IDB approves 756 aid requestsSTAYING AFLOAT: IDB has issued NT$734 million in subsidies to help companies pay wages last month for up to 33,957 employees, and it plans another NT$1.12 billionBy Natasha Li / Staff reporterThe Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) has approved 756 of 1,224 applications from companies seeking government subsidies due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it said yesterday. Of the approved applications, 280 are from base metal and machinery equipment makers, 188 are from consumer goods and chemical materials manufacturers, and 120 are from information and communication technology companies, IDB data showed. The remaining applications are from businesses across various sectors, such as design, tourism and knowledge-based industries. It is aimed at providing financial aid to businesses from the manufacturing and services sectors that are struggling with the effects of the pandemic. “After discussions with industry representatives, we have decided to maintain the 50 percent threshold while loosening certain criteria,” he said.

Source: Taipei Times May 07, 2020 15:56 UTC