TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Monday (March 23) that the New Southbound Policy Information Platform (新南向政策資訊平臺) will cease operations on March 31, ending nearly a decade of service as a multilingual portal for Taiwan's engagement with 18 countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Australasia. The announcement comes as Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) celebrated the city's Muslim community at the "2026 Eid-al-Fitr in Taipei" event at Daan Forest Park (大安森林公園) on Sunday (March 22).
The platform, which launched on Dec. 1, 2016, served as a centralized resource for news, policy updates, and information regarding Taiwan's cooperation with partner nations. The ministry stated the platform has completed its mission as the New Southbound Policy enters a normalized phase. Deputy Ministry Spokesperson Chen E-jun (陳怡君) explained that the platform's outreach effectiveness was limited but assured the policy will continue under respective government authorities.
A report by the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (中華經濟研究院) indicated Taiwanese businesses in ASEAN exceeded 6,200 by the end of 2024, representing 60% growth over eight years with total revenue surpassing US$260 billion (around NT$8.35 trillion). Investments remain concentrated in Vietnam and Thailand, with revenue peaking in 2023 before growth slowed when President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) took office in 2024.
Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, Legislator Niu Hsu-ting (牛煦庭) supported the platform closure, urging a reassessment of the policy's strategic significance. Chien Chih-ming (簡智明), honorary president of the Vietnamese Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, suggested government-backed business organizations could facilitate negotiations with local governments more effectively. Scholars recommend the New Southbound Policy (新南向政策) advance to its next phase of development.
The Eid-al-Fitr event drew a large crowd to Daan Forest Park, featuring a halal market, lawn play area, and cultural experience zone for multicultural celebration. Mayor Chiang participated in Turkish water painting and Islamic calligraphy activities during the festivities. The event reflects Taipei's ongoing efforts to create a welcoming environment for its diverse Muslim population. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$32.13)