President Tsai promises support for Taiwan’s industry growth

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Tsai Ing-wen pledged continued government support for industry development during a meeting with the National Importers & Exporters Chamber of Commerce of Taiwan on Monday (May 6). 

Tsai noted that Taiwan's export trade has surpassed US$430 billion for three consecutive years. The country's total foreign trade reached US$783.9 billion last year, and exports in March alone amounted to US$41.82 billion, marking five months of growth and the most significant increase in two years. 

The president emphasized that the government will provide special loans for post-pandemic recovery and transformational development to enhance domestic industries' international competitiveness. She also vowed to deepen economic and trade relations with countries worldwide, helping industries explore more overseas markets. 

Tsai pointed out that the National Importers & Exporters Chamber of Commerce of Taiwan brings together excellent manufacturers from northern, central, and southern Taiwan. The diverse fields covered include traditional industries such as textiles and hardware, precision machinery, and green building materials. She thanked everyone for their long-term commitment to international trade, driving Taiwan's economic development and maintaining growth against the severe challenges of the pandemic. 

In recent years, Taiwan has deepened its economic and trade relations with countries worldwide, Tsai said. This includes signing the first batch of agreements under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade, the Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) Arrangement with the United Kingdom, and the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) with Canada. Not only has Taiwan strengthened economic and trade dialogues with European and American countries, but it has also actively cooperated with New Southbound Policy countries and Japan, helping Taiwan's industries explore more overseas markets. 

Tsai stressed that Taiwan's steps toward the world will not stop. She asked everyone to continue working with the government for Taiwan's prosperous development and wished everyone a thriving business and a successful career.