Central and local governments are cooperating closely in sowing the seeds of a youth-powered revitalization of local communities aimed at enriching the lives of those returning home while boosting the country’s economic fortunes, according to Vice President Lai Ching-te Nov. 10.
Related plans drafted with respect to technology, culture, history and local industries are making it easier for the younger generations to pursue personal and professional goals outside of major urban centers, Lai said. No obstacles must remain in the way of those wishing to chase their dreams, he added.
Lai made the remarks while visiting an agricultural produce market and farmers’ associations in Xinpu Township of Hsinchu County in northern Taiwan.
The predominantly Hakka community is a bastion of the ethnic group’s architecture, culture and language. According to the Cabinet-level Hakka Affairs Council, the Hakka—celebrated for their farming expertise and work ethic—comprise 19.3 percent of the country’s population.
According to Lai, the market and its produce are deeply impressive and a credit to Xinpu. All offerings are fresh and safe, he said, adding that they satisfy environmentally friendly cultivation standards.
Lai said this healthy state of affairs is not by chance. Xinpu Farmers’ Association is doing great work, and its accomplishments and experiences in cooperating with farmers and organizing promotions warrant sharing around Taiwan, he added.
Such success is heartening, Lai said, and offers real hope for a reversal of the population drift to bigger centers. This can play a significant role in ensuring sustainable communities and balanced development, he added.
Another benefit of lifting the number of young people in rural towns is a potential increase in marriages and childbirths, Lai said, adding that such a trend could help arrest Taiwan’s declining birthrate and provide greater societal stability.
A happy society is a productive society, Lai said. The goal is to give everyone the opportunity to freely choose where they wish to live, work and contribute to the well-being of the country, he added. (YCH-E)
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