Ocean development plan to expand marine industries, sustainable governance

At the Cabinet's weekly meeting Thursday, Premier Cho Jung-tai received reports from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) regarding a new ocean technology and industry development plan. The premier commended the NSTC, OAC and other relevant ministries and agencies for leveraging technology as a core driver to advance marine research; transform marine industries; protect Taiwan's coasts and waters from the land, sea and air; and catalyze development of marine culture and industries, thereby systematically addressing past gaps in Taiwan's investment in ocean affairs.

Premier Cho said the ocean technology and industry development plan has three strategic goals. First, to incorporate technology into maritime security, the plan will establish an international observation and research station for the western Pacific; accelerate the translation of scientific research into practical applications; support the global expansion of related industries; and gradually build a comprehensive marine database. By harnessing science and technology, these efforts will bolster maritime security while safeguarding the sustainability of the marine environment.

Second, to spur the development of smart marine industries, the plan will deploy innovative technologies and interministerial collaboration to advance marine technology sectors, including smart vessels, smart port services, smart marine aquaculture, autonomous unmanned vehicles and marine defense technologies. Third, to integrate marine culture into everyday life, the plan will tap the private sector and local areas to promote marine sports, recreational activities at sea and other marine leisure industries.

Premier Cho noted that Taiwan's marine industries generated NT$1.5 trillion (approximately US$46.5 billion) in output in 2024, underscoring the strength of the nation's blue economy. He directed the relevant ministries and agencies to fully explore marine business opportunities while strengthening the national marine database and advancing the use of AI in safeguarding marine sovereignty.