Over 8 million people have pre-ordered their spending vouchers in six days. That was the word from Premier Su Tseng-chang on Thursday.
Under the plan, people can purchase NT$3000 worth of coupons for just NT$1000. The vouchers are part of a government plan to encourage domestic spending and offset COVID-19’s blow on the economy. But Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je said that goal was not feasible because the vouchers are valid for five and a half months, which he thought was too long.
Unlike the Taipei mayor, Premier Su is optimistic about the vouchers. He said many local governments, retailers and vendors have launched promotions to attract potential spenders who are looking to get the most out of their vouchers.
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, some 83 percent of the pre-orders were placed for vouchers in paper form, while the rest opted for electronic form, including credit card payments and third-party online payment apps.
The new deadline for the pre-order period has been extended to July 12, and the vouchers can be used starting July 15.