At a Cabinet meeting today, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) delivered a report to Premier Jiang Yi-huah on the "backbone enterprises" program, saying it had selected 10 outstanding companies to develop into industry models. Another 74 high-potential companies were also chosen to receive business guidance and assistance. Premier Jiang asked other ministries to do the same in their respective sectors.
The premier said changes in the nation's industrial structure have given rise to new business opportunities. To tap into this momentum, the MOEA proposed this program last year to lay a solid foundation for businesses, aid their growth, and nurture talent. Strengthening the backbone of the economy will help upgrade the industrial structure, he added.
The premier asked the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) and other ministries to extend full support for the MOEA's program. With government-wide assistance, these backbone enterprises will hopefully develop into globally competitive businesses and sustain Taiwan's economic development.
The MOEA expects to assist 150 high-potential businesses through the program over the next three years, bringing about NT$100 billion (US$3.3 billion) in investments and generating 10,000 jobs. Since the program's launch last October, the MOEA has received applications from 258 enterprises, from which 10 were named outstanding backbone enterprises: Hiwin Technologies Corp., Apex Biotechnology Corp., UBright Optronics Corp., TXC Corp., Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Pai Lung Machinery Mill Co. Ltd., Franz Collection Inc., Chang Chun Plastics Co. Ltd., Kenda Tires and Chroma ATE Inc. Another 74 companies were selected to receive intensive business guidance.
Through cooperation among the MOEA, MOE, Ministry of the Interior, CLA, and National Science Council, the program offers 35 types of resources to help companies develop their human resources, technological capacity, intellectual property and brand marketing.