UPGRADES:Taiwan Business Indicators rose to 28, the highest level in two years, on imports of equipment by firms to expand capacity and retain technology leadership

Taipei Times
Date: Jan 27, 2017
By: Crystal Hsu / Staff reporter

The government’s business climate monitor was “green” last month for the sixth consecutive month, as major economic barometers recorded positive cyclical movements amid an improving global economy, the National Development Council said yesterday.

The nation’s export-oriented economy might continue to benefit from an increase in global trade activity this year as major international research institutes all expect the world’s economy to fare better than last year, the council said.

“A continued and stable recovery of the global economy is favorable for Taiwan’s exports,” which domestic and international institutes have forecast could emerge from a contraction last year, council director Wu Ming-huei (吳明蕙) said.

However, if Britain leaves the EU in a sour fashion and US President Donald Trump raises barriers on cross-border trade, Taiwan could take a hit, she said.

The council’s Taiwan Business Indicators last month rose two points to 28, the highest in two years, elevated mainly by more imports of electrical and machinery equipment by local firms to expand capacity and maintain technology leadership, Wu said.    [FULL  STORY]