TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has reported the approval of NT$300 million (US$9.3 million) in subsidies for day and night market renovations, according to a press release on Friday (May 17).

The plan has garnered support from vendors, prompting 82 applications from local governments for improving night market facilities, the MOEA said. After evaluation, the ministry approved 29 day and night market improvement projects, per UDN.

The MOEA said the plan is competitive and spans two years. 

The ministry approved the 29 day and night market improvement projects on May 16. Among these, five are on outlying islands, three are tourist night markets in the east, and the remaining 21 are distributed across the country.

“For a long time, vendors have hoped for the renovation and modernization of day and night markets to address issues such as outdated building exteriors, inadequate interior lighting, poor ventilation, and bad layout,” the ministry said. “The funding from this plan will be used to update the main structures, addressing safety, lighting, and ventilation.”

“It will also cover the replacement of old elevators and the renovation of restrooms, enhancing service facilities and increasing interactions between vendors and customers,” it added.