The administration is ready to move full speed ahead on implementing its legislative agenda, Premier Jiang Yi-huah said today after the Legislature voted down the no-confidence motion against him.
The premier expressed his gratitude to Speaker Wang Jin-pyng for his assistance in coordinating the voting procedure and both the Kuomintang caucus and independent legislators for their support and encouragement of the administration.
Now that the no-confidence motion has been defeated, the Executive Yuan hopes to be invited to deliver an administrative report to the Legislature as required by the Constitution, Jiang said, stating various major policies concerning people's livelihoods can then be implemented under legislative oversight. "Under President Ma Ying-jeou's leadership and legislative supervision, this administration will continue advancing toward the Golden Decade National Vision presented to the public by the president," he declared.
"Taiwan is facing an environment undergoing tumultuous changes and laden with challenges," he acknowledged. "The global economy has entered a major transformative phase and is moving toward regional economic integration. However, the European debt crisis has yet to end while growth has slowed down in mainland China and emerging markets. Furthermore, the United States is once again mired in a dispute over raising the debt ceiling. All these phenomena demonstrate the volatility of the global economy.
"To allow Taiwan to quickly integrate with the regional economy, carve out a wider space for international trade and raise national competitiveness, the government signed the Cross-Strait Agreement on Trade in Services in June as well as the Agreement between New Zealand and Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu on Economic Cooperation in July.
"The latter is the ROC's first economic cooperation agreement with a country which is not a diplomatic ally, and it will help the nation sign more bilateral trade agreements and move closer to joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Moreover, the administration is actively promoting free economic pilot zones, which will spur a new wave of economic liberalization that creates job opportunities and brings the nation in line with international standards.
"Taiwan should set aside internal squabbles and dedicate all its strength to the economy," the premier emphasized. "This legislative session is not only important for budgeting; there are also several major bills which must be deliberated. I hope that they will be passed quickly with the support of the Legislature.
"Following the rejection of the no-confidence motion, the Executive Yuan will field policies and measures to reinvigorate the economy, protect the disadvantaged, cultivate the nation's talents and nurture culture. Holding fast to the goals I established upon taking office, I will lead the Cabinet to blaze new trails and seek to make Taiwan a society of prosperity and propriety," Jiang avowed. "At the same time, the administration must humbly listen to voices from all sectors of society and win the public's affirmation."