At Thursday's Cabinet meeting, Premier Chen Chien-jen received a briefing from the National Development Council on its overall economic forecast for 2023. The premier said that in order to achieve the four priorities previously announced by President Tsai Ing-wen, the Executive Yuan last month approved a special bill to boost economic and social resilience and share the proceeds of growth in the post-pandemic era. The special bill, which will help ensure Taiwan's economic growth maintains momentum, is currently awaiting approval by the Legislative Yuan. Subject to the bill passing its final reading, the Executive Yuan will propose a special budget for approval by legislators.
Premier Chen said he held separate meetings with Legislative Speaker You Si-kun and governing and opposition party caucuses between January 31 and February 1. Subject to the special budget's approval, the Executive Yuan will be able to rapidly distribute a NT$6,000 (US$200) tax rebate to every person.
The premier instructed his administrative team to channel their full energies into concrete action to advance President Tsai's four priorities of achieving a steady post-pandemic recovery, strengthening the social safety net, upgrading national infrastructure and promoting Taiwan's six core strategic industries.
In addition, Premier Chen reminded ministries and agencies that their goal is to lighten people's burdens, especially groups impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic such as small and medium-sized enterprises, street vendors, salaried workers, childrearing households, socially vulnerable populations and student loan borrowers. He called on civil servants and officials to show empathy and compassion, so that the government can provide the best of care for all people and build a more resilient Taiwan.