TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Wednesday that Taiwan’s economy continues to grow strongly, with GDP expected to expand over 5% this year and outpace the Four Asian Tigers.
Speaking at the China Productivity Center's 70th anniversary, Lai thanked the organization for promoting Taiwan’s industrial development over seven decades under Chairman Rock Hsu (許勝雄) and past leaders, per CNA. He hoped the center would continue supporting Taiwan’s economic progress in the years ahead.
Lai said that in his National Day address he described 2025 as the year for Taiwan’s rise, with exports and employment reaching record highs. The Taiwan Stock Exchange has climbed for six straight months, with the weighted index surpassing 28,000 points.
Lai cited data from the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics showing quarterly growth of 5.48%, 8%, and 7.64% so far this year, up from 4.84% in 2024. He said the figures show sustained economic expansion and place Taiwan first among the Four Asian Tigers and ahead of Japan, the US, the EU, and China.
Lai added that countries worldwide are facing challenges from net-zero and digital transitions, geopolitical upheavals, and the restructuring of the global economic order.
To meet these challenges, the government will continue to pursue policies aimed at an innovative economy and inclusive growth aligned with Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero development plan. By 2030, the government will invest NT$900 billion (US$29.1 billion) to spur NT$4 trillion in private investment, accelerating green energy, and industrial upgrading.
Lai said the government is also advancing “Ten Major AI Infrastructure Projects” and investing in technologies such as quantum science, silicon photonics, and robotics. These initiatives aim to sustain Taiwan’s technological leadership and competitiveness for the next 30 years.
To ensure no one is left behind during economic restructuring, the government has launched a NT$93 billion tariff impact support program to help businesses, workers, and farmers.
