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2023全球最富有國家排行 台灣「擠進前20」狠甩中日韓
2023年將進入尾聲,知名財經月刊全球金融時報(Global Finance)於21日公布了2023年全世界最富有的國家排行,其中台灣位居14名超越中日韓等國;而進入前10名的亞洲國家則有新加坡、卡達、澳門特別行政區、阿拉伯聯合大公國等國家。
2023/12/25 09:17
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Kaohsiung first in Taiwan to issue NT$2B green bonds
Kaohsiung City Government’s Finance Bureau has become the first in Taiwan to be granted the qualification to issue green bonds, with a total amount of NT$2 billion. This move is expected to save on interest payments and enact sustainable environmental practices without increasing the city’s debt. The green bonds will fund green investment projects, encompassing renewable energy development, enhanced energy efficiency, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These bonds, totaling NT$2 billion, will utilize their low, fixed interest rates to replace existing higher-interest bank loans, ensuring resources are invested in low-carbon construction. Under Mayor Chen Chi-mai’s leadership, the city has reduced its debt by NT$10.6 billion by the end of 2022, surpassing the goal of a NT$10 billion reduction. Kaohsiung aims to continue strengthening its financial and environmental sustainability and implement comprehensive net-zero policies as it works toward a 2050 net-zero goal.
2023/12/20 19:38
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Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan amends new property tax law
Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has passed a law amendment known as "Housing Tax 2.0," which will raise the residential property tax. The new tax will take effect on July 1, 2024, with taxation beginning in 2025. The Ministry of Finance estimates that around 4.45 million households will be affected by the revised tax, with approximately 3.1 million households benefiting from a preferential tax rate for single residency. This could potentially generate an additional revenue of NT$2.27 billion to NT$3.27 billion. Under the new system, residential properties will be categorized as "self-use" or "non-self-use," with a national limit of up to three properties classified as "self-use." The house tax will continue to be collected annually from May 1 to May 31, based on ownership from the prior year’s July 1 to the current year’s June 30. The amendment also requires that "self-use" residences meet household registration requirements in addition to the existing provisions regarding rental and occupancy by the owner, spouse, or direct relatives. The tax reform will have a significant impact on 10 municipalities that have not yet implemented the housing hoarding tax. To support the legislative changes, four supplementary regulations will be introduced, including differential tax rate modules, calculation formulas, principles for determining the number of household property holdings, and revisions to the organization of the Real Estate Evaluation Committees. All subsidiary regulations are scheduled to be amended by July 1, 2024.
2023/12/20 18:10
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Legislative Yuan okays ’House Hoarding Tax 2.0’
Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has passed an amendment to the House Tax Act, known as the "House Hoarding Tax 2.0," raising the tax rate for non-owner-occupied housing to a range of 2 to 4.8 percent, up from the current range of 1.5 to 3.6 percent. The tax rates will apply nationally to all properties owned by individuals and will be implemented by July 2025. Local governments will set their tax rate discrepancies based on the total number of residential properties owned nationwide. The amendment was approved in the Legislative Yuan session following negotiations among the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the Kuomintang (KMT), and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), with dissent from the New Power Party (NPP).
2023/12/19 22:13
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Tsai Ing-wen honors excellence in architecture and business
President Tsai Ing-wen hosted the winners of the 25th National Golden Award for Architecture and the 20th National Brand Yushan Award, commending their contributions to Taiwan’s architectural and business communities. She expressed gratitude towards the National Enterprise Competitiveness Development Association for their rigorous evaluations that have motivated industry advancement and boosted Taiwan’s competitiveness. Tsai emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in construction and building to achieve energy conservation and reduced carbon emissions. She also addressed concerns about urban renewal and pledged to intensify collaboration with private sector players to enhance architectural safety and improve citizens’ quality of life. The winners of the 20th National Brand Yushan Award, which includes CSBC Corporation, were recognized for their contributions to finance, biotech, manufacturing, and service sectors. Tsai urged the awardees to continue offering valuable advice to the government and elevate the prominence of Taiwanese brands on the international stage.
2023/12/12 21:42
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Taiwan’s NYMCU joins forces with ACC for climate club
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYMCU) has partnered with the American Climate Club (ACC) to establish the American Taiwan Climate Club. This collaboration aims to contribute to the global net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. The two institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop international carbon standards and propose a white paper on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies. NYMCU is committed to raising global citizens with sustainability awareness and plans to integrate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals into its academics and research. The partnership also has the potential to pave the way for Taiwan’s engagement in international carbon trading and promote green economic growth. The American Climate Club, registered in Texas, collaborates with government agencies, carbon reduction technology firms, carbon quality monitoring, carbon asset services, and climate and carbon finance funds. The newly formed American Taiwan Climate Club will focus on climate education, international cooperation, carbon project investment, carbon advisory services, and policy research to strengthen climate protection efforts.
