Taoyuan City Mayor Chang Shan-Cheng attended the “Investment in Taoyuan Promotion Forum” at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center on the afternoon of the 25th. Mayor Chang stated that Taoyuan is Taiwan’s largest industrial city, with an annual industrial output value of nearly TWD 3 trillion. The printed circuit board (PCB) is a critical industry in Taoyuan. Since the establishment of Taiwan’s first PCB company in Taoyuan in 1969, more than 50 years have passed. PCBs, from small items like television and air conditioner remote controls to larger devices like mobile phones or car computers, have become ubiquitous. Currently, nearly 70% of Taiwan’s PCB supply chain is in Taoyuan, with a global market share of over 30%. Even during the pandemic, the PCB industry was not affected; instead, it expanded. Taoyuan played a crucial role in this success.
Mayor Chang mentioned that Taoyuan is an essential hub for PCB in Taiwan and its supply chain. Despite factors like international geopolitical relations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered Taiwan’s economic growth rate from 2.1% to 0.8% for 2023 last week, sending a significant warning signal. However, Taoyuan’s investment amount for the year is bucking the trend, surpassing TWD 100 billion in investments from January to September. Compared to over TWD 80 billion in the same period last year, this marks a growth rate of nearly 20%. It demonstrates that Taiwan can continue to grow in a complex political and economic environment. Mayor Chang hopes that the “Investment in Taoyuan Promotion Forum” jointly organized by the city government, TPCA (Taiwan Printed Circuit Association), and the Agency Against Corruption of the Ministry of Justice will invite more important industries to invest in Taoyuan.
Mayor Chang further explained that the city government will soon launch “Industry Upgrade 3 Pluses,” which focuses on Technology Plus, Sustainability Plus, and Design Plus, guiding all industries in Taoyuan towards smart manufacturing. They have invited renowned experts and scholars from domestic and international academia and industries to form an advisory group, which will diagnose and guide industries to help them innovate continuously. The PCB industry is one of the focal points. Regarding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), updating equipment is required for ESG implementation. If it doesn’t lead to increased profits, it can become a financial burden. However, incorporating ESG goals during digital transformation makes it easier to achieve. Therefore, in the process of companies proactively promoting ESG, the city government will provide support to make ESG an essential goal for corporate smart transformation.
Mayor Chang stated that to assist corporations in sustainable development, the investment promotion process in Taoyuan will be transparent. This includes early land acquisition and subsequent construction and management procedures. They are collaborating with the Agency Against Corruption of the Ministry of Justice. This collaboration aims to provide confidence to companies interested in investing in Taoyuan. The goal is to highlight Taoyuan in Taiwan’s industrial development, thus driving the advancement of various industries nationwide.