The overseas ethnic Chinese community is Taiwan's most important asset abroad as it offers the type of talent, capital, skills and business networks that the government cannot match, Jiang Yi-huah touted today at the 2014 Commissioners' Conference of the Overseas Community Affairs Council.
"Their firm support for Taiwan over the past 100 years has helped drive the nation forward amidst various challenges and crises," he said at the October 19-22 event, which brings together overseas Chinese leaders from around the world to discuss recommendations on overseas compatriot policies.
In fact, many major development projects in Taiwan could not have succeeded without the backing of the overseas community, Jiang added. Given President Ma Ying-jeou's emphasis on improving the economy and linking Taiwan with the world, such support will be ever more vital as Taiwan transforms its industries and seeks entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Through their connections with government officials and leaders of mainstream society in their countries of residence, overseas compatriots can be instrumental in helping Taiwan achieve international breakthroughs. Considering Taiwan's current diplomatic situation, it needs help from the overseas Chinese community on top of formal negotiations and contacts, the premier said.
President Ma's administration values the bond that connects overseas compatriots to Taiwan and has endeavored to strengthen that bond through policy changes, the premier said. One major reform is to allow overseas ethnic Chinese students to stay and work in Taiwan after completing their studies in the country.
Since this reform was implemented in July 2014, those graduates seeking employment were no longer qualified based solely on their wage-earning potential but are selected according to a quota system that considers a wider range of skills and criteria. This has enabled more outstanding overseas Chinese youths to stay and join the Taiwanese in building a stronger country. Further, the new policy will help alleviate the talent shortage associated with Taiwan's rapidly shrinking population.
The premier thanked the many leaders and members of the overseas community for helping the Republic of China overcome many challenges. These compatriots have always been willing to lend a helping hand—whether in the field of politics, economics, trade, social welfare, cultural exchanges or education, he said.