TAIPEI — Taiwan is preparing a major new push to help its small and medium-sized businesses modernize, with President Lai Ching-te announcing an additional NT$100 billion (US$3.2 billion) investment over eight years to support business upgrades and growth.
The program will focus on three major areas: energy-saving equipment, digital management systems and skilled-worker training, according to the government.
The announcement comes as small and medium-sized businesses remain a major part of Taiwan’s economy, accounting for nearly 80% of jobs nationwide, Lai said Tuesday.
NT$100 billion aimed at upgrading Taiwan’s businesses
The Cabinet approved the new support program this month as Taiwan looks to help smaller businesses respond to changing economic and technological conditions.
Rather than focusing solely on financial assistance, the initiative is designed to help businesses upgrade their operations.
Energy-efficient equipment could help companies reduce energy consumption, while digital management systems are intended to improve how businesses organize and manage their operations.
The plan also includes training for skilled workers, addressing the workforce needs that can arise as companies adopt new technologies.
Small businesses are at the center of Taiwan’s job market
The scale of the program reflects the importance of smaller businesses to Taiwan’s workforce.
Lai said SMEs account for almost 80% of jobs in Taiwan, making their ability to adapt and grow an important part of the wider economy.
The government’s approach therefore connects business modernization with employment, technology adoption and energy efficiency.
School meals highlight the sector’s importance
Lai made the announcement during a meeting with representatives of Taiwan’s national association of lunchbox and catering businesses.
The association represents 131 school meal providers across 14 cities and counties, which collectively prepare lunches for approximately 1.07 million students every day.
Lai also praised the workers involved in the school-meal system, including nutritionists, cooks, quality-control personnel and delivery drivers.
Their work involves everything from sourcing ingredients and preparing meals to maintaining food temperatures and ensuring lunches reach schools safely.
Taiwan is also emphasizing local food supplies
Nearly 99% of ingredients used in Taiwan’s school lunches are domestically produced and traceable, according to Lai.
The system uses locally sourced rice, vegetables, fruit, meat and seafood, with government support and supplier sourcing efforts helping expand the use of domestic ingredients.
The school-meal industry has also had to respond to supply disruptions.
During pork supply restrictions connected to African swine fever controls last October, providers shifted toward alternatives including chicken, eggs and soy products.
When cooking-oil supplies became tight this summer, providers coordinated supplies to keep school lunch services operating.
A bigger transformation for Taiwan’s small businesses
The new NT$100 billion program comes as Taiwan’s smaller businesses face the challenge of keeping pace with technological and economic changes.
For companies with limited resources, upgrading equipment, adopting digital systems and developing skilled workers can require significant investment.
The government’s eight-year program is intended to provide support for those upgrades while helping businesses improve efficiency and competitiveness.
The broader question now is how quickly the funding will translate into real-world changes for businesses across Taiwan.
With NT$100 billion on the table, Taiwan is betting that helping its smaller businesses modernize today could shape the country’s economic resilience for years to come.
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
