On August 17, 2026, the Chinese-language website of French international broadcaster RFI (Radio France Internationale) reported that Taiwan significantly raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 11.05%, and that a budget for a 10,000 New Taiwan Dollar (approx. 50,000 yen) cash handout to all residents was also allocated.

The article introduced that Taiwan's Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) revised its real GDP growth forecast for 2026 upwards from 9.64% year-on-year to 11.05%, the highest level in 39 years, and also indicated a forecast that the growth rate for 2027 would reach 6.04%, with the high growth in 2026 raising the comparative base.

Furthermore, against the backdrop of robust global AI (Artificial Intelligence) demand, this year's projected export value is expected to reach 903.6 billion US dollars (approx. 144 trillion yen), a 41.19% increase year-on-year. Real investment growth is expected to record its highest in the past five years at 11.58%, and private consumption growth is also expected to record its highest in the past three years at 4.76%.

Moreover, it was also mentioned that President Lai Ching-te revised the revenue forecast upwards to 3.9266 trillion New Taiwan Dollars (approx. 18 trillion yen) and announced that under fiscal conditions of zero new government bond issuance, an additional budget of 235.7 billion New Taiwan Dollars (approx. 1.18 trillion yen) was allocated to provide a cash handout of 10,000 New Taiwan Dollars per person to all residents. It was stated that the purpose of this is to return the benefits to all households, including those who find it difficult to feel the benefits of AI growth, and a policy to promote five top priority issues, including family support and "Smart Nation 2.0," was indicated.

In addition, it was also mentioned that the total defense budget for next year, including special budgets, would exceed 1 trillion New Taiwan Dollars (approx. 5 trillion yen) for the first time, reaching 1.1225 trillion New Taiwan Dollars (approx. 5.6 trillion yen, over 3% of GDP), indicating Taiwan's strong intention to strengthen its defense capabilities.

The article conveyed that against the backdrop of robust economic growth and inflation forecasts, analysis suggests that the central bank will keep policy interest rates unchanged at its monetary policy meeting on September 17. DGBAS cited the sustainability of AI demand, the progress of related investments, and infrastructure supply issues such as water and electricity accompanying the expansion of the AI industry as future risk factors, stating its policy to continue monitoring them. (Edited and translated by Kawajiri)