ArchivesPresident Ma outlines policy agenda for 2nd term ROC President Ma Ying-jeou sets out his administration’s policy goals for the next four years Feb. 22 in Taipei. (CNA)
ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said Feb. 22 that narrowing the wealth gap, creating jobs, fostering innovation and securing greater participation for Taiwan in regional economic integration will be top policy priorities during his second term in office. “The uncertain financial climate gives us a chance to set Taiwan on a new course of development,” Ma said while addressing an economic forum in Taipei City. “We can use this situation to lay the foundations for growth as during the 2009 financial tsunami.” Taiwan’s sound economic fundamentals and highly skilled workforce has the island on the right course to achieve greater prosperity, the president said. But this goal will not be achieved at the expense of those battling to keep their heads above water, he added. “The government is committed to expanding the social welfare net and building a fairer taxation system. The rich-poor divide cannot be allowed to widen any further.” Since taking office in May 2008, the Ma administration has created more than 400,000 jobs and implemented wide-ranging economic reforms. Yet the president believes more must be done to bring unemployment down to a level on par with regional rivals. “It is the government’s responsibility to build a stable environment that fosters job creation,” he said. “Taiwan must change from a manufacturing-based economy to one defined by value-added products and innovation.” Ma said the government will capitalize on Taiwan’s abundance of creativity and put the right policies in place to transform the island into a global innovation center—a goal only possible through greater engagement with the world’s major economies, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, EU and U.S. The president believes gaining membership of the Trans-Pacific Partnership within the next decade is an important step in this process, with projects such as the free trade zone planned for Kaohsiung Harbor spearheading these efforts. Although the government has prioritized realigning Taiwan’s economy, Ma believes an equally important mission is building a just society. “The well-being and happiness index initiative will help us assess the effectiveness of policymaking and ensure all members of society are sharing the benefits.” (JSM) Write to Meg Chang at meg.chang@mail.gio.gvo.tw |