The Financial Supervisory Commission has confirmed that publicly-traded
companies will be able to distribute cash dividends in foreign currencies as
early as next year.

According to the commission, the move is aimed at creating a more
investor-friendly environment and aligning local regulations with
international practices.

The F-S-C says the measure will help reduce currency exchange costs for both
the investors and securities custodians, due to foreign investors holding up
to 46.9-per cent of the total market value of Taiwan's stock market.

The announcement comes after the stock market recently overtook the U-K to
become the world's seventh-largest by total market capitalization.

Starting next year, companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the Taipei
Exchange, and the emerging stock market, will be able to distribute cash
dividends in foreign currencies upon request.

However, the F-S-C is stressing that the arrangement applies foreign
shareholders only.