The ROC Cabinet is ready to move full speed ahead on implementing its legislative agenda, Premier Jiang Yi-huah said after the Legislature rejected a no-confidence motion against him Oct. 15.
The premier thanked Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng for his assistance in coordinating the vote, and the ruling Kuomintang caucus and independent legislators for their support.
“Now that the no-confidence motion has been defeated, the Cabinet hopes to be invited to deliver an administrative report to the Legislature as required by the Constitution,” Jiang said, adding that major policies concerning the people’s livelihood can then be implemented with legislative oversight.
“Under President Ma Ying-jeou’s leadership and legislative supervision, the Cabinet will continue advancing toward the golden decade national vision,” he added.
“Taiwan is facing an environment undergoing tumultuous changes and laden with challenges,” the premier said. “The global economy has entered a major transformative phase and is embracing regional economic integration. However, the European debt crisis has yet to end, while growth has slowed in mainland China and other emerging markets. Furthermore, the U.S. is once again mired in a dispute over raising its debt ceiling. All these phenomena demonstrate the volatility of the global economy.
“To allow Taiwan to quickly integrate with the regional economy, carve out a wider space for international trade and raise national competitiveness, the government signed the Cross-Strait Agreement on Trade in Services in June, as well as the Agreement between New Zealand and Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu on Economic Cooperation (ANZTEC) in July.
The latter is the ROC’s first economic cooperation agreement with a country which is not a diplomatic ally, and it will help the nation sign more bilateral trade agreements and move closer to joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the premier said. Moreover, the Cabinet is actively promoting Free Economic Pilot Zones, which will spur a new wave of economic liberalization that creates job opportunities and brings the nation in line with international standards, he added.
“Taiwan should set aside internal squabbles and dedicate all its strength to the economy,” Jiang said. “This legislative session is not only important for setting budgets; there are also several major bills which must be deliberated. I hope that they will be passed quickly with the support of the Legislature.”
The premier said the Cabinet will field policies and measures to reinvigorate the economy, protect the disadvantaged, cultivate the nation’s talents and nurture culture.
“Holding fast to the goals I established upon taking office, I will lead the Cabinet to blaze new trails and seek to make Taiwan a society of prosperity and propriety,” Jiang said. “At the same time, we must humbly listen to voices from all sectors of society and win the public’s affirmation.” (SDH)
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