TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises Chair Lee Yu-chia (李育家) called for cross-party dialogue Wednesday to promote Taiwan's economic development.
Taiwan has more than 1.4 million small and medium-sized enterprises. Lee hopes the government will help these enterprises transform, such as using AI technology to boost productivity and promote net-zero carbon emissions, CNA reported.
Lee said the government's imposition of a carbon fee will increase costs. He added that many small- and medium-sized enterprises are unclear about the system for carbon footprint verification.
The environment ministry announced carbon fee rates in October, with enforcement beginning on Wednesday. The ministry estimates a reduction of 38 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030.
According to the ministry, businesses with annual greenhouse gas emissions exceeding 25,000 tonnes are required to conduct carbon footprint verification. Carbon fees will be based on emissions from the previous year.
Lee said Taiwan's economy grew by 4.23% last year, marking a strong performance. He said Taiwan's semiconductor industry remains a global leader and a key supplier of AI technology worldwide.
General Chamber of Commerce Chair Hsu Shu-po (許舒博) said the ruling party holds a minority in the legislature. Therefore, the party is urged to extend an olive branch to achieve cross-party negotiations.
