Taiwan Showcases Leadership in Circular Economy at APCER & Hotspot 2025

The Asia Pacific Circular Economy Roundtable & Hotspot 2025 (APCER & Hotspot 2025) has recently concluded in Taipei, marking a significant milestone for Taiwan as a leader in circular economy practices within the Asia-Pacific region. The event took place over four days and successfully gathered more than 500 participants from 50 different countries, including policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers who came together to accelerate collaboration in circular economy initiatives.

Over recent years, Taiwan has made remarkable strides in promoting the circular economy. The country's green technology sector generated over NT$500 billion (roughly USD 15 billion) in added value in 2024, accounting for 2% of Taiwan's GDP. Among the seven green technology sectors, the circular economy stands out as a key driver, leading in both value creation and employment, with an annual growth rate of nearly 10%. This illustrates its crucial role in the industrial transformation of Taiwan.

One of the key highlights of the forum was the unveiling of the “Taiwan Circular Economy Roadmap” draft for the first time. The forum utilized a dynamic co-creation format, allowing both international and local participants to provide real-time feedback and ideas for collaboration. This roadmap is designed to serve not only as a national policy draft but also as a framework for cross-sector collaboration between Taiwan and its international partners.

In his speech, Minister Peng Chi-ming reaffirmed Taiwan’s regional commitment, stating, “This forum marks a new starting point - a platform for the joint development of circular solutions. Transitioning to a circular economy requires the collective efforts of global partners, and Taiwan will continue to be a key partner in advancing regional collaboration on circular economy efforts.” The closing ceremony also marked the handover to the Australian city of Sydney, which will host the Asia-Pacific Circular Economy Hotspot in 2026, collaborating with partners from Oceania. With a strong foundation laid in Taiwan, the momentum for circular cooperation is expected to grow, further strengthening the Asia-Pacific network on the path towards a more resilient, competitive, and truly circular future for the region.

This conference not only showcased Taiwan's leadership in sustainable development but also highlighted the growing importance of circular economies in addressing global environmental challenges. As countries seek ways to enhance sustainability, Taiwan’s proactive approach can serve as a model for others looking to implement effective circular economy practices. By fostering international collaboration and sharing best practices, the outcomes from this event have the potential to redefine how nations engage with circular economic principles moving forward.

In conclusion, the successful hosting of the APCER & Hotspot 2025 reaffirms Taiwan's pivotal role in spearheading circular economy initiatives, offering a collaborative space for innovation and sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific region. The future is bright as Taiwan continues to lead the charge towards a circular economy, inviting all stakeholders to participate in this essential transition for a sustainable planet.

APCER & Hotspot 2025