taiwan's GDP rose by 4.1% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2022, based on advance estimates by the Directorate General of Budget Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS).

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.

Taiwan's offshore wind development is currently experiencing literal and metaphorical rough sea conditions. Without adapting to the situation and adjusting policies accordingly, there is a risk of a further loss of market confidence and the relinquishing of Taiwan's position as a trailblazer in the Asia-Pacific region.

By Jason Wang and Raoul Kubitschek

Lawmakers have passed an amendment to the Renewable Energy Development Act that requires certain buildings to have rooftop solar panels incorporated into their design.

President Tsai Ing-wen has attended the open ceremony of Computex 2023 at the Nangang Exhibition Center in Taipei.

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.

Taiwan's Investment Commission approved a 15-year-high of US$13.3 billion in foreign direct investments in 2022 -- that's the third highest on record.

Taiwan's export orders came in at US$52.2 billion in December 2022, a decrease of 23.2% compared with the same month in 2021 as orders for all types of products fell.

The new cabinet, led by Premier Chen Chien-jen, as well as Secretary-General to the President Lin Chia-lung and other new Presidential Office appointees, have been sworn into office.

Pan-Green parties have had more success in appealing to the youth in the past two elections but things are not as clear cut this time around

By Brian Hioe

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is considering increasing the minimum corporate tax rate from 12% to 15% within the next year.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has reported a 6.4% rise in road deaths from January to June this year, compared to the same period last year.

International experts are reviewing the government's implementation of a United Nations convention against corruption for four days in Taipei

The Executive Yuan has approved a 12-point incentive programme aimed at raising the number of nurses nationwide by providing higher salaries and a sound environment to address an acute workforce shortage.

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

Migrant workers have taken to the streets of Taipei to call for an end to the labour brokerage system.

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).

Lawmakers have passed amendments to the Mental Health Act, which requires court approval for mandatory hospitalization for at-risk individuals.

Taiwan has signed an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to become a founding donor of a newly launched fund that aims to promote gender equality.

The Directorate General of Budget Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) has cut Taiwan's official forecasts for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates to 3.06% in 2022 (down 0.7 percentage points from its previous forecast) and to 2.75% for 2023 (down 0.3 percentage points from previously).

With decisive wins in Taiwan's municipal elections, the KMT has demonstrated its continued power at the local level. However, a deeper analysis reveals a more nuanced picture and does not imply rising support at the national level.

By Brian Hioe

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 visiting speaker of the Czech Parliament's lower house has signed a joint statement with Legislative Speaker You Si-kun aimed at further enhancing cooperation between the Czech Republic and Taiwan.

Amnesty International's Taiwan branch is calling for more transparency in government efforts to improve human rights here in Taiwan.

President Tsai Ing-wen has arrived in New York as she begins her first overseas trip since July of 2019 with a two-day stopover in the city before flying to Guatemala on 1 April.

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.

Women's groups are calling on lawmakers to show solidarity with victims of sexual harassment ahead of an extra legislative session next month to discuss amendments to gender equality laws.

The opposition Kuomintang's (KMT) legislative caucus is urging the cabinet to send the first agreement signed under the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade to the Legislative Yuan (LY) for review.

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.

Social media giant Meta, which owns Facebook, has taken a step against Chinese disinformation campaigns.

Taiwan's Army has released a four-step standard response to incursions by Chinese drones after spotting one near a small islet in Kinmen County yesterday

The main candidates vying for Taipei mayor in Taiwan's year-end elections have started to outline their policies, with two of them recently focusing on their housing policies and another talking up policies on sports and the well-being of city residents

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.

We can buy insurance to cover most catastrophes, but not the risk of war. There are good and justifiable reasons why, but that isn't very helpful for the ordinary homeowner, or for a business that wants to set up in Taiwan. Is there any way out of this conundrum?

By Lee Faulkner

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borell, says the EU bloc suspects that damage to two underwater natural gas pipelines was sabotage, and is warning of retaliation for any attack on Europe's energy networks.

