President Tsai Ing-wen said Sept. 19 that the government is redoubling efforts to advance Taiwan’s circular economy and renewable energy through astute policymaking and promoting public-private sector cooperation.
 
The government’s circular economy mantra centers on sustainability and deriving maximum value from scarce resources, Tsai said. This successful approach is making a difference in nearly every industry, with one of the best examples jerseys made from yarn featuring recycled polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, at the World Cup in Russia, she added.
 
Top priorities in further tapping the potential of this area, Tsai said, include lifting water reuse rates for related sectors, reducing air pollution and environmental waste, and spurring exports of high-quality and innovative green products.
 
Tsai made the remarks during the joint opening ceremony of Circular Economy and Energy Taiwan exhibitions Sept. 19 in Taipei City.
  
The development experiences of Taiwan over the past two years demonstrate that economic growth can go hand in hand with environmental protection and sustainability, Tsai said. The time is ripe for businesses at home and abroad to invest in the country and capitalize on its economic and industrial transformation, she added.
 
According to Tsai, ongoing investment in wind power generation off the coast of Changhua County in central Taiwan and establishment of a logistical support hub at nearby Port of Taichung show the synergies on offer from innovative collaboration between government agencies and businesses in developing green energy.
 
This progressive approach carries over to solar energy, Tsai said, citing the 140 percent increase in installed capacities from 936 megawatts to 2,238 MW since 2016. It is anticipated this number will reach 20 gigawatts by 2025 as projected, she added.
 
The circular economy and green energy are part of the government’s five-plus-two innovative industries initiative. This farsighted initiative targets the other high-growth sectors of biotech and pharmaceuticals, national defense, smart machinery and Internet of Things, as well as the promotion of a new paradigm for agricultural development. (SFC-E)

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