TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan should become a partner in Asia-Pacific sustainability and help advance sustainable development worldwide, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Thursday.
Speaking at the fifth Asia-Pacific Sustainability Expo in Taipei, Lai said Taiwan has strengths in technology, industry, democracy, and innovation. He said these advantages can help the country respond to global challenges and share solutions with other countries, CNA reported.
Lai said resilience is increasingly important as the country faces extreme weather, geopolitical tensions, the energy transition, and changes in global supply chains. The government plans to announce a national urban forest plan by the end of the year to help cities better withstand climate risks.
Taiwan will also expand renewable energy and strengthen the power grid, Lai said. The government will improve energy storage and power dispatch capabilities to make electricity supplies more reliable, per Economic Daily News.
Innovation is another key part of the country’s sustainability strategy, Lai said. He said Taiwan should use its strengths in semiconductors, information technology, and precision manufacturing to stay competitive as industries cut emissions.
The government is also carrying out a national carbon reduction plan supported by technology, financing, and other measures, Lai said. Taiwan completed its first carbon fee declarations and payments this year, which he described as an important step in building a carbon pricing system, per Rti.
Lai said sustainable development should balance economic growth, social progress, and environmental protection. The government spends more than NT$10 billion (US$315 million) a year to support small and micro businesses and plans an NT$100 billion fund over eight years to help them adopt digital technology and reduce emissions.
The government will also work with businesses, workers, and other groups to improve industrial competitiveness while supporting people affected by the transition, Lai said. Taiwan is also willing to share its technology and experience with Pacific allies and like-minded countries facing extreme weather, per NOWnews.
Lai said the expo’s themes of resilience, innovation, and shared prosperity reflect the country’s approach to sustainable development. He said Taiwan hopes to turn its experience into practical support for regional and global sustainability efforts.
