Premier Su Tseng-chang says the government will issue coupons in mid-July to boost the economy. Su was speaking Tuesday at a press conference.
Su said Taiwan’s 23 million nationals and the 150,000 foreign spouses are entitled to receive a coupon, regardless of age.
To get the coupon worth NT$3,000 (US$100), however, one has to pay NT$1,000 (US$33) upfront in exchange for it. But the government will aid low to mid-income citizens by transferring NT$1,000 to their bank accounts so they can use it to get the NT$3,000 coupon.
Su said the coupon is easy to use and are for physical stores like restaurants, department stores, night markets and hair salons. That’s because physical stores are hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are some restrictions on the use of coupons. For example, they are not for online shopping, nor can they be used to pay taxes, fines, or tobacco products.
It is expected that the coupon will create economic benefits of NT$100 billion (US$3.3 billion).