2023/12/12 19:47
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Hotai Motor reports 23,400 vehicle backlog amid sales dip
Taiwanese distributor Hotai Motor, responsible for TOYOTA and LEXUS, reported a backlog of around 23,400 orders during an earnings call on Dec. 8. Despite an expected slight decrease in sales volume, the outlook remains optimistic. Hotai Motor dominates Taiwan’s auto market with a 33.3% share, as TOYOTA and LEXUS sold a combined total of 144,522 vehicles from January to November. The profit for the first three quarters was driven by the company’s core operations, particularly the more profitable LEXUS brand. With 19,000 pending orders for TOYOTA and 4,400 for LEXUS, the current order book suggests business for the next two months. Hotai Motor’s diversified investees, including Carmax, Hotai Finance, and Hotai Leasing, continue to grow. Hotai Insurance also experienced significant growth, except for the investing channel in China, which was affected by competitive pricing from domestic electric vehicle brands like BYD.
2023/12/08 17:45
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Ko Wen-je rues failed KMT alliance, cites betrayal
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je expressed disappointment in the failure to establish an alliance with the Kuomintang (KMT), citing his medical background and trust in others as a disadvantage in politics. He believes that the mishandling of the breakup with the KMT has led to his declining support. Despite the acrimony, Ko hinted at potential future cooperation with Foxconn’s founder Terry Gou, acknowledging their maintained contact for policy collaboration. Ko praised Gou’s think tank on finance and economics for its excellent work, revealing that his team has consulted and adopted numerous economic policy suggestions from Gou’s proposals. The focus at this stage is on policy partnership, with paths toward collaborative governance remaining open between the two camps.
2023/12/07 16:58
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Taiwan exports to hit US$400B, third-highest on record
Taiwan’s exports for 2023 are projected to exceed US$400 billion, making it the third-highest on record. Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun expressed confidence in the sustained positive trend, with monthly exports in the fourth quarter expected to surpass US$30 billion each. The country has accumulated US$355.1 billion in export figures for the first ten months, putting it on track to achieve the forecast. Year-end stockpiling needs, emerging technologies, and opportunities in artificial intelligence contribute to cautious optimism for November and December’s export performance. Taiwan’s full-year exports are anticipated to trail behind the US$446.4 billion seen in 2021 and the US$479.4 billion in 2022. Since 2017, Taiwan’s annual exports have consistently surpassed US$300 billion, a significant increase from the figures prior to 2016. The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics forecasts a 6.3 percent export growth rate for the coming year.
2023/12/04 20:31
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Taiwan’s 2023 exports on track to hit US$400B milestone
Taiwan’s Finance Minister, Chuang Tsui-yun, projects that Taiwan’s total export value for this year will exceed US$400 billion, marking the third-highest record in Taiwan’s history. The nation’s exports for the first ten months of the year have already reached US$355.1 billion. Despite a slight decline in October, Taiwan’s export sector has shown signs of resilience, with positive growth in September. Chuang advises industry leaders and government departments to closely monitor global economic factors, such as inflation and the interest rate hike cycle, which may impact exports. Cautious optimism is emphasized for exports in the fourth quarter and beyond.
2023/12/04 14:03
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TPP Ko claims KMT cited billions needed for presidential bid
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je reveals that the Kuomintang (KMT) demanded he raise NT$2 billion to NT$10 billion in campaign funds to be an official candidate. In an interview, Ko discusses the financial challenges faced during the coalition talks with the KMT. The collapse of the talks left the TPP short of their target, with estimated expenses of just over NT$200 million. Ko criticizes Taiwan’s high election expenses, warning of potential issues of political influence and campaign finance.
2023/12/02 12:12
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Finance minister aims to prioritize public debt repayment
The Taiwanese government plans to prioritize repaying public debt by using tax revenue that exceeds budget projections, according to Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun. The total budget for debt repayment in 2023, amounting to NT$111 billion, was fully executed by June, with an additional NT$15 billion paid in November. Chuang emphasized that if there is a surplus in the year-end financial outcome, the nation’s resources should be allocated for optimal use. The surplus in tax revenue will be apportioned first to debt repayment in accordance with the regulations of the Public Debt Act. Tax revenue for the first ten months of the year reached NT$3.0223 trillion, setting a record high for the same period compared to previous years, with a 6.9% increase. It is expected that full-year tax revenue will surpass budget estimates by NT$300 billion to NT$370 billion. The opposition party has called for a redistribution of the tax benefits back to the citizens.
2023/11/22 15:11
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Tax exemption limit faces backlash as overseas travel soars
Taiwan experiences a surge in travel as global restrictions ease, leading to a phenomenon known as "vacation vengeance." The Ministry of Finance reports that approximately 8.42 million passengers traveled in the first nine months of 2023. However, strict tax exemption regulations have caused public frustration as returning residents face customs inspections for exceeding the purchase limit. The current tax exemption limit is NTD$20,000, but citizens argue it is insufficient. The Ministry of Finance is considering raising the limit to NTD$30,000 to NTD$40,000. The regulations governing duty-free privileges for inbound personal luggage have remained unchanged for over three decades. The Ministry of Finance is discussing potential changes to address the rising cost of overseas goods and the country’s gross national income compared to Japan and South Korea.
