President Tsai Ing-wen pledges to keep strengthening #Taiwan indigenous defence industry

On 25 February, President Tsai Ing-wen addressed homegrown contractors taking part in government-initiated indigenous naval shipbuilding projects in Kaohsiung City, southern Taiwan. 

President Tsai said that the government is continuing to strengthen Taiwan’s indigenous defence industry and assist local firms in growing their global footprint. The national defence industry is the bedrock upon which Taiwan’s security is founded, Tsai said. It is also a strategic sector providing significant growth for the economy and spurring talent cultivation in related disciplines, she added.

Under the national defense component of the government’s five-plus-two innovative industries initiative, Tsai said equipment procurements, refurbishments and upgrades are creating many business opportunities for the country’s firms in areas spanning electrical engineering, machinery and materials.

President Tsai said at a time when the global shipbuilding industry is under pressure, the government’s tendered naval construction projects are expected to stimulate output of US$1.32 billion in related sectors. Additional bids, set for release by the coast guard and navy, will maintain this momentum, Tsai said, adding that these should generate even more high-quality jobs and cross-industry opportunities while keeping Taiwan moving along the road to greater prosperity.

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