Taiwan ranks 11th out of 63 major economies in the latest World Digital Competitiveness Ranking. The latest ranking represents a drop of three places from last year.

Premier Su Tseng-chang has confirmed that, starting on 13 October, most border controls will be lifted and new arrivals will only observe 7 days of "self-health management".

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

Taiwan Power Company's annual summer electricity pricing scheme will take effect this Thursday and remain in place until 30 September.

The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) says it is seeking to amend Regulations Governing Visiting, Residence and Permanent Residence of Aliens.

Taiwan is in the process of formulating a strategy and policies to make hydrogen part of its path to net zero emissions by 2050.

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.

Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Zheng-zhong has officially opened the Taiwan AI Center of Excellence.

The visiting speaker of the Czech parliament's lower house has affirmed her country's ties with Taiwan in a speech at the Legislative Yuan - saying her country "will be with" Taiwan.

The 2023 Smart City & Expo is underway in Taipei and Kaohsiung.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it will be updating coronavirus data on a weekly basis from tomorrow, as infections over the past month have shown a steady decline.

Taiwan's policy on regulating the alternatives to tobacco smoking, generically called "vaping", is non-sensical. The latest policy changes are a knee-jerk reaction to powerful lobbies and fly in the face of evidence worldwide.

By Lee Faulkner

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.

The World News Media Congress is taking place in Taipei this week and is bringing together more than 900 leaders in journalism and news media organisations from 58 countries.

The National Communication Commission (NCC) has approved Mirror TV's application to air its news show on channel 86 on 32 cable networks.

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.

The KMT is describing Terry Gou's plans to run as an independent candidate in January's election as being "deeply regrettable."

The majority of the industry sector has said they can only accept a minimum wage raise at below 3% for next year

Taiwan's economy is now in a recession after experiencing a second consecutive quarter of gross domestic product (GDP) contraction, the commonly accepted definition of a recession.

Taiwan and the European Union held their second round of Trade and Investment Dialogue.

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.

ESG is now firmly in the mainstream but strategies are diverse and continuing to evolve

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.

A national security source says recent social media posts which claim the government is planning to allow 100,000 Indian migrant workers into Taiwan is part of China's cognitive warfare.

The Centers for Disease Control has issued a health alert instructing medical professionals to be on alert to the risk of mycoplasma pneumonia spreading to Taiwan.

The Tourism Bureau says nearly 100,000 tourists came to Taiwan in October, after the government lifted quarantine regulations.

The National Security Council (NSC) and the Ministry of National Defense (MND) will assign representatives to serve as board members of the Ministry of Digital Affairs' (MODA) recently inaugurated cybersecurity organization.

Academics are seeking to explain why the referendum on lowering the voting age to 18 failed to pass on Saturday.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) says its poor showing in the local government elections is indicative of public opinion and the party will now seek "self-reflection."

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

US based commercial electric vehicle startup Lordstown Motors is suing Hon Hai for its failure to follow through with a US$170 million investment in the company.

Ministry of National Defense (MND) officials say Taoyuan International Airport will suspend commercial air traffic for one hour late next month for a military anti-takeover drill.

The Centers for Disease Control says the number of serious coronavirus infections fell slightly week-on-week, but continues on a plateau that has lasted for much of this month.

Taiwan risks missing out on the burgeoning business of family offices. What can be learnt from Singapore and Hong Kong?

By Paul Shelton

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 unemployment rate for March stood at 3.56%.

The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) 2024 presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te is overseeing the opening of 'unofficial' campaign offices to help the party garner support ahead of next January's election.

TSMC led Taiwan's patent applications with a record-breaking 752 submissions in the first quarter of this year, setting a record for the highest number of applications in a single quarter.

The cabinet is pledging NT$1 billion in funding for a programme the government hopes will help ease labour shortages faced by the tourism, hospitality, logistics and agricultural sectors.

