Taiwan should continue accelerating efforts aimed at achieving trade liberalization and industry upgrades so as to lay the foundations for greater national prosperity in the golden decade ahead, Minister of Economic Affairs Shih Yen-shiang said July 12.
“The MOEA will map out policies and strategies seeking sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth through innovation,” Shih said. “At the same time, we will prioritize food security and energy safety.”
The minister made the remarks at an MOEA-organized forum staged as part of ROC centennial celebrations in Taipei.
Shih said the government’s economic roadmap incorporates the five concepts laid out in the Statute for Industrial Innovation, which was approved by the Legislative Yuan in April 2010.
The concept comprises efficiently using intangible assets, developing industrial manpower, implementing financial support, promoting sustainable development and freeing up land for production. The statute also makes use of subsidies, guidance and low-interest loans to encourage investment in R&D and innovation, with the aim of stimulating industrial transformation and strengthening national competitiveness.
But Shih said economic development cannot be achieved at the expense of the environment. “The decision to withdraw support for the Kuokuang petrochemical project underscores the government’s determination in this regard.”
The controversial NT$589.7 billion (US$18.31 billion) Kuokuang development project, which included refineries, naphtha crackers and production plants, was expected to create some 6,800 new jobs and over NT$312.7 billion in annual output.
Economic planning should also focus on achieving balanced development in terms of regional growth and the export-domestic demand mix, Shih said. “As Taiwan strives for greater growth, more consideration must be given to the disadvantaged so they too can share in the benefits.”
The minister said MOEA policymaking is based on the concepts of job creation, international participation, public-private partnership, policy stability and self-financing for state-sponsored projects.
“But environmental concerns will always remain a top priority for the government when it comes to drafting Taiwan’s economic blueprint,” Shih said.
Write to Meg Chang at meg.chang@mail.gio.gov.tw