Premier Jiang Yi-huah today accompanied President Ma Ying-jeou at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Taipei Lantern Festival held in Taipei City. Jiang said the long-running annual event not only preserves an important custom in Chinese culture, it also incorporates environmental consciousness and innovative technology. By fusing the traditional and the modern, the festival demonstrates the cultural creativity of Taipei City and Taiwan as a whole.
As one of the six emerging industries being promoted by the Taiwan government, tourism has the potential to create high-income employment opportunities and raise the nation's standard of living, Jiang continued. The Taipei Lantern Festival is just one of many events that showcase the passion, democracy, refinement and cultivation of Taiwanese society. With hard work on the part of citizens and the government, the tourism industry will drive the nation's economic growth and prosperity.
Premier Jiang also extended his new year wishes for peace, health and success to visitors and fellow citizens at the festival.
Later, President Ma, Premier Jiang and Taipei City Mayor Hau Lung-bin kicked off celebrations by pressing the button that lit up the main theme lantern. Spectacular fireworks were displayed to herald the arrival of the Lantern Festival.