Wen-jen Hsieh Comments on COVID-19 in Taiwan: Economic Impacts and Lessons Learned

Abstract

technology and semiconductor products. This is clearly the exception rather than the norm. The Taiwanese government’s relief and stimulus package constituted a sensible and predictable mix of financial aid, employment assistance, and tax breaks. The author rightly points out that rigorous examination as to the effectiveness of these policies is needed. To this end, perhaps a related question would be whether these standard assistance packages can be provided in a more targeted manner, especially with the availability of big data and digital technology. The case of using big data and financial technology (fintech) in mainland China to inform risk-management decisions is of useful reference. Moreover, it would not be correct to attribute the health of the Taiwanese economy primarily to these packages. Rather, Taiwan’s economic situation seems more a product situated in the greater context of the global economic and geopolitical framework.