Stimulus vouchers aimed at spurring consumption in Taiwan are available for pre-order from July 1, highlighting government efforts to boost economic activity in the post-pandemic new life.
All Taiwan nationals and foreign spouses of Taiwan citizens with residency are eligible to receive the benefits by making an out-of-pocket payment of NT$1,000 (US$34) in return for NT$3000 in vouchers.
Printed vouchers can be pre-ordered online or at major convenience stores countrywide July 1-7 and collected July 15-31 at designated locations including drugstores and supermarkets. Individuals are required to present their national health cards, national ID cards or Alien Resident Certificates when picking them up.
A second round of pre-ordering is scheduled for Aug. 1-7, with the vouchers available for pickup Aug. 15-31.
They will also be available at post offices throughout the country starting July 15 for those who have not pre-ordered, said Digital Minister Audrey Tang during a news conference June 29 in Taipei City. The government will launch an online map showing real-time availability of vouchers at the same time, she added.
Vouchers can also be obtained digitally by registering credit cards, stored value cards or mobile payment apps on the program website beginning July 1, the minister said, adding that individuals will receive NT$2,000 worth of credit after spending NT$3,000 between July 15 and Dec. 31.
Additionally, those who use credit cards from 38 participating banks can withdraw the NT$2,000 refund in cash from automated teller machines of Cathay United Bank, CTBC Bank Co. Ltd and Taishin International Bank, she said.
According to Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-Hua, most types of expenditure qualify under the project, including online ticket sales of arts, sports and tourism events, though utility payments and purchases of stocks or tobacco products are exempt.
Since the coronavirus outbreak started in late 2019, the government has launched a raft of economic measures which have benefited more than 10 million individuals hard hit by the pandemic. (YCH-E)
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