Taiwan Launches NT$10 Billion Green Growth Fund to Drive Sustainable Development

President William Lai Unveils Ambitious Plans for a Greener Future

In a significant step towards a sustainable future, President William Lai (賴清德) announced the establishment of a NT$10 billion (US$333 million) green growth fund. This initiative, revealed at the Asia Green Growth Forum held in Taipei, aims to catalyze the growth of net-zero and sustainability-focused industries within Taiwan.

The forum, co-organized by the Ministry of Environment and the National Development Council (NDC), served as the backdrop for the official launch of the Green Growth Alliance. The event saw the unveiling of plaques for the Taiwan Green Growth Fund and National Tsing Hua University’s (NTHU) College of Sustainability, underscoring the government's commitment to a green economy.

President Lai emphasized that the alliance, the substantial fund, and the new college at NTHU reflect Taiwan's dedication to accelerating green development. This is achieved through a combination of industrial support, strategic funding, and the cultivation of skilled professionals in the green sector.

The Green Growth Alliance, a public-private partnership, includes government agencies and 17 companies with high green growth potential. Its goal is to strengthen local carbon reduction efforts. The green growth fund will support the development of a domestic green supply chain and contribute to talent training in sustainability.

NTHU’s College of Sustainability, the first in Taiwan to focus on sustainability, will collaborate with the government to foster innovation in green technology through industry-academic partnerships. President Lai stated that the transition to net-zero by 2050 is a core strategy for Taiwan's national development. He highlighted the introduction of Taiwan’s Comprehensive Carbon Reduction Action Plan and the updated net-zero goals by the Presidential Office’s National Climate Change Committee.

Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啟明) revealed that the ministry secured the NT$10 billion fund from the NDC. The fund will be invested in local green businesses through a venture capital model to build a green supply chain and circular economy in Taiwan over the next decade.

NTHU president John Kao (高為元) highlighted that the sustainability college will address sustainable development challenges through interdisciplinary approaches and technological innovation. The college will train professionals in key fields such as carbon trading and green finance.

Minister Peng also discussed the Taiwan-Japan net-zero strategic partnership, focusing on deepening the understanding of Japan’s Green Transformation policy and joint credit mechanisms. This aims to leverage private investment to support net-zero goals.

Kazuyuki Katayama, Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, expressed gratitude for the forum's organization. He noted the ongoing memorandum of understanding on environmental protection between the association and the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association since 2019. This fosters cooperation on climate change and other issues. Katayama expressed hope that Japan-Taiwan cooperation would lead green growth in Asia, contributing to sustainable development regionally and globally.