Taipei: Taiwan aims to transform its capital market into an Asian equivalent of the tech-heavy Nasdaq market so startups from around the world can raise funds in the country and seek opportunities to work with their Taiwanese counterparts, according to President Lai Ching-te. According to Focus Taiwan, President Lai revealed in an interview with Taiwan Television (TTV) and Unique Satellite TV that aired Friday night that Taiwan has recently relaxed a broad set of rules related to the local capital market to align with international fund-raising standards. The changes include accommodating odd-lot trading, which allows investors to purchase fewer than the standard block of 1,000 shares, and facilitating day trading, enabling traders to execute buy-and-sell transactions within a single session. Lai highlighted Taiwan's reputation as a technology hub and emphasized its comprehensive AI ecosystem as a significant advantage for attracting foreign tech companies in search of funding. Taiwan currently ranks as th e fifth largest stock market globally in terms of market value, boasting substantial liquidity. Lai noted that Taiwan's robust AI supply chain gives it a competitive edge over regional players like South Korea, Japan, Singapore, China, and Hong Kong in becoming an Asian Nasdaq and serving as a funding hub for foreign startups. Lai also pointed out that Taiwan's efforts to create an attractive investment environment for startups would not only facilitate capital raising but also enable tech firms to collaborate with Taiwan's supply chain. This collaboration could lead to the development and market testing of new products. As more foreign tech companies flock to Taiwan to secure funding, the local capital market is expected to expand, benefiting local small and medium-sized enterprises and microbusinesses through synergistic effects. The establishment of an Asian Nasdaq market in Taiwan is deemed essential for the country's growth, Lai stated. He further emphasized that Taiwan, already protected by its silico n shield, could leverage its AI development to create additional protective industries, strengthening the nation's defense capabilities.