Premier Lai Ching-te today led members of his Cabinet to the southern county of Pingtung in the first of a series of visits around the nation to promote President Tsai Ing-wen's Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program and long-term care 2.0 plan. In addition to allowing Cabinet members to hear personally from local officials about the challenges they face, the visits will help local authorities better understand the central government's major policies, which in turn is expected to narrow the gap between central and local governments, build closer cooperation, and improve administrative effectiveness.
At today's meeting with Pingtung officials, the premier heard a report by the National Development Council on forward-looking infrastructure projects in Pingtung County, a report from the Ministry of Health and Welfare regarding the government's long-term care 2.0 plan, and a presentation by the Pingtung County Government on its efforts to promote long-term care in the county.
Regarding a proposal to extend the high-speed rail system to Pingtung County, a matter of much public interest, the premier said the feasibility study should be left to professionals. He encouraged Pingtung Magistrate Pan Men-an, county officials and local leaders to submit more specific and persuasive requests to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and asked the ministry to maintain an open attitude on the proposal.
In rooftop solar power generation, the premier said that the Ministry of Economic Affairs has held a press conference to announce specific plans and promotional measures. He asked Pingtung officials to study these plans and lend their assistance in pushing the initiative forward.
As for urban renewal projects, Premier Lai said Taiwan currently has some 3.4 million houses more than 30 years old, posing a serious problem as the number continues to grow. Promoting urban renewal projects will increase residential safety, improve urban landscapes, and spur domestic demand along with economic development.
On Saturday, the premier will continue his tour of Pingtung by attending prayer ceremonies at Cifeng Temple and Yuhuang Temple, inspecting construction projects at Dapeng Bay, and visiting a neighborhood long-term care station.
Premier Lai and his team will travel to other cities and counties over the next six months to hold similar forums with local officials. He expressed hope that these national policies will be successfully implemented, and that central and local governments can work more closely together to lead Taiwan onward to continued progress and improvement.