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Taiwan urges Germany to aid TSMC’s European expansion
Taiwan’s Vice Minister of Economic Affairs announced TSMC’s plans for a German factory, aiming to boost Taiwanese expansion in Europe. Discussions with Germany focused on economic security, supply chain resilience, and collaborations in energy and semiconductors.
2024/11/12 09:50
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Foreign minister to discuss U.S. election impact
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports progress in Taiwan-U.S. relations during Trump’s first term, highlighting institutionalized cooperation and military aid.
2024/11/07 09:52
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Green energy to power TSMC by 2030, minister announces
Taiwan’s Economic Minister J. W. Kuo pledges to cut energy prices by 2030, focusing on green energy for major users like TSMC. Learn about Taiwan’s energy plans.
2024/11/06 14:21
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No fault in Taiwan-made pagers, says MOEA minister
Discover the truth behind the recent pager explosions in Lebanon: Taiwan’s Economic Affairs Minister J.W. Kuo clarifies that the implicated devices were not manufactured in Taiwan, emphasizing the safety of Gold Apollo’s products.
2024/09/20 15:06
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Taiwan to publicize power information amid outage concerns
Discover how Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, J.W. Kuo, addresses recent power outage concerns and plans for transparency in power supply and demand starting July.
2024/06/20 16:37
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Premier reaffirms Taiwan’s commitment to nuclear-free future
Discover Taiwan’s commitment to a nuclear-free future and green energy development as Premier Cho Jung-tai addresses concerns over nuclear power extension, emphasizing stable power supply and leading green energy initiatives by 2030.
2024/06/07 12:07
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Price hike essential for stable power supply: MOEA
Taiwan’s economic minister emphasized the necessity of a power price hike to address rising international fuel costs, but the Legislative Yuan voted to halt the hike due to public opposition. The decision raises concerns about Taipower’s financial stability and power supply.
2024/05/01 17:11
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J.W. Kuo tackles Taiwan’s power trials ahead of MOEA role
J.W. Kuo, incoming Minister of Economic Affairs and chairman at Topco Scientific Co Ltd., focuses on assessing Taiwan’s power needs through industry visits, aiming for a comprehensive report on electricity demands and the potential extension of nuclear plants, prioritizing safety and public consensus.
2024/04/18 13:24
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Taiwan, France hold talks to elevate economic ties
The inaugural Taiwan-France High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue, led by Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, discussed cooperation in semiconductors, AI, and electric vehicles. French officials agreed to integrate industrial and economic cooperation meetings, with a focus on supply chain opportunities in renewable energy and the space industry. Bilateral trade between Taiwan and France reached a record high of $60.9 billion last year, with significant investments from both sides.
2024/03/27 14:34
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Taiwan seeks to boost LNG storage amid rising tensions
Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, emphasizes the need to boost the nation’s natural gas storage capacity amid escalating cross-strait tensions. The call for expansion includes plans for a fourth liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and extensions in Taichung and Kaohsiung. Wang’s announcement follows an incident at the Legislative Yuan involving questions about Taiwan’s gas reserves, sparking discussions about national security and military readiness.
2024/03/15 17:30
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Taiwan holds steady on water prices amid economic debate
Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, addresses concerns over potential water and electricity price hikes. Wang assures no immediate plans for water price increases and remains cautious on addressing the issue. Legislators advocate against compounding effects of electricity rate hikes and warn of potential inflation spikes. Discussions continue on balancing household electricity costs and industry consumption subsidies.
2024/03/13 19:11
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Taiwan mulls subsidies to offset electricity price hike
Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua discusses ongoing discussions of the Electricity Pricing Working Group and potential budgetary subsidies amid pressure for an electricity price increase in April. The government seeks to balance the needs of citizens and enterprises as it navigates potential adjustments to electricity prices. Stay tuned for further updates on the final subsidy and price adjustment plan.
2024/03/13 16:03
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Taiwan’s MOEA to monitor electricity price changes
Stay updated on Taiwan’s economic landscape with the latest news from Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua. Discover insights on electricity price fluctuations and their impact on domestic issues, as well as the government’s strategies to address losses incurred by Taiwan Power Company. Explore the projections for economic growth and inflation rates amidst industry recovery and upcoming events.
