Cho Jung-tai: Asian Asset Management Center is Taiwan's Financial World Cup

(CNA, Reporter Lin Chia-lien, Kaohsiung, July 8) Premier Cho Jung-tai attended the 2026 Asian Asset Management Forum held in Kaohsiung today, stating that the Asian Asset Management Center is Taiwan's Financial World Cup, and expressed his belief that the financial industry will become a protective force for the "Protective Mountain" (tech industry).

Speaking at the Commercial Times "2026 Asian Asset Management Forum" this morning, Cho Jung-tai said that the Asian Asset Management Center is about retaining and attracting talent. Taiwan is at a turning point and must seize this rare opportunity in a century, leveraging its current technological and industrial advantages, along with the nascent Asian Asset Management Center, to deepen financial innovation services and connect with the international community.

Cho Jung-tai noted that the world is currently experiencing high demand for efficient computing in the AI industry, driving the development of the chip and semiconductor sectors. Taiwan stands at the crest of this wave. "We must elevate our capabilities." In this wave of AI development, Taiwan is already the most competitive production base, and the Asian Asset Management Center will allow this competitiveness to develop at full speed.

Cho Jung-tai then shifted his focus, saying, "Some people have asked us why the demonstration site for the Asian Asset Management Center was chosen in Kaohsiung. I think the choice has proven to be correct." Kaohsiung has a strong industrial structure, efficient labor, harmonious labor-management relations, and administrative efficiency. He hopes other cities will emulate this success, and does not rule out replicating such successful experiences in other cities in the future.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai said in his speech that he thanked the central government for establishing the Kaohsiung special zone for the Asian Asset Management Center, noting that its progress is faster than expected. Cho Jung-tai had previously stated a year ago that the Asian Asset Management Center would be built into "Asia's NASDAQ." "A little over a year ago, people might have still harbored doubts, but over this past year, I believe it will definitely come true in the future, and there is no longer any doubt about it."

Chen Chi-mai pointed out that in the past five years, Kaohsiung has attracted NT$1.2 trillion in investment, covering industries such as semiconductors, AI smart manufacturing, electric vehicles, and net-zero technology. In the future, it will form a complete semiconductor and financial services industry chain with Chiayi, Tainan, and Pingtung. The financial services industry not only manages assets but is also the most important force supporting industrial upgrading. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150708)