President Lai Ching-te said Jan. 1 that Taiwan must hold firm to its democratic ideals while continuing to bolster national strength, forge a resilient economy, foster a balanced and just society, and contribute to global democratic supply chain resilience.
Lai made the remarks while delivering his New Year’s Day address at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
Democracy is Taiwan’s only path forward, Lai asserted, adding that the country must cultivate like-minded friends worldwide to ensure the well-being of all. Cross-strait peace and stability are essential to global security and prosperity, and the government must continue increasing the national defense budget and advancing national defense capabilities to demonstrate the people’s determination to protect Taiwan, he said.
The country must also enhance whole-of-society defense resilience and strengthen capacity to respond to major disasters and deter threats and encroachment, Lai said. The president went on to stress that the more secure Taiwan is, the more secure the world becomes, calling on the global democratic community to work closer to preserve Indo-Pacific peace and resolve international wars and conflicts.
As for Taiwan’s economy, Lai highlighted that the growth rate is steadily increasing. In addition to developing the country’s high-tech industry, the Executive Yuan has proposed an initiative to help traditional industries and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises adopt new technology and undergo digital and net-zero transitions, he said.
According to the president, Taiwan has significantly increased its investment in the U.S., Japan, Europe and New Southbound Policy target countries to diversify markets. He added that the country must leverage its strengths in the artificial intelligence and semiconductor sectors while keeping abreast of the latest cutting-edge technology through wide-ranging international cooperation to help Taiwan remain a leader in global democratic supply chain development.
The government must ensure that the fruits of Taiwan’s economic growth can be enjoyed by all of its people, Lai said, citing several measures that will be implemented or take effect in the new year, such as tax reductions, the establishment of a sports ministry, the launch of the Youth Overseas Dream Fund, the Long-term Care 3.0 Plan, the carbon credit system and the EY’s six major regional flagship projects.
The president concluded by urging officials in the central and local governments to work together for the people’s well-being, adding that Taiwan will remain steadