Premier Lai Ching-te on Tuesday met with the heads of six major business groups in Taiwan to gather feedback on the nation’s current economic situation. The meeting began with presentations by the National Development Council and the Ministry of Economic Affairs on the development of an action plan to welcome Taiwanese businesses in China home and a new economic immigration bill, as well as related measures.

At the Cabinet’s weekly meeting Thursday, Premier Lai Ching-te said the government has drafted a blueprint for making Taiwan a bilingual nation by 2030, a major policy goal that will enhance the nation’s competitiveness. He instructed all government agencies to actively implement the blueprint’s strategies and measures in a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the goal.

The winners of the New Southbound Policy short film competition were honored at an award ceremony Dec. 4 in Taipei City.

U.K. support for Taiwan’s participation in international climate change organizations is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dec. 1.

An agreement on joint development of a mobile ID network, a system allowing clients to use their SIM card as a form of secure electronic identification, was concluded by Taiwan ID Center and five local telecom companies Nov. 28 in Taipei City.

The Executive Yuan on Thursday passed a new economic immigration bill aimed at recruiting and retaining foreign talent. The bill, drafted by the National Development Council, will now go to the Legislature for review and debate.

The 2018 Taiwan Study Camp for Future Leaders from the Asia-Pacific Region wrapped up Nov. 22 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening mutual understanding and people-to-people connections with diplomatic allies and like-minded partners.

Participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Papua New Guinea helped spotlight Taiwan’s contributions to regional development across such areas as digital connectivity and inclusive growth, according to Premier Lai Ching-te Nov. 22.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will launch two training programs next year for people from 16 countries covered by the New Southbound Policy to strengthen their start-up capabilities and make agricultural businesses more efficient.

Taiwan's Ministry of Examination Wednesday promulgated an amendment to the Professionals and Technologists Examinations Act passed by the Legislature Nov. 6., allowing foreign nationals to take relevant exams in English.