Issue date: November 20, 2024
Issuing unit: Department of Regulatory Reform (DRR)
National Development Council (NDC) Deputy Minister Kao Shien-Quey accepted the European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan’s (ECCT) “2025 Position Papers” on behalf of the government on November 20. ECCT expressed its affirmation of the government’s response to various issues. 24% of the issues raised last year have been resolved or made significant progress, which is the best in the past five years. Deputy Minister Kao thanked ECCT for its longstanding support of Taiwan through tangible investment efforts, amid rising geopolitical risks, and for its continued dedication to strengthening Taiwan-Europe relations and collaboratively building safe and reliable supply chains. In the future, she said, the two sides will continue to work together to promote the implementation of relevant policies and realize the common vision.
This year’s ECCT Position Papers are based on the theme of “Taiwan 2050: A Shared Vision” and put forward policy suggestions from the perspectives of net zero and energy security, healthy Taiwan, talent and innovation, building a resilient society and other visions. Deputy Minister Kao said that ECCT has put forward many valuable suggestions, which coincide with President Lai’s vision of the National Project of Hope after taking office. The government is currently making every effort towards developing net-zero and energy transition, building a healthy Taiwan, and strengthening talent cultivation and social resilience, consistent with policy directions suggested by ECCT.
With regard to net zero and energy security, green energy is the foundation for promoting net zero transition and the lifeblood of economic security. The government of Taiwan will launch a second energy transition work. In addition to striving to achieve the installation capacity target of photovoltaic and wind power in 2026, it will also develop diversified green energy such as geothermal power and hydrogen energy, etc.; the development of green energy, the development of energy storage and the promotion of energy conservation, will ensure that enterprises obtain enough green power to maintain the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s industry and achieve the energy, industry and environmental sustainability vision.
As for building a healthy Taiwan, President Lai established the “Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee” after taking office, with the goal of “building a healthy Taiwan, implementing balanced development throughout Taiwan, and realizing medical equality.” The Ministry of Health and Welfare will increase the overall budget for the “National Health Insurance Financial Assistance Program” in 2025 to improve the working conditions of medical staff. The government has established a NT$10 billion cancer prevention fund for cancer prevention and treatment, and the National Development Fund has also implemented a smart health NT$10-billion venture capital fund to develop the health industry. The government will take action to implement “Healthy Taiwan” by improving the healthcare system, expanding cancer prevention and treatment, and encouraging the participation of startups.
In terms of enhancing talent cultivation and innovation, the NDC collaborated with related ministries and commissions to jointly plan the “National Talent Competitiveness Jumpstart Program” and discussed relevant strategies from the angle of two main themes of “enhancing future national talent competitiveness” and “global talent recruitment” to have sufficient high quality and quantity talent. By accelerating the cultivation of AI and other digital talents, creating an internationally competitive talent recruitment system, and building a complete talent retention ecosystem, it is expected to cultivate more than 450,000 AI, green collar and humanities digital cross-field talents in 2028; and also recruit an additional 120,000 foreign professionals and add 80,000 skilled foreign workers to provide sufficient and high-quality talents to drive economic innovation and growth.
In terms of the vision of a resilient society, Deputy Minister Kao emphasized that resilience has replaced efficiency amid rising geopolitical risks. How to build a more resilient Taiwan in areas such as finance, digital technology and security is the top priority of government policy. ECCT is an important communication bridge between Taiwan and Europe. The Position Papers it publishes every year are highly valued by various ministries and agencies of the Taiwanese government. They are the goal and driving force for improved governance. The NDC and various ministries and agencies will continue to communicate with ECCT to achieve a shared vision of health, resilience, and prosperity that has the advantages of both Taiwan and Europe.
Contact Person: Acting Director Sandy Wu, Department of Regulatory Reform
Contact Phone No.: 02-2316-5973