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

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has begun rolling out Moderna's latest Covid-19 vaccine and is urging people to get the shots amid concerns of another outbreak in the near future.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has appointed its first female chief to head the Political Warfare Bureau.

Premier Chen Chien-jen says the government plans to raise child day care allowances by at least NT$1,500 per month starting next year.

Taiwan's digital communications and energy systems are vulnerable to both natural and man-made disruptions. Is enough being done to prepare for disasters?

By Paul Shelton

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is warning that if Taiwan is attacked, the global economy could face devastation as most semiconductors in the world are produced here.

Deputy Finance Minister Frank Ruan says the government is closely monitoring the stock exchange and the National Stabilization Fund could enter the market if there's a sudden large decline in share prices.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says the number of domestic coronavirusinfections dropped last week for the first time in over a month, falling by 3% from a week earlier.

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 ECCT's biannual 2023 Europe-Taiwan Telecom Forum was hosted for the seventh time in Taipei. Arranged by the ECCT's Telecom, Media and Content committee, the half-day event brought together telecom and technology industry experts, senior regulatory officials and executives from companies operating in all sectors of the telecom industry and supply chain, including Taiwan’s major telecom operators and equipment suppliers from Taiwan and Europe.

Economics Minister Wang Mei-hua says investors should remain confident in Taiwan's semiconductor industry, as it plays a critical role in the global supply chain and there is no imminent drop in demand.

The Central Election Commission says there is "no legal basis" for proposals to allow people in coronavirus isolation to cast absentee ballots or vote at designated polling places during next month's local election.

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.

The National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) says it will be making changes to co-payment schemes beginning on 1 July.

The Ministry of Labor (MOL) has rejected the proposal of a 4-day workweek initiative.

The government's new housing market schemes will be taking effect early next month.

Taiwan's official unemployment rate declined by 0.04 percentage points month-on-month to 3.46% in May, according to a news release by the Directorate General of Budget Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS).

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.

President Tsai Ing-wen says she believes that "there is more room for Taiwan and the UK to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade and energy."

Taiwan's first domestically built submarine prototype will begin underwater testing after it launches later this week.

Premier Chen Chien-jen says the cabinet plans to allocate an additional NT$8 billion for the island's fire services.

Near-final results show a party with neo-fascist roots, the Brothers of Italy, has swept Italy's national elections.

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

Chinese president Xi Jinping has been confirmed for an unprecedented third term in power. What do Xi's remarks at the CCP's 20th national congress and the stacking of the standing committee of the politburo with his loyalists mean for Taiwan?

By Brian Hioe

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) says this year’s goal of deploying more electric buses will be met by the end of the year.

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 cabinet has approved an "action plan" it says will help make Taiwan's streets safer for pedestrians.

The government says the number of "make-up" work days is being cut to just one next year, while the number of long weekends will be reduced to four from this year's seven.

Taiwan's real GDP contracted by 2.36% on a quarter-on-quarter, seasonally-adjusted annualized basis and 2.87% on a year-on-year basis in the first quarter of 2023 (1Q23), according to the latest preliminary estimate by the Directorate General for Budget Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS).

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

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu is calling on Australia to post a military attaché to Taipei.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Taiwan's former representative to Thailand, Zhuang Shou-han tendered his resignation due to allegations of sexual harassment.

The Environmental Protection Administration says packaging materials used by online retailers will no longer be allowed to contain PVC from 1 July.

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.

Premier Su Zhen-chang is touting the record-high budget for national defence, education and raising birth rates next year

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 High Court has rejected an appeal by a son of late Evergreen Group founder Chang Yung-fa, who was challenging a ruling that his father left his entire estate to another son, StarLux Airlines Chairman Chang Kuo-wei.

The National Federation of Teachers Unions is urging the government to scrap what it's describing as its "misguided" policy to turn Taiwan into a "bilingual nation" by the year 2030.

