“The CEPD will reach this goal by implementing infrastructure projects nationwide and realigning Taiwan’s industrial structure to promote employment,” Liu said. “We need to adjust our export-oriented strategy and keep the jobs in Taiwan so that the benefits of economic development can be shared by everyone.”
Liu made the remarks during a year-end news conference in Taipei at which she reported on CEPD measures aimed at stimulating the economy amid challenging global conditions.
Highlights of CEPD plans for next year include fast-tracking the NT$3.99 trillion (US$131.68 billion) i-Taiwan 12 Projects and regional development programs for eastern Taiwan and outlying islands.
“We will also work harder to attract more global investment in Taiwan’s emerging industries, including biotechnology, culture and creativity, green energy, tourism and services sectors,” Liu said.
CEPD efforts to date have helped Taiwan greatly improve its rankings in business environment, global competitiveness and trade liberalization by internationally renowned economic research organizations. “The Cross-Straits Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) has also been a major factor in this process,” Liu said.
With these fundamentals in place, many leading economic think tanks are tipping Taiwan to enjoy higher growth in 2012 than rivals such as Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea.
But Taiwan cannot afford to rest on its laurels, Liu said, adding that the CEPD is working with local government and the private sector to identify regional industry strengths and tailor action plans. The council will also launch a nationwide training project in 2012 to produce 5,600 professionals in strategic business sectors.
According to the CEPD, these efforts will put Taiwan’s economy on the path toward 4.3-percent growth next year, with gross domestic product per capita reaching US$20,649 and unemployment capped at 4.2 percent. (JSM)
Write to Meg Chang at meg.chang@mail.gio.gov.tw