President Lai Ching-te convened the fourth meeting of the National Climate Change Committee at the Presidential Office April 24 in Taipei City and outlined specific government initiatives to ensure Taiwan’s sustainable future.
Lai said frequent extreme weather disasters and changes stemming from the reshaping of international trade patterns, including the new U.S. tariff policies, present Taiwan’s industries with many challenges. As such, the government is actively assessing the situation and continuously adjusting strategies to support local firms, he added.
Despite external uncertainties, Lai said sustainable development remains the cornerstones of long-term national prosperity. He added that it is important to remain committed to resilient and forward-looking strategies to promote the transition to low-carbon models, build comprehensive green supply chains, enhance local firms’ global competitiveness and bolster national strengths.
The president outlined several government initiatives, including the implementation of a carbon pricing system aligned with international standards to avoid foreign tariff penalties on high-carbon industries; planning of a local version of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism; provision of carbon reduction tools to local firms for carbon footprint verification and environmental, social, and governance disclosure; and promotion of a circular economy and industry internationalization to create a Green Taiwan brand.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Environment also delivered a report on responding to ongoing changes and seizing opportunities for green change, while the Financial Supervisory Commission reported on financing for the green and energy transitions required to support the country’s net-zero emissions efforts.
In related news, the MOENV April 24 inaugurated the Green Growth Alliance, which involves 17 local firms and the FSC, Ministries of Economic Affairs and Finance, National Science and Technology Council and Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange.
To expand local firms’ full understanding of the global carbon pricing system, the MOENV is staging an Asian green growth forum next month in Taiwan and leading a delegation to the EU in June. (SFC-E)
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