Premier Lai Ching-te today attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Taiwan's Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce, where he announced that the nation's economy is expected to grow 2.58 percent in 2017, and that estimates place next year's growth at 2 percent or above. The premier also noted that Taiwan's unemployment rate in October fell to 3.75 percent, which he attributed to the combined efforts of the entire nation.
Thanking the assembled leaders of commerce and industry for decades of efforts devoted to running businesses, Premier Lai said that the breakfast was the first time that he has had the opportunity to meet with industry chiefs since taking office. He expressed hope that the group would firmly support the work of the Executive Yuan, and emphasized that investing in Taiwan to boost the economy requires the participation of all to ensure continued vigorous growth. The premier added that businesses hopefully will respond to the government's move to increase salaries for public employees by likewise raising starting pay and wages in general in the private sector, as well as securing a win-win result by providing attractive working conditions that will keep talent in Taiwan.
In addition to concentrated efforts to spur economic growth, the premier said that government must move decisively to resolve all manner of social ills and guarantee a stable and peaceful existence for people throughout the nation. Beyond implementing President Tsai Ing-wen's long-term care 2.0 program aimed at the elderly and the disabled, the Executive Yuan plans next month to unveil a new policy in response to the need to create a healthy environment for starting families. The policy will address the serious issue of Taiwan's aging population and low fertility.
Another issue crucial to public well-being is air pollution, said Premier Lai, explaining that the Executive Yuan communicated thoroughly with the Democratic Progressive Party legislative caucus on December 11, and today extended invitations to city mayors and county magistrates from central and southern Taiwan to discuss responsive policies. This week the Executive Yuan will also propose draft amendments to the Air Pollution Control Act. In addition, the government plans next week to put forward both legislative and policy action plans as a solid response to public expectations on the issue.
Law and order is an additional area that must be addressed to ensure safety and security for all. There is extreme concern among the public over the harm caused by illegal drugs, and this concern is shared by President Tsai. Premier Lai said that in addition to proposing policy responses, he has actively carried out inspections at the National Police Agency, Customs Administration, Investigation Bureau and other related units. He expressed hope that such efforts will yield an effective solution to the growing problem of drugs, and thereby provide a healthy environment for the people of Taiwan to pursue peaceful and productive lives.