TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) on Wednesday called for more central government support to make central Taiwan a major base for drones and other unmanned systems.
Speaking at a forum on Taichung’s unmanned vehicle industry and global business opportunities, Lu said growing demand for drones gives Taiwan a chance to build a major new industry. She said Taichung and nearby counties already have strong manufacturing skills, complete supply chains, and many trained workers.
Lu said the central region has companies in semiconductors, optics, aerospace, materials, machinery, and precision manufacturing. She said the central government should put more resources into the area because domestic firms can quickly turn research and ideas into products.
The mayor added that the US, Japan, and Europe are all expanding their drone and unmanned systems industries. Lu said Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, and Miaoli are ready to become partners in international cooperation.
While Lu calls for central government support for the drone sector, her KMT party has blocked review of the Cabinet’s NT$210 billion (US$6.6 billion) drone budget. The budget came after drone funding was removed by the KMT and TPP from a broader NT$780 billion defense spending package approved in May, per Liberty Times.
DPP Legislator Ho Hsin-chun (何欣純) said Taichung’s traditional industries and small businesses are looking for ways to upgrade. She said they also hope to find business opportunities in supply chains outside China, per UDN.
Ho said Taiwan has a key role to play as countries seek safer drone supply chains. She said Taichung’s complete supply chain gives the city a strong position in the global unmanned systems market.
Ho also said the Cabinet’s proposed special budget for unmanned vehicle purchases could support both national defense and local industry. She said stable government funding would help companies plan research, development, and production.
