Financial liberalization measures promoted by the Financial Supervisory Commission over the last two years have become a force for promoting economic development and raising various sectors' competitiveness, Premier Mao Chi-kuo stated today.
The premier made this remark in an address at the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Taiwan Financial Services Roundtable.
A highly efficient financial system is conducive to channeling capital into more productive activities and thus ushering in economic growth, and the joint efforts of the government and the financial sector are necessary for the sector's sustainable development, Mao reiterated.
In this "cloud era" of highly developed online technology, the premier expects financial services to continue to employ advanced technology in financial innovations and to work hand in hand with the government to promote the sector's prosperity and development.
The premier also spoke about the nation's energy issues. He noted that more than 98 percent of Taiwan's energy is imported, and coal and natural gas generate 70 percent of the nation's electricity, which also result in carbon emissions.
As Taiwan is not a big island, its resources and industries in different regions complement each other for mutual prosperity, Mao said. Faced with energy and air pollution as well as climate change, local governments must cast aside regionalism and deal with situations in a pragmatic manner, with their foremost considerations on Taiwan's overall development and the welfare of the people.
Hence, the premier has asked the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Environmental Protection Administration to formulate relevant long-term goals as well as short- and mid-term response measures.