Forward-looking‧Professional‧International 
May 2017  
Cyclical recovery of the world economy continues
TIER composite indicators suggest Taiwan's growth turn tepid
Despite the fact that the first quarter of US economy's performance this year is not as cheerful as previous quarters, the world economy in general is continuing its cyclical recovery. However, Taiwan's growth of recovery may turn tepid according to the composite indicators recently issued by the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER).
Taiwan's exports in April 2017 increased by 9.39% compared with the same month of 2016. Regarding imports, Taiwan's imports in April 2017 increased by 23.5% compared with imports in April 2016. From January 1st till the end of April this year, Taiwan's exports and imports gave a trade surplus of US$ 13.57 billion or a decrease by 20.32% on a y-o-y basis.
Taiwan's consumer price index (CPI) went up by 0.12% in April 2017 compared with the same month of previous year. The current inflation rate has gradually moved back down compared with previous months. The core inflation rate stood at a relatively more heated ratio as 1.01% in April, 2017. In addition, the wholesale price index (WPI) increased by 1.12% in April 2017 on the year-on-year basis. Basically, the annual increasing ratio of WPI has exceeded the ratio of CPI that indicates corporate profits on average have been squeezed.
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Computex: 'The most important exhibit of the year' is here
The 37th Computex opened Tuesday, with Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) and Economic Affairs Minister Lee Chih-kung (李世光) among the distinguished guests at the opening ceremony. Speaking at the event Tuesday morning, Chen lauded the trade show for capturing the latest trends and technological developments in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry. This year's Computex features a total of 1,600 exhibitors from 26 countries operating 5,010 booths. Each exhibitor promises to showcase something unique and innovative in one of the five realms of AI & Robotics, IoT Applications, Innovations & Startups, Business Solutions and Gaming & VR. In addition, to inform visitors of the latest trends, organizers have "carefully planned for a number of events during Computex, including a forum series, new product launches, startup competitions and one-on-one procurement match-making meetings," according to James C.F. Huang (黃志芳), chairman of event organizer Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). (Source: The China Post)

Yunlin aiming to be green energy industry leader (Source: MOEA)
Taiwan Economic Research Monthly
The Development of smart energy integration
The strategy of promoting smart energy in Germany
Germany has succeeded in expanding the renewable energy capacity in the early stage of energy transformation. However, the surplus of the current green energy generating devices in term of capacity triggers a backlash from the public. By reviewing the challenges of the German energy transformation, it is not only upgrading renewable energy generation technology, infrastructure expansion and demand side management, but also integrating innovative technology, assistive services and existing energy infrastructure along with the infrastructure renovation. therefore, Germany would inject €230 million in 4 years to develop smart energy showcase that seeks future energy strategy blueprint.
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