Deputy Minister Jan Fang-Guan of the National Development Council (NDC) received the 2026 Position Papers presented by the European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT) on behalf of the government on November 20. In his remarks, Deputy Minister Jan expressed appreciation for the ECCT longstanding engagement in Taiwan and its critical role as a bridge for Taiwan–EU industrial and trade cooperation. This year’s Position Papers, themed “Strengthening Taiwan’s Resilience in Uncertain Times,” highlight policy recommendations on a future-proof AI regulatory framework, energy security and resilience, and a more diverse and resilient workforce. Deputy Minister Jan affirmed that these proposals align closely with key national initiatives, including the “10 New AI Infrastructure Initiatives”, the net-zero transition, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain international talent.
On a future-proof regulatory framework, Deputy Minister Jan noted that AI plays a pivotal role in national competitiveness. The government has therefore launched the 10 New AI Infrastructure Initiatives, which focus on three priorities: key technologies, digital infrastructure, and smart application development. To support this vision, Taiwan introduced a draft Artificial Intelligence Basic Act in August, aimed at creating a legal framework that mirrors Europe’s legislative philosophy. The act embraces human-centric AI governance, emphasizing transparency, safety, and trustworthiness in AI systems—ensuring that innovation moves forward while maintaining public trust and accountability.
Deputy Minister Jan also addressed the nation’s climate commitments. In 2025, the government reviewed and strengthened Taiwan’s 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target—raising it from 24±1% to 28±2% below 2005 levels. This adjustment reflects the administration’s firm commitment to expanding solar, offshore wind, and geothermal energy, as well as investing in deep energy conservation and advanced energy storage technologies. The government will continue working closely with industry to meet these ambitious goals through public–private collaboration.
To address intensifying global competition for high-level talent and meet the demands of the local industry, the NDC completed amendments to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals in September. Key revisions include: Allowing graduates from the world’s top 200 universities to apply for individual work permits in Taiwan; Enabling spouses of foreign special and senior professionals to work in Taiwan upon approval; Expanding labor and social protections for foreign professionals. These updates are part of a broader strategy to make Taiwan more attractive for global talent. The NDC will continue to offer one-stop services through the Talent Taiwan Center, building a more welcoming, livable environment that encourages long-term settlement and career development.
Deputy Minister Jan concluded by thanking the ECCT for its annual Position Papers, which serve as a valuable reference for refining public policy. He reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to acting as a communication platform between the ECCT and relevant government ministries, working hand in hand with European partners to strengthen resilience and pursue shared prosperity in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Contact Person: Lin Feng-Wen, Director General
Department of Regulatory Reform
Tel: +886-2-2316-5929