The Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) held a signing press conference for the Indigenous Reserved Land Loan Credit Guarantee Program today (the 16^th), officially launching the program. Applications from indigenous peoples will be accepted starting January 16, 2026, marking a concrete step toward strengthening indigenous financial rights.

To enhance public understanding of the Indigenous Reserved Land Loan Credit Guarantee and its significance and long-term impact on indigenous economic development, the signing ceremony highlighted a collaborative model involving the government, financial institutions, and a credit guarantee agency. Relevant implementation guidelines were also concurrently released, providing clear information on the participation and application of the credit guarantee mechanism.

According to the CIP, loans under this program will be offered by participating financial institutions at an interest rate of 4% (calculated on a floating basis as the postal savings rate plus 2.28% per annum). Indigenous borrowers will bear an interest rate of 2.72% (postal savings rate plus 1% per annum), with the 1.28% difference subsidized by the CIP. The credit guarantee coverage may reach up to 95%, with a total lending cap of NT$500 million. Loan funds comprise two main categories: Economic and Industrial Loans (working capital: up to NT$5 million; capital expenditures: up to NT$10 million); Housing Loans for Self-Construction, Purchase, or Renovation (maximum loan amount: NT$10 million).

Minister Ljaucu·Zingrur noted that ownership of indigenous reserved land is legally restricted to indigenous peoples, and valuation is often difficult, which has historically limited access to financing. To address these barriers, the CIP has partnered with three participating financial institutions—the Land Bank of Taiwan, Taiwan Cooperative Bank, and the Agricultural Bank of Taiwan—to implement the Indigenous Reserved Land Loan Program. To further strengthen financial safeguards for indigenous peoples, the CIP is also working in cooperation with the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Fund to provide a dedicated credit guarantee scheme. Drawing on the fund’s extensive experience and professional expertise, the program is expected to increase lending institutions’ willingness to extend credit. Through the combined channels of ample bank funding and credit guarantees, the program aims to help indigenous borrowers secure financing and realize indigenous financial rights. Indigenous applicants interested in the program are encouraged to consult and apply through indigenous financial counselors nationwide.