Taiwan to unveil 2050 circular economy roadmap in 2026: President Lai

Taipei, Oct. 30 (CNA) Taiwan plans to unveil its 2050 circular economy roadmap in 2026 with a focus on boosting green growth momentum, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Thursday.

Speaking at a meeting of the National Climate Change Response Committee, Lai said the Ministry of Environment released a draft version of the roadmap last week and is set to finalize the 2050 plan next year. The initiative, he added, is part of broader efforts to accelerate Taiwan's transition toward net-zero emissions through closer cooperation between the government and private sector.

A circular economy is an economic model that aims to eliminate waste and keep sustainable, renewable raw materials in use for as long as possible.

The Ministry of Environment has proposed draft amendments to the Resource Recycling Act, including renaming it the Resource Circulation Promotion Act, Lai noted.

He said Taiwan's green industries generated over NT$500 billion (US$15.3 billion) in added value last year, accounting for 2 percent of GDP. The circular economy, renewable energy systems, and energy efficiency sectors made up nearly 73 percent of that total, underscoring that green growth is a powerful driver of national development.

Lai said the government also plans to build a "resilience corridor" across Taiwan by enhancing local disaster preparedness and strengthening the country's climate adaptation mechanisms to better cope with increasingly frequent and severe weather events.

He emphasized that building a resilient and adaptive Taiwan is essential to ensuring economic autonomy and long-term national strength.

The government will continue to serve as a backstop for both the public and industries as the country advances its green transition plans, he said.