TW Biz News｜WK 04/14 - 04/20

Every week, we'll select Taiwan's five business news from the previous week for your review.

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• 〔Taiwan News〕IMF raises Taiwan's growth forecast to 5.2%

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday raised Taiwan’s economic growth forecast for 2026 to 5.2%. The IMF said in its latest World Economic Outlook report that global growth is expected to reach 3.1% this year, down from its January estimate of 3.3%, per AFP. It also lowered its growth forecast for China to 4.4% for this year, slightly below the 4.5% projected in January, while keeping its 2027 forecast unchanged at 4.0%.

• 〔Taiwan News〕Taiwan’s Far EasTone helps build Thailand highway electronic toll system

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Far EasTone Electronic Toll Collection Company said Friday it worked with its Thai subsidiary and the BGSR consortium to build an electronic toll system for the M81 highway linking Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. CNA reported that the system has started operations and marks a step forward in Thailand’s highway digitalization. It uses a free-flow toll system that lets vehicles pass without stopping, helping reduce traffic and shorten travel time.

• 〔Retail Asia〕Taiwan and South Korea travellers lead Asia in shopping-driven trips

Travelers from Taiwan and South Korea are the most motivated by shopping when planning trips in Asia, according to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report. Both Taiwan and South Korea recorded 23% of respondents saying shopping is a key motivation for trips. The Philippines followed at 22%, Malaysia at 20%, and Japan at 15%. Thailand recorded 14%, Indonesia 12%, India 8%, and Vietnam 7%.

• 〔Focus Taiwan〕CIER raises Taiwan economic growth forecast to 7.22% on AI demand

Taipei, April 17 (CNA) The Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER) on Friday raised its 2026 economic growth forecast to 7.22 percent, citing strong artificial intelligence (AI) demand despite disruptions from Middle East conflicts. The latest forecast represents a sharp upward revision from the institution's January projection of 4.14 percent. CIER also forecast growth of 3.4 percent for 2027, up from 2.95 percent previously.

• 〔Focus Taiwan〕Agencies gear up for Dajia Mazu pilgrimage starting April 17

Taipei, April 16 (CNA) Local government agencies and state-run Taiwan Railway Corp. are ramping up preparations for the annual Dajia Mazu pilgrimage, which is set to begin on Friday night in Taichung. The nine-day, eight-night procession will depart at 10:05 p.m. from Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, traveling through more than 100 temples across Taichung and Changhua, Yunlin and Chiayi counties.