Nor was there a lot of damage done to Taiwan's most important highways and ports. The main setback is the widespread disruption of electricity. Recalibrating the sensitive equipment in high-tech facilities also can pose problems. But much of Taiwan's equipment was designed in California's quake-prone Silicon Valley, and many of the machines are engineered to withstand tremors of at least 6 on the Richter scale. Hsinchu-based United Microelectronics Corp. He expects things to be up and running early next week.
Some private economists expect the growth rate to slip by half a percentage point.
But they also predict that the economy will get a lift from funds spent to repair the damage. That's a dividend Taiwan surely deserves. Time Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .