Premier Mao Chi-kuo thanked Taiwanese people around the world for their support in building a more energetic and prosperous nation. He made the remarks at an activity hosted by the Overseas Community Affairs Council today to celebrate the Republic of China's 104th National Day, which falls on October 10.
"With the joint efforts of Taiwanese people at home and abroad, the ROC has made great strides in democratic rule, economic prosperity and social development, giving Taiwanese worldwide more reason to hold their heads high," noted Premier Mao at the event, which was attended by thousands of overseas compatriots returning for this year's National Day.
Addressing Taiwan's socioeconomic changes in recent years, the premier said his top tasks since taking office have included helping young people build their careers, creating business opportunities for enterprises, providing care and support for the elderly, and building a dignified living environment for the disadvantaged. This policy agenda is intended to infuse energy into Taiwan and upgrade the nation across the board, he added.
In the past half year, the worldwide recession and changes in global supply chains have impacted Taiwan's economic and industrial growth, continued Premier Mao. In response, the government has put forward several short- and medium-term measures targeting export expansion, investment promotion and industrial upgrading. It is hoped that these efforts can spur the nation's innovative abilities, stimulate private sector engagement, foster a virtuous cycle of "innovation, investment and employment," and accelerate industrial upgrading and transformation. Doing so will enable Taiwan to regain a firm foothold in the next wave of the global economic recovery.
Participating in international economic and trade integration is one of Taiwan's priorities, and overseas compatriots have always played an important role in national development, the premier said. He hopes overseas compatriots in all corners of the earth can exert their influence and help win support for Taiwan's efforts to tap emergent markets, sign bilateral economic and trade cooperation accords, and participate in multilateral regional blocs. Extending gratitude to overseas compatriots for their longstanding support, he asked them to continue helping the government achieve these goals.
Premier Mao also said Taiwan's excellent education environment is an important option for overseas ethnic Chinese students, whom he described as valuable assets for Taiwan. The government has relaxed limitations on overseas ethnic Chinese students working in Taiwan after graduation, and has recently launched the entrepreneur visa program to encourage these youths to stay and establish their careers in Taiwan.
Finally, in addition to extending an open-armed welcome to overseas compatriots returning for the national celebration, Premier Mao invited them to make use of their stay to take in the island's beautiful scenery and see Taiwan's achievements in economic and social development.