Forward-looking‧Professional‧International 
March 2016  
Pessimism subsides due to a possible normalization of oil price
TIER business composite indices signal sanguinity of outlook
Although the world economy has not yet positioned itself on a certain recovery track, further monetary operations by the European Central Bank (ECB) and Bank of Japan (BOJ) have at least helped maintain sufficient liquidity to support business activities. In addition, the Federal Reserve (Fed) decided to delay a scheduled rate hike in March and reduce the frequency of tightening this year. Furthermore, plunging crude oil price seems come to an end, and a potential oil spike could be happening anytime soon. All of the semi-good causes jointly sink the pessimistic sentiment. As a result, business composite indicators issued by the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER) in March signaled somewhat sanguinity of outlook.
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MOEA OKs electricity price cuts from April 1
The Ministry of Economic Affairs approved Tuesday a plan by Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) to lower the nation's electricity rates to reflect declining generation costs due to continued falling international crude oil prices. Beginning April 1, Taipower will lower average electricity rates by 9.56 percent from NT$2.8181 to NT$2.5488 per kilowatt-hour, according to the state-run utility's announcement of new price rates published Tuesday. The rates will be priced on a "user pays" basis and will be lowered according to improvements in energy use efficiency, Taipower said. According to the new pricing scheme, households using 120kWh or less per month will see their electricity rates drop by the steepest NT$1.63 per kWh, or 9.94 percent, Taipower said. (source: The Chinapost)

Promoting the Health Service Industry, Exhibiting the Industry’s Innovative Power (Source: MOEA)
Taiwan Economic Research Monthly
Promoting industrialised agriculture by social enterprises
Global social enterprises' development outlook and the relevant policy analysis
Social enterprises adopt a business model to resolve social problems while also create opportunities for economic development and employment. This model has become one of important means for national agricultural development. Social organisations have been given similar but different positioning and functions referring to different management and systems. Hence, this article delivers the studies of social enterprises’ policies and development outlooks of the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and other major economies.
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