2023/11/13 20:03
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Taiwan Central Bank open to further interest rate hikes
Taiwan Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long addressed the Legislative Yuan’s Finance Committee, leaving open the possibility of further interest rate hikes. While rates in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Canada, and Australia are near their peak, Taiwan is approaching its high point. Previous inflation spikes were caused by typhoon impacts, leading to speculation about rate hikes. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 3% in October. The Central Bank’s council members unanimously decided to temporarily halt rate raises, but some members agreed to suspend hikes for only one quarter, suggesting aggressive responses to future inflation are possible. Market watchers are observing whether interest rate hikes might resume in December if inflation surpasses 3%. Yang attributed the current inflation to typhoon impacts, particularly rising vegetable and fruit prices, and promised close observation of rate raises in the fourth quarter. Economic growth is expected to remain above 2% this year, but the fourth quarter may see a downward revision to 1%.
2023/11/09 15:56
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碳足跡結合消費習慣!芬蘭奧蘭銀行「靠信用卡搶救海洋」
芬蘭奧蘭銀行希望透過消費行為,讓消費者知道自己為地球帶來多少損害,將足跡與消費行為以世界銀行的碳價格計算成本,最後透過每月帳單或App,讓消費者知道碳排量,進而減少浪費。 金融科技蓬勃發展,金管會為持續精進及跟上國際腳步,今年8月發布升級版的「金融科技發展路徑圖2.0」,內容包括4項目標:包容、公平、永續及國際化,另一方面推動策略的部分,囊括4大面向,其中包括推動綠色永續科技,而金管會了解到科技能為綠色金融帶來新的應用層面,運用大數據分析串接綠色永續的橋樑,讓科技助綠色金融一臂之力。 金管會參考綠色數位金融聯盟(Green Digital Finance Alliance)與瑞士綠色金融科技網絡(Swiss Green Fintech Network)在2022年發布「綠色金融科技分類」報告,將綠色金融科技定義於金融科技應用在達成永續發展目標的金融流程及創新技術的金融產品,以此作為八大綠色金融科技分類,其中就綠色數位支付與帳戶類別來說,將碳計算運用在消費者的消費行為之中,讓消費者能清楚自己在消費行為上產生的碳足跡,以每月統計數值,並且透過不同的抵換或獎勵方式促使消費者重視環境保護,進一步改變消費者的消費行為。
2023/11/08 16:32
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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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Unclaimed NT$10 million lottery prizes to expire soon
Four winners of the May-June uniform invoice lottery in Taiwan have yet to claim their NT$10 million prizes, which will expire on Nov. 6, according to the Ministry of Finance. The winning number for the special prize is "29268886," with a total of 21 tickets bearing this number. The unclaimed winning tickets were obtained through everyday activities such as shopping, refueling, or food purchases.
2023/11/05 19:49
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100K individuals yet to claim NT$6000 as deadline nears
Around 100,000 individuals in Taiwan haven’t claimed their NT$6,000 from tax surplus and the deadline is fast approaching. This unclaimed amount totals about NT$6 billion, despite nearly 23.39 million citizens having already claimed their money. The National Treasury Administration urges eligible citizens to act swiftly and cautions against sharing personal data through unsolicited calls or messages.
2023/10/29 19:21
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Four NT$10 million receipt lotteries remain unclaimed
Four unclaimed receipts from the March-April 2023 receipt lottery are still eligible for the NT$10 million grand prize.
2023/09/04 19:23
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Taiwan’s finance stable amid China’s property crisis: FSC
Taiwan’s financial sector is unlikely to be strongly impacted by the ongoing instability in China’s real estate industry, the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) said on Friday (Aug. 18).
2023/08/18 23:16
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Taiwan lauds efforts in net-zero emissions in agriculture
Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te attended the "Green Finance, Work Towards Net Zero" event on Thursday (July 20).
2023/07/25 17:11
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Some wealthy households receive exemptions on NT$5M+ income
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) unveiled on Monday (July 3) that nearly 6.5 million households in Taiwan filed their income for the year 2021, with approximately 3.05 million of them being exempted from paying taxes, including 13 households earned over NT$ 5 million yearly income.
2023/07/03 18:37
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金研院與馬來西亞銀行家學院攜手合作 培育金融人才
台灣金融研訓院(Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance, 以下簡稱TABF)與馬來西亞亞洲特許銀行家學院(Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers, 以下簡稱AICB)於本(112)年6月28日圓滿達成合作備忘錄締結,開啟了雙方在金融人才培育領域的全新合作,以加速台灣金融業的國際化與新南向市場拓展。
2023/06/28 17:21
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Taiwan gov’t cautions against transition to 4-day workweek
The Ministry of Labor (MOL) expressed doubts regarding the feasibility of a 4-day workweek initiative on Monday (June 26), citing potential impacts on various industries in Taiwan, including education, transportation, finance, and government agencies.
2023/06/26 18:18
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Experts give insights on how Taiwan’s car market changed
Taiwan’s car market continues to thrive, with the value of imported cars reaching a record high of NT$85 billion from January to April this year, a 54% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Finance.
2023/06/19 15:53