GDP per capita could surpass US$40,000: ChoRISING WAGES Both the GDP per capita and monthly minimum wage are increasing as Taiwan ably surfs the AI boom’s global economic swellBy Hollie Younger / Staff writer, with CNATaiwan’s GDP per capita could exceed US$40,000 this year and the monthly minimum wage could top NT$30,000 if the economy continues its steady growth trajectory, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said yesterday. Taiwan reported economic growth of 8.63 percent last year, with GDP per capita rising to US$39,477 amid favorable economic conditions, Cho said, adding that the nation’s stock market reached 33,000 points. Photo: CNAEchoing President William Lai’s (賴清德) call for the Legislative Yuan to pass the government’s proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.7 billion) special defense budget, Cho said he sees signs of hope emerging in the legislature. Regarding controversies involving military pay raises, the Executive Yuan would seek a constitutional judgement, Cho said. Cho said he hoped that after the Lunar New Year recess, the legislature would review the special defense budget and the general budget to improve security.

Source: Taipei Times February 12, 2026 16:52 UTC