News / Taiwan / cnyes
Minister Kung Ming-hsin Warns of Labor Shortage Risks Despite Record GDP Growth
Miscellaneous · cnyes · 2026-09-09
Taiwan's Economic Minister highlights the need to retain female talent over 45 to sustain economic growth, as the nation faces a demographic shift and labor participation challenges.
What Happened
Economic Outlook: Economic Minister Kung Ming-hsin announced that Taiwan's GDP growth is on track to hit a 39-year high this year. He emphasized that women have been a vital driving force behind this economic success, contributing significantly to the nation's overall growth.
Corporate Leadership: The 2026 Women's Governance White Paper reveals that the proportion of women in leadership roles, including SME owners and board members, continues to rise. Female leaders are increasingly recognized for their contributions to ESG strategies and resilient corporate governance.
Labor Challenges: Despite the positive economic indicators, the labor participation rate for women drops significantly after age 45. This trend is largely attributed to the burden of elder care and family responsibilities, which often forces experienced professionals to exit the workforce prematurely.
Policy Initiatives: The government is actively exploring policies to improve workplace flexibility and expand long-term care resources. These measures aim to support mid-career women, ensuring that their expertise remains available to help industries navigate the challenges of AI and global economic shifts.