CEPD plans to attract white-collar immigrants

This article was published by the Macroview Weekly on July 18, 2007. It reports that the Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) recently drafted a plan to attract investment and skilled immigrants in light of Taiwan's falling birth rate and slowing population growth.

According to CEPD's estimate, Taiwan will enter a period of negative population growth from 2019. With the domestic birth rate continuing its downward streak, the government must act to usher in trained foreign professionals and young talent to sustain Taiwan's economic development.

The CEPD has conducted a feasibility study on attracting investment and skilled immigrants. It also referred to the immigration regulations adopted by Singapore and Japan in coming up with an initial promotion program. Under the plan, foreign economic, financial and technological personnel under 40 years of age, particularly those from countries with a per capita national income lower than Taiwan's will be prime targets.

According to CEPD, Eastern European countries boast certain well-developed industries and can be a good source of talent supply. For instance, Ukraine has an advanced defense industry. Meanwhile, India is known for its software and biotechnology personnel.

According to the draft plan, Taiwan could take in up to 1 million skilled and investment immigrants by 2050. In the first category, corporate chief executives, fund managers, scientists, engineers, medical doctors, graduate students, skilled technicians and special professionals will be most welcome.