The government is leaving no stone unturned in promoting Taiwan’s biomedical industry and transforming the nation into a global R&D hub for medical devices and pharmaceuticals, according to Premier Lai Ching-te March 15.

In response to mainland China’s 31 incentive measures for attracting Taiwanese business and talent, the Executive Yuan today unveiled a comprehensive plan consisting of four major policy directions: attract and retain talent in Taiwan by building a quality education and work environment, maintain Taiwan’s advantages in global supply chains, deepen capital markets and strengthen the cultural audiovisual industry.

A draft bill clearing the way for the establishment of the Cultural Content Institute was recently passed by the Cabinet, moving the government closer toward its goal of more effectively promoting Taiwan’s culture and related content on the international stage.

Premier Lai Ching-te on Thursday said that under the combined efforts of a number of ministries and agencies to promote the biomedical industry, initial successes have come in such areas as research and development of new pharmaceuticals and medical devices, an improved regulatory environment, capital market adjustments, cultivation of talent and the rise of an overall industry ecosystem.

The Taiwan Startup Institute under the Ministry of Science and Technology concluded a memorandum of understanding with U.S.-based AgilePoint Inc. March 12 in Taipei City in a move aimed at fast-tracking promotion of innovative local startups.

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program is a global benchmark in universal coverage and offers valuable lessons in delivering high-quality, cost-effective medical care for all, according to Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung.

The signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership March 8 in Chile is a milestone in Asia-Pacific economic integration and welcomed by Taiwan, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The government is making great strides in narrowing the gender gap and ensuring the invaluable contributions of women to Taiwan’s development are fully appreciated and recognized, Premier Lai Ching-te said March 5.

Taiwan is committed to working with like-minded nations in Northeast and Southeast Asia to safeguard regional peace and stability, according to Premier Lai Ching-te March 3.

The positive statement recently released to the media by the U.S. Department of State following passage of the Taiwan Travel Act is sincerely appreciated by the government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said March 2.