Legislative Yuan New Session Approaching! Kung Ming-hsin: Seeking Supplementary Budget for Taipower and CPC, Estimated Not to Exceed NT$120 Billion

The new session of the Legislative Yuan is即将 to commence. On the 20th, Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin, during a pre-meeting press briefing, stated that the Ministry has identified several priority bills, including the currently under review Business Mergers Act, Energy Management Act, and SME Development Act.

Regarding the supplementary budget allocation plan for Taipower and CPC, market estimates suggest Taipower's annual losses could reach NT$120 billion. In response, Kung explained that the Executive Yuan and Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) are still conducting final calculations, but "the amount should not exceed this figure."

On legislation to be reviewed in the new session, Kung explained that the Business Mergers Act aims to provide tax deferral incentives after professional assessment; the Energy Management Act, due to electricity大户 responsibility, mandates that new or expanded projects must install power generation or energy storage facilities, with hopes for smooth passage of both bills in the upcoming session.

Addressing industrial transformation needs, Kung emphasized that President Lai Qing-te is particularly concerned about the transformation and upgrading of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Ministry is pushing for a comprehensive revision of the SME Development Act. Unlike past diverse Zhengxing programs, this time adopting a "Three Strategies, Three Supports" approach to assist enterprises in dual transformation of digitalization, management, and distribution channels, complemented by institutionalized measures such as tax incentives, loan support, and enhanced credit guarantees, providing MSMEs with predictable and sustainable support. Additionally, the amendment specifically adds a "Startup Chapter," aligned with policy goals, aiming to expand startup investment to NT$100 billion.

On the financial situation of state-owned enterprises, regarding the supplementary budget allocation for Taipower and CPC, Kung pointed out that due to the Middle East conflict, international crude oil and natural gas prices remain high. Taipower and CPC have absorbed significant costs to maintain domestic price stability.

Kung stated that the supplementary allocation amount is currently undergoing final calculations by the Executive Yuan and DGBAS, largely dependent on the duration of geopolitical conflicts. In response to market estimates that Taipower's annual losses could reach NT$120 billion, he clarified that the final allocation amount is still being calculated, but "should not exceed this figure." The Executive Yuan will complete the final assessment shortly and make a public announcement.