Transport minister Wang Kwo-tsai says the number of international visitors to Taiwan has rebounded post-coronavirus, with over 1.5 million entering the country this year through 24 April.

Deputy Health Minister Victor Wang says the coronavirus will be downgraded from a Category 5 communicable disease to a Category 4 disease on 1 May.

Dictators and wannabe empire-builders often use a nuanced rhetoric to justify aggression. Russian president Vladimir Putin justifies his attack on Ukraine by saying that he needs to "save it", though it is uncertain what he is saving it from. China, similarly, resorts to rhetoric to justify its hegemonic claims to Taiwan. However, those claims clash and remain at odds with the reality of the San Fran-cisco Peace Treaty (SFPT) whose anniversary is this month.

By Jerome F Keating

Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je is dismissing calls by the Kuomintang's (KMT) Hou Yu-ih for the "swift" finalization of plans for an electoral pact between the two parties.

Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) says it's partnering with the Taiwan Creative Content Agency to inject NT$3 billion into the development of domestic television dramas.

President Tsai Ing-wen has launched a government short code SMS platform as part of efforts to combat fraud.

China is gaining unfair advantages from its hybrid and state dominated economy. Reciprocity in trade and economic relations will be required for a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship.

By Darryl Lupton

The ECCT hosted a Premium Event lunch featuring Dr Shieu Fuh-Sheng, Minister of the Ministry of Environment (MOENV).

The head of a visiting delegation of German lawmakers is reiterating Berlin's opposition to any non-peaceful or unilateral changes to the cross-strait status quo.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng says the armed forces are ready to make adjustments to its personnel.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it will further loosen its current coronavirus policies on 7 November.

The ECCT launched its 2023 Position Papers at a Premium Event lunch, which was attended by around 90 members and guests.

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

​​​​​​​The ECCT is ready to support Taiwan to boost the resilience of the economy as well as tackle social challenges.

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 Mainland Affairs Council says it will reopen Taiwan's borders to Chinese tourists entering from a third location from 1 September.

The cabinet has approved a NT$2.88 trillion central government general budget plan for next year.

The ECCT arranged a Special Lunch on the topic: "2024, the year when the whole world votes" with renowned Italian journalist Federico Rampini, Global Columnist for Corriere della Sera.

Looking ahead to the November municipal elections, both the KMT and DPP have the advantage of incumbency in certain races. Taipei looks to be competitive, but the DPP may struggle in Taoyuan. With the memory of China's military drills still fresh, will party affiliation trump individual candidate appeal this time?

By Brian Hioe

The Central Epidemic Commander Center (CECC) is forecasting that new coronavirus cases induced by the Omicron subvariant BA. 5 are expected to peak in mid or late September

The Taiwan Railway Labor Union says its members won't be pushing for strike action on public holidays later this year due to progress in negotiations with the Taiwan Railways Administration on pay issues

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.

Sales of wholesale trade were NT$1.0164 trillion in March 2023, a decrease of 13.3% compared with the same month in 2022, according to a report from the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang says he plans to file an administrative appeal against a cabinet decision to revoke approval of a local referendum on building a liquefied natural gas terminal in the city.

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

Taiwan's unemployment rate fell from a month earlier in September to sit at 3.48% as the number of first-time jobseekers declined.

The Central Election Commission says the first televised policy presentation for candidates contesting the January 13 presidential election will take place on 20 December.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is accusing Beijing of opening "politically motivated" investigations into Hon Hai in an attempt to pressure Terry Gou into abandoning his independent bid for the presidency.

The National Development Council (NDC) says its Talent Taiwan service centre will be opening on 1 November.

Listen in to a discussion and analysis of the important stories that affected Taiwan over the past seven days.

The two opposition parties KMT and TPP have named their vice presidential candidates, marking the breakdown of months-long efforts for a blue and white-camp alliance.

Maintaining compliance and preventing financial crime is not just a matter of following laws and regulations but requires effective leadership and supervision within financial institutions

By Paul Shelton

The Taipei Department of Environmental Protection is reminding residents that beverage shops in the city will be prohibited from providing single-use plastic drinking cups from 1 December.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola says the legislature's web site came under a Russian cyberattack only hours after it overwhelmingly backed a resolution calling Russia a state sponsor of terrorism.

The Ministry of Labor (MOL) says businesses will be able to apply for monthly subsidies of up to NT$920 per employee under a 2023 financial support scheme. Businesses will be able to begin applying for the subsidies in January

Candidates for the Taipei mayoral race, one of the most anticipated contests, are planning big events tomorrow night, the eve of the election on 26 November.

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.

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER) is warning that it will be a challenge for the government to reach its economic growth target of 2% for the year due to weakening global demand.

The Ministry of Labor (MOL) says it plans to loosen the criteria for the employment of migrant workers.

With three candidates already in the race to be Taiwan's next president and the possibility of others joining, this election has echoes of the past

By Brian Hioe

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).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) says it has recalled Taiwan's ambassador from Honduras.

New Taipei City's Health Bureau is reminding businesses that displaying and selling e-cigarettes is prohibited in the city.

Taiwan and Germany have signed a mutual legal assistance agreement related to assistance on criminal matters.

Taiwan's central bank has raised its key interest rates by 12.5 basis points. The move comes after the bank held its quarterly policymaking meeting.

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

The cabinet has approved a proposal for the use of NT$380 billion in tax surplus to boost the island's economy.

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

The newly-launched Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has promised that the problem of "garbage mountains" in Taoyuan, Taitung and Hualian should be partially solved by the end of the year.

President Tsai Ing-wen attended her final remembrance service as Taiwan's head of State for those killed on Kinmen during the 1958 Second Taiwan Straits Crisis.

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 Ministry of Economic Affairs has unveiled a draft energy conservation plan which aims to reduce electricity use in Taiwan by 35.13-billion kilowatt-hours by 2030.

Taiwan's central bank has raised its key interest rates by 12.5 basis points following its quarterly policymaking meeting.

The cabinet says the face mask mandate will likely remain in place until the end of this year.

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.

Offshore wind farms in Taiwan may soon be farms for something else.

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.

The ECCT has released its 2024 Position Papers.

The Taiwan People's Party has released its legislator-at-large nominees for January's elections.

Taiwan's official unemployment rate declined by 0.21 percentage points in October to 3.43% compared to the same month in 2022.

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)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is expressing its "dissatisfaction" towards Taiwan's exclusion from this week's World Health Organization's (WHO) annual assembly (WHA) in Geneva.

Retail trade sales in Taiwan registered NT$369.7 billion in April 2023, an increase of 7.5% from the same month in 2022.

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.

Taiwan's unemployment rate declined by 0.02 percentage points month-on-month and 0.11 percentage points year-on-year to 3.50% in January while the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.60%.

The Directorate General of Budget Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) has cut its official 2023 forecast for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 2.12%, a downward revision of 0.63 percentage points from its previous forecast.

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 FSC plans to expand mandatory compensation disclosure requirements for listed company directors and executives but will Taiwan's so-called "fat cat" remuneration disclosure amendment make any real difference?

By Paul Shelton

Taiwan's unemployment rate rose by 0.75 percentage points to 3.78% in July compared to the same month in 2021

Taiwan's total export orders came in at US$54.3 billion in July 2022, representing a decrease of 1.9% compared with the same month in 2021

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has raised the weekly cap of 40,000 arrivals to 50,000 with immediate effect

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

The Mainland Affairs Council is dismissing Beijing's latest proposals for peaceful reunification - saying Taiwan will never allow China to "meddle" in its future.

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

Lawmakers have passed a bill allowing courts to issue restraining orders to prevent the dissemination of explicit images.

The DPP's presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has named Taiwan's top diplomat in the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim as his running mate for January's election.

Lawmakers have approved amendments to the Highway Act, which aims to put pedestrians first when it comes to transport design.

Governments and businesses the world over have committed to achieving net zero, but the choices individuals make should not be overlooked.

By Bart Linssen

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC reported 11,888 new domestic coronavirus cases on Monday, the lowest number in 207 days.

Premier Su Tseng-chang says the cap of inbound traveller will be raised to 200,000 a week from the current 150,000 starting next month.

Taiwan's Central Election Commission (CEC) is reminding voters to wear masks without candidate information, when voting.

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

Taiwan has been ranked 27th globally and fourth in Asia in the latest World Happiness Report.

Online registration for the NT$6,000 cash payments drawn from last year's tax surplus will be open later today.

Taiwan and Germany have signed a science and technology agreement.

Floating offshore wind will be essential for Taiwan to achieve its offshore wind energy goals but getting there will require the government and industry to resolve the administrative, infrastructure and financing challenges

By Jason Wang, Fredy Huang, Raoul Kubitschek and James McCatherin

The ECCT arranged a Premium Event lunch with Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-An (蔣萬安) and senior officials from the Taipei City Government.

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.

Export orders received by Taiwanese companies in January fell 19.3% to US$47.51 billion in January compared to the same month in 2022.

The digital Salary Survey 2023 was released by Robert Walters in cooperation with the ECCT at a Premium Event lunch.

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 government says the island's median annual wage last year edged up 1% to NT$506,000, while the average wage rose 3.02% to a three-year high of NT$67,000.

The head of a visiting European Parliamentary delegation believes the timing to begin discussions on a bilateral investment agreement between the European Union and Taiwan is "more right than ever."

CNA has released its list of the year's top 10 news stories in Taiwan.

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).

In spite of lingering Covid-19 challenges in 2022, young adults under 30 have achieved a record high average annual income of NT$536,000.

The government is seeking to increase defence spending by 3.5% next year.

A study by the Institute of Transportation shows Taoyuan International Airport is falling behind its regional competitors as a major transfer hub in the Asia-Pacific region

The National Communications Commission (NCC) says it could change parts of a draft digital intermediary service act following further discussions if some articles are deemed to be unwelcome or unnecessary

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.

The cabinet has approved draft amendments to the Nationality Act to ease residency requirements for foreign professionals applying for naturalisation.

Taiwan's central bank has opted to leave its key interest rates unchanged following its quarterly policymaking meeting.

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has been telling reporters that if elected in January's ballot he will work towards cutting cancer deaths by a third.

What the slew of plagiarism scandals in this election cycle says about the Taiwanese obsession with higher education credentials and how politicians take advantage of it, sometimes to their detriment

By Brian Hioe

Siemens Gamesa broke ground today on a massive expansion of its successful offshore nacelle facility in Taichung, Taiwan.

Taiwan's export orders came in at US$60.9 billion in September 2022, representing a decline of 3.1% compared with the same month in 2021.

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 export orders fell by more than 17.6% year-on-year to US$45.68 billion in the month of May, marking the ninth consecutive month of a year-on-year decline, according to a report from the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

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.

Taiwan faces significant challenges in reaching its 2050 net zero emissions goal, including a lack of clear delivery plans, setting carbon emission prices too low, and the slow pace of preparations by the private sector.

By Jason Wang, Raoul Kubitschek, and James McCatherin

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's real GDP is projected to grow by 1.61% in 2023, according to the latest preliminary estimate from the Directorate General of Budget Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS). This represents a downward revision of by 0.43 percentage point from the previous forecast.

Environmental groups are urging the soon-to-be-inaugurated "environmental ministry" to set out a roadmap for plastics reduction and provide reassurances that it will honor its pledge to ban the use of single-use plastic items.

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Taipei – demanding the government take immediate action to tackle road safety issues on Sunday (20 August).

Taiwan's export orders were US$47.7 billion in July 2023, a decrease of 12.0% compared with the same month in 2022. According to a report from the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), it was the 11th consecutive monthly year-on-year decline.

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 EU and its member states are already playing a constructive role in the Indo-Pacific region's economic development. It is also in their interests to contribute to efforts to preserve the peace in the South China Sea

By Darryl Lupton

Overseas investment in Taiwan in the first eight months of this year amounted to US$7.5 billion, a 27% decrease compared to the previous year.

The Ministry of Finance reports that nine government-invested financial institutions in Taiwan have adopted the "Equator Principles" to evaluate social and environmental risks on projects they might be funding.

The Central Emergency Operation Center says the number of injuries reported during that series of earthquakes that rattled the island this past weekend has risen 164. The death toll remains at one.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has inaugurated a water recycling plant in the Tainan section of the Southern Taiwan Science Park.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says high-voltage electricity customers will pay an extra month of higher summer rates from next year.

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

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says a charter flight to evacuate Taiwanese citizens from Israel is scheduled to leave from Tel Aviv later today. The flight will take those seeking evacuation to Italy.

The cabinet is proposing amendments to the Political Archives Act and the Classified National Security Information Protection Act to allow political archives from Taiwan's authoritarian past to be made public.

The Taiwan Union of Nurses Association says nearly 57% of nurses are rejecting the cabinet's night-shift bonus plan.

The government says it plans to inject NT$411 billion as part of its latest climate change adaptation plan over four years.

National Central Library Director-General Tseng Shu-hsien says five more Sinology resource centres have been opened in central and eastern Europe.

Ministry of National Defense (MND) Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng says the military's dual-track reservist training programme will be continued into next year, but more reservists could be asked to take part in the intensive training programmes.

Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) head Victor Wang says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to review an application for emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer-BioNTech second-generation coronavirus vaccine.

The 29th edition of Art Taipei has opened with what organizers are describing as the "largest ever in the event's history in terms of the number of participating exhibitors and artworks being shown."

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 United Kingdom and Japan have agreed to an enhanced global strategic partnership, in which they characterize peace across the Taiwan Strait as "indispensable" to a safe and prosperous world.

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.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has lifted its mandatory coronavirus quarantine regulations.

A group of wholesale egg suppliers in Taipei is threatening to stop sales "indefinitely" if the Poultry Association extends the current price freeze this week.

Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) will be raising electricity rates for a range of users, depending on their level of usage. Starting from 1 April, electricity prices will be raised by 3% for households which consume more than 700 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month, and 10% for households using over 1,000 kWh per month.

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

By Duncan Levine

Taiwan's Ministry of Finance says it wants to clarify how taxes work for internet influencers.

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says countries looking to attract investment by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing should consider their ties with Taiwan.

The wave of #MeToo cases that has swept across Taiwan has gone on for over three weeks now. The influence of the wave of allegations has already been profound, though whether this leads to lasting social and political change regarding entrenched issues of sexual assault or harassment remains to be seen.

By Brian Hioe

The Ministry of Economic Affairs' Investment Commission reports a dramatic increase of nearly 200% in Taiwan's investment to other countries from January to May this year, reaching a total sum of US$8.3 billion.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) says the average national debt shouldered by each citizen has dropped to its lowest level in the last three months.

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

Most people in Taiwan will no longer be required to wear face masks in most indoor settings beginning today.

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.

Negotiators have reached an historic deal at a UN biodiversity conference that would represent the most significant effort to date to protect the world's lands and oceans, and provide critical financing to save biodiversity in the developing world.

The Mainland Affairs Council says it's investigating possible illegal activities by TikTok in Taiwan.

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu is touting the arrival in Taiwan of a delegation of the European Parliament's international trade committee -- saying it's a sign of the bloc's continuing support for Taiwan.

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.

Labour groups are urging the government to resist "underwriting existing human rights violations" and instead integrate live-in migrant caregivers into a better-regulated long-term care system.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has released a complete list of independent presidential hopefuls who have registered for the petition to become eligible candidates in January's election.

Ministry of Labor (MOL) minister Hsu Ming-chun is denying recent reports that the government is seeking to open the island's hotel industry to overseas migrant workers.

The KMT and Taiwan People's Party presidential candidates have clashed at the Global Views Leaders Forum in Taipei -- that, despite both sides seeking to join forces in the January election.

Visiting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says his company is teaming up with Hon Hai to develop artificial intelligence factories to improve the electric vehicles of the future and make autonomous vehicles safer.

Taiwan has the fifth highest ranking for internet freedom globally and holds the top spot in Asia.

The Ministry of Digital Affairs has unveiled a proposal aimed at restricting the use of China-made information and communications products by government agencies.

Taiwan is in the GMT+8 time zone, and that makes sense geographically, but moving one hour ahead would give us more daylight when we need it, potentially saving energy and helping more of us enjoy the great outdoors.

By ​​​​​​​Lee Faulkner

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 National Communications Commission reports that cable TV subscriptions have hit a new low of 4.6 million in the first quarter of 2023.

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.

The government-proposed surplus tax revenue rebate of NT$6,000 has been deferred.

Taiwan's official unemployment rate declined by 0.09 percentage points to 3.52% in December, down by 0.12 percentage points from the same month in 2021.

Taiwan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the fourth quarter of 2022 (4Q22) fell by 0.86% compared to the same quarter in 2021, according to a preliminary ("advanced estimate") by the Directorate General of Budget Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS).

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

Cabinet Spokesperson Luo Bing-cheng says over 370 Taiwanese nationals have been conned into working for Cambodia-based fraud rings through fake job advertisements and 333 of them remain trapped by human trafficking criminal operations in the country

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has confirmed the first domestic cluster infection of the coronavirus BA.4 Omicron subvariant

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.

The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) says a preparatory office for the Climate Change Administration will be launched on Saturday.

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

A recent survey shows that more than 70% of Taiwanese plan to travel abroad over the next two years.

Terry Gou is set to launch his signature drive to become an independent presidential candidate later this week.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is set to budget around NT$800 million to subsidise smaller domestic IC designers in the development of processes below 28 nanometres.

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

Unless the pan-Blue camp finds a way to unite behind a single candidate, the DPP is the odds-on favourite to win the 2024 presidential election but the outlook for the legislative elections is less clear

By Brian Hioe

Premier Su tseng-chang has tested positive for Covid-19. Su felt ill after spending the morning at the Legislative Yuan, and he returned home to quarantine for seven days with mild symptoms after a Covid-19 rapid test he took came out positive.

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

The National Health Insurance Administration says the National Health Insurance rate will remain unchanged next year.

Local semiconductor companies are responding positively to a proposed increase in tax deductions for corporate spending on research, development, and equipment investment.

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

Deputy Labor Minister Lee Chun-yi is warning that continued government subsidies are currently the "only way" to stabilize the Labor Insurance Fund.

Minister of the Interior, Lin You-chang, announced today a significant change in immigration policy that would allow international students to stay in Taiwan for up to two years after graduation.

The Kuomintang (KMT) has officially nominated New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih as its 2024 presidential candidate.

The legal tussle over CtiTV's licence renewal illustrates how difficult it is to balance regulating media, stemming Chinese influence, and avoiding allegations of politically persecuting political opponents.

By Brian Hioe

The ECCT released the 2023 Family Friendly Workplace Survey Report at a Premium Event lunch. Read the full event report.

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.

After missing the government's renewable energy targets again in 2022, 2023 could be a year of catching up, but the level of progress could still be hampered by a lack of regulatory reforms

By Raoul Kubitschek, Jason Wang, and James McCatherin

Opposition lawmakers are slamming the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) after it reversed one of several new rules aimed at deterring speculation in the country's housing market.

Ministry of National Defense (MND) officials say discharged female military personnel will soon be allowed to enrol in the dual-track reservist training system.

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.