Consultants for the national conference on economic and trade affairs met this afternoon at the Executive Yuan to review results from a series of preliminary regional conferences and to confirm the agenda and participant list for the national conference, set to begin July 26.
Today's meeting was co-hosted by Premier Jiang Yi-huah and former Vice Premier Lin Hsin-i, who serves as convener of representatives from the private sector. The panel of consultants included National Taiwan University Professor Chen Wei-jao, National Chengchi University President Wu Se-hwa, Chinese National Federation of Industries Chairman Hsu Sheng-hsiung, General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China Chairman Lai Cheng-i, Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions President Chuang Chueh-an and Taiwan Federation of Labor President Tung Wen-ya.
Premier Jiang said that the regional conferences in northern, southern, central and eastern Taiwan had been completed and that participants engaged in enthusiastic exchanges. Webcasts of the four conferences drew nearly 15,000 viewers and more than 10,000 postings altogether, which achieved the national conference's preliminary objectives of communicating with Internet groups and integrating the real and virtual communities.
A total of 556 representatives expressed their positions 436 times at the regional conferences, which began on June 21 this year, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Sun Lih-chyun reported after today's meeting. Conference participants reached consensus on 68 items, majority agreement on 125 items and other opinions on 139 items. Northern participants discussed a wider range of topics; southern and central participants focused on local industries and young entrepreneurs; while eastern delegates were more concerned with tourism, transportation and regional development.
Regarding the first discussion topic—Taiwan's strategies for economic development under globalization—the representatives believe the government should formulate a comprehensive economic strategy amid globalization trends and enhance industries' international competitiveness. In particular, it should assist young businesspeople, local industries and social enterprises to expand while minimizing the number of industries that will be at a disadvantage.
As for the second discussion topic—cross-strait trade and Taiwan's strategies for regional economic integration—most representatives acknowledge that merging into the regional economy is a necessary path for Taiwan. However, the government must support industries along the way, safeguard labor rights and interests, and communicate fully with the public on cross-strait trade.
To incorporate suggestions from across the country and expand public participation, a "national economic and trade conference" discussion board was set up on the exchange platform Loomio on June 9 as an innovative way of engaging different sectors in discussions of the two topics. Eleven Internet groups were also invited to the regional conferences as participants or observers, and webcasts of the actual conferences were made available on social networking sites.
Additionally, a debate competition was held on July 19 for top teams from universities and colleges in northern Taiwan to argue whether economic and trade liberalization would be helpful or harmful to young people's future. A "World Café" gathering for people aged 18 to 35 was conducted on July 20 and broadcast live on LIVEhouse.in.
As for the contents of discussion at the July 26 national conference, the consultants today confirmed the two topics based on opinions gathered from the regional conferences and online platforms:
"Taiwan's Economic Strategies in a Globalized World" will explore strategic plans to adapt to globalization, strengthen domestic industries' competitiveness, provide innovative education and startup assistance for young people, reduce the impact of globalization on disadvantaged sectors, and develop local industries and social enterprises.
"Taiwan's Regional Economic Integration and Cross-strait Trade Strategies" will discuss strategies for integrating Taiwan into the regional economy, strengthening assistance to industries, protecting workers' rights and interests, defining cross-strait economic tactics under regional integration trends, promoting cross-strait economic and trade agreements and supervisory mechanisms, and bolstering Taiwan's economic and cultural autonomy.
These two topics received significant feedback during the four regional meetings. Under the first topic, participants reached consensus on 21 items, majority agreement on 31 items and other opinions on 29 items. On the second topic, participants arrived at consensus on 14 items, majority agreement on 21 items and other opinions on 24 items. All of the feedback will be incorporated into the agenda for the national conference.
Viewpoints from the Loomio discussion board and the World Café event will also be included into the discussions. As a show of respect for the Internet community, Premier Jiang directed organizers to compile and itemize the online suggestions and send the list to the representatives prior to the national conference.
Since many of the suggestions made at the regional meetings concern policies currently being planned or implemented by the government, the consultants recommended the National Development Council and the Ministry of Economic Affairs respond to these suggestions during briefings on the first day of the national conference.
The main conference will take place July 26-28, said Sun. Premier Jiang asked the organizers to make minor adjustments to the conference agenda according to the consultants' recommendations. As for delegates representing the public at the conference, the list topped 160 as of 6 p.m., July 18. Jiang instructed organizers to follow up and confirm with all attendants to ensure a smooth event.
Premier Jiang thanked the panel of consultants for their active participation and valuable suggestions during the past four meetings, Sun said. The premier also hoped the national conference would help forge a nationwide consensus on Taiwan's economic and trade strategies and encourage citizens to join the government in working for a brighter future for Taiwan.