President Lai Ching-te said May 20 that he believes the people of Taiwan will maintain solidarity with enthusiasm, perseverance and resilience to steadily and solidly forge ahead in the face of challenges.
Lai made the remarks while delivering an address on the first anniversary of his taking office at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. He praised the progress made by the PO’s committees in addressing climate change, health promotion and social resilience.
According to the president, the Executive Yuan and its agencies have produced 20 flagship carbon reduction projects and will strive to achieve the new 2035 national target of emission reductions of 36-40 percent. Measures such as establishing a national center for disease prevention and control are being implemented to keep citizens healthy, while 17 major strategies have been proposed to respond to national security and united front threats, he said.
The government is also working to address challenges like the new U.S. tariff policy, the president said, citing an anticipated special act allocating NT$410 billion (US$13.6 billion) to support domestic industries and maintain a stable power supply. Tariff negotiations are going smoothly, he noted, adding that the government will stand firm on Taiwan’s position while seeking optimal results to deepen Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade relations.
Lai went on to say that Taiwan will uphold its democratic values and expand into diverse markets as it strengthens ties with the U.S., adding that the government will endeavor to sign investment protection agreements and double-taxation avoidance pacts with friends and allies.
Taiwan will continue to enhance market connections with fellow democracies while pursuing admission to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and other trade mechanisms, he said. The government will also ensure the country’s economy is export-led, prioritize strong technological research and development, and boost software development, production and manufacturing, among other strategies, he added.
The country’s strengths must be leveraged to attract investment from international firms, Lai said, citing U.S.-based Nvidia Corporation’s recent announcement of plans to establish an overseas headquarters in Taipei. He added that the government will set up a sovereign wealth fund and build a national-level investment platform to expand domestic enterprises’ global presence.
The president concluded by stressing that Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in Asia and plays a pivotal role in areas including regional security. He expressed his hope that fellow citizens would work together to make Taiwan a model for world peace and a force for global prosperity. (YCH-E)
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