2024/03/01 15:56
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Taiwan monitors Tuvalu elections amid diplomatic tensions
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will closely monitor developments in Tuvalu post-election, as most elected officials have established frequent interactions and friendly stances with Taiwan, ensuring solid diplomatic ties. MOFA condemns China’s attempt to influence the election by buying off local media in Tuvalu. The loss of Tuvalu’s pro-Taiwan Prime Minister has sparked speculation about a potential shift in foreign policy and diplomatic alliance with Beijing. However, MOFA notes that the majority of elected Tuvalu officials maintain good relations with Taiwan and support upholding the amicable relations between the two countries. MOFA urges the international community to pay attention and counter autocratic dictatorial countries that manipulate elections in democratic states. This development reflects the ongoing competition between China and Taiwan for diplomatic allegiances in the Pacific region, with countries sometimes switching allegiances for economic or political support.
2024/01/30 17:44
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Taiwan’s MOEA to aid Taipower’s budget crisis
The Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, plans to help Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) seek budgetary support from the Executive Yuan to alleviate its financial distress. Taipower reached out to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) for assistance, citing escalating international fuel prices caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. Other global power companies, such as Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), and Électricité de France (EDF), have already experienced significant price hikes. Taipower’s rates are relatively low compared to the cost of power generation, resulting in policy-driven losses. As of 2023, Taipower has accumulated losses of NT$382.6 billion due to absorbing price increases to protect Taiwan from global inflation. The MOEA disclosed that Taipower and the CPC Corporation have discrepancies in predicting natural gas prices, leading Taipower to observe international coal prices for cost estimates in 2024. While mitigating Taipower’s financial woes in the short term poses challenges, Wang aims to prevent further losses. The MOEA will assist Taipower in lobbying the government for budget support once financial situation estimates are finalized. The decision to adjust electricity prices will be made by the Electricity Price Review Committee.
2024/01/23 13:09
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Taiwan’s allies voice support as China ramps up intimidation
China’s military intimidation of Taiwan ahead of the presidential election has been warned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). A joint statement by the US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Kritenbrink, Japanese Deputy Minister and Director-General, Kobe Yasuhiro, and Republic of Korea Deputy Minister, Chung Byung-won, expressed support for Taiwan during a three-way dialogue in Washington. China’s recent military threats towards Taiwan, including deploying balloons across the Taiwan strait, violating airspace, and suspending parts of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), have raised concerns among the international community. MOFA has raised suspicions of attempts to influence the election and emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to cooperation with the US, Japan, and South Korea to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
2024/01/07 14:56
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MOEA head to discuss TSMC Kumamoto fab launch date
Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, has confirmed that discussions will soon take place with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) regarding the inauguration date for its Kumamoto fab. The progress of TSMC’s Kumamoto fab is said to be outpacing other global expansion efforts. Wang expressed gratitude for the support provided by Japan’s central and local government authorities in establishing the plant. Equipment installation is already underway at TSMC’s Kumamoto site, with trial production set to begin in April 2024. The opening ceremony may be scheduled as early as February 24. Wang emphasized the importance of reinforcing cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, particularly in the semiconductor supply chain, and encouraged mutual investment to foster closer bilateral relations.
2023/12/11 21:35
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Taiwan eyes future in nuclear tech, open to reactors
Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, has announced that Taiwan will closely monitor the development of new nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors and fusion power, and remain open to their adoption. Premier Chen Chien-jen has highlighted that addressing the challenges surrounding nuclear waste from fusion technology could significantly increase societal support for the technology. This declaration comes as over 20 countries, including the United States and Japan, proposed at the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) to triple global nuclear power capacity by 2050. Additionally, nearly 120 countries committed to tripling renewable energy generation internationally within the next seven years. At COP28, 22 countries advocated for nuclear energy, focusing on small modular reactors and nuclear fusion technology, as well as securing international financial support for their development. These discussions at COP28 reflect a growing interest in diverse and innovative approaches to addressing climate change and powering the future.
2023/12/06 14:56
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Wu: China amps Up ’hybrid warfare’ ahead of Taiwan elections
Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, warns of China’s increasing interference and cognitive warfare tactics as Taiwan’s elections approach. China is using a "hybrid warfare" strategy involving military actions, economic pressure, disinformation campaigns, and unlawful financial flows to influence the election results. Taiwan’s government is actively countering these tactics by strengthening communication with the public, enhancing media literacy, and collaborating with public and private sectors. Wu calls for a united front among international allies to enhance democratic resilience and increase awareness of China’s unfriendly actions. This reflects Taiwan’s efforts to preserve its sovereignty and democratic values amid rising tensions with China.
2023/12/05 21:54
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MOEA embraces tech innovations amid strong ties with Japan
The Minister of Economic Affairs praised the growing industry ties between Taiwan and Japan at the 2023 Japan-Taiwan Image Exhibition. Investments from Japanese companies such as Ebara, Fujifilm, and semiconductor factories are expected to contribute significantly to Taiwan’s economy, reaching a value of NTD$10 billion. Japan’s interest in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, particularly TSMC’s projects in Kumamoto, suggests the potential for future collaboration. Minister Wang Mei-hua emphasized the importance of adopting low-carbon and smart technologies for a sustainable future, aligning with Japan’s smart city initiatives. She also highlighted the potential of hydrogen power, urging Taiwan to follow Japan’s lead in developing new technologies and exploring infrastructure partnerships.
2023/11/13 12:10
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MOFA head warns of conflict amid authoritarian expansion
Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, delivered a speech at Riga Stradins University in Latvia, clarifying Taiwan’s position amid tensions with China. Despite enduring military intimidation, diplomatic isolation, and economic threats from China, Taiwan remains committed to achieving peace through open conversation while being pragmatic and prepared for potential risks. Wu praised the diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and Latvia, as both countries share similar paths to democracy and the establishment of sovereign statehood. However, both countries face unprecedented security challenges, with a standoff between democracy and autocracy driving the current international conflict. Wu emphasized that established democracies cannot ignore the expansion of authoritarianism, which seeks to undermine the rules-based international order. In light of President Tsai’s decision to restore one-year military service, Wu stressed the importance of being armed to protect Taiwan’s freedom, as the cost of losing it is unbearable for a democratic society.
2023/11/08 20:13
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MOEA head promises negotiation on tax cut for young workers
Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, has promised to address a tax cut for young workers in continued negotiation with the Ministry of Finance. Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Yang Chiung-ying has highlighted concerns over low salaries in Taiwan, noting that the median wage is NT$42,000, the lowest among the Four Asian Tigers. To address this issue, Yang has suggested increasing the age for tax incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hiring young employees from under 24 to under 30. This policy change, according to the legislator, could significantly help young people struggling with low wages. In response, Wang stated that the government would discuss the proposal with the Ministry of Finance and emphasized their efforts to reduce taxes to tackle the issue of low wages for young workers.
2023/11/06 20:34
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Taiwan in talks with Estonia to establish Rep. office
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has confirmed ongoing discussions for the establishment of a representative office in Estonia. While the move is significant for strengthening ties between the two nations, a shared consensus has not yet been reached. MOFA expressed gratitude towards the Estonian Government for engaging in continued negotiations and displaying an open approach. They emphasized the shared values of freedom and democracy that unite Taiwan and Estonia. Estonia’s government has reportedly agreed to allow Taiwan to establish an economic or cultural representative office in Tallinn under the name ’Taipei.’ MOFA stated that they will respond to foreign media reports of Taiwan’s Foreign Minister visiting Estonia at an appropriate time. The ministry highlighted the stable development of the bilateral relationship, citing the Estonian health minister’s support for Taiwan at this year’s World Health Assembly. Estonia is seen as a valued partner with common principles, highlighting the potential for deepening ties in future diplomatic endeavors.
2023/11/04 12:33
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KMT legislator demands answers on effects of ending ECFA
KMT legislator Fei Hung-tai demanded responses from Premier Chen Chien-jen and Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua regarding the potential impact of terminating the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) on Taiwan’s industries. Chen stated that the main industries affected would primarily be petrochemicals, textiles, machinery, and automobile parts.
2023/11/01 11:24
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Minister confirms Taiwan’s commitment to TSMC amid rumors
Economic Affairs Minister Wang Mei-hua refutes rumors of the government selling its stake in TSMC, reaffirming strong support for Taiwanese companies and the nation’s commitment to TSMC’s continued success.
2023/10/31 17:43