The overseas ethnic Chinese community plays an important role in Taiwan's economic development, Premier Mao Chi-kuo said today at a banquet following the 2015 Commissioners' Conference of the Overseas Community Affairs Council.
"Participating in international economic and trade integration is one of Taiwan's priorities," said the premier. He hopes overseas compatriots can exert their influence and help win support for Taiwan, whether in tapping emerging markets, signing bilateral economic and trade cooperation accords, or participating in multilateral regional blocs.
Expressing gratitude to overseas compatriot representatives for returning to Taiwan and providing recommendations on national development, Premier Mao said the government will reciprocate and offer every assistance to the overseas community when necessary.
The premier also talked about the government's effort to harness the strength of the overseas ethnic Chinese community for Taiwan, a policy that was put forward when he took office and is currently being promoted by agencies.
"Taking the immigration policy as an example, our first- and second-generation immigrants have become the nation's new strength. The government has established a Cabinet-level board to coordinate Taiwan's immigrant affairs, and a new fund has been created to cultivate them into a vital force for Taiwan."
The government has also relaxed rules to allow more overseas ethnic Chinese students to stay in Taiwan for work after graduation. They are welcome to remain and be part of the workforce as long as they can find employment here, added the premier.
In conclusion, Premier Mao expressed his hope that leaders of the overseas ethnic Chinese community can continue to work toward Taiwan's sustainable development by serving as the bridge between the island country and the world.