GDP growth benefits remain unequalBy Wang Chin-ho 王清厚Taiwan’s economy took off in the 1970s and 1980s, transforming it from a developing nation into a beautiful, developed country. Taiwan’s GDP per capita surpassing US$40,000 can be partly attributed to negative population growth. Since GDP per capita is calculated by dividing GDP by the population, negative or zero population growth naturally pushes the figure higher. That Taiwan’s GDP per capita has risen from stabilizing at US$30,000 to surpassing US$40,000 in just five years highlights the strength of its economic growth. As GDP growth primarily benefits the tech sector, traditional industries continue to struggle and economic gains are not being shared broadly among the population.

Source: Taipei Times February 27, 2026 18:21 UTC