Taking into account economic variables abroad and various domestic development issues, the Cabinet has set the gross domestic product per capita target at US$22,649 to US$22,807. Inflation will be kept under 2.0 percent, and unemployment capped at 3.8 percent to 3.9 percent.
“Under the plan, the government will devote resources to boosting the economy, strengthening social welfare and public health, and protecting the environment,” Premier Mao Chi-kuo said at the Cabinet meeting.
“Concrete objectives include creating jobs for youth, ensuring the welfare of the elderly, helping enterprises find business opportunities and building a supportive environment for the disadvantaged.”
The scheme drafted by the National Development Council reflects President Ma Ying-jeou’s Golden Decade National Vision and policies aimed at promoting economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and social justice.
The NDC seeks to achieve the 2015 economic growth and employment targets by pooling the government’s resources, using them to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across all sectors.
With the implementation of the HeadStart Taiwan program and amendments to the Statute for Industrial Innovation, the council hopes to spark the generation of local startups by attracting venture capital from Silicon Valley and promote industrial upgrades by bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds.
On the export front, the NDC plans to continue accelerating regional economic integration, forging free trade agreements and pushing product transformation to stimulate exports, especially in the services sector.
In addition, by easing business regulations—such as setting up Free Economic Pilot Zones—and strengthening human resources, the council expects to see substantial advances in Taiwan’s investment and employment environments as well. (YHC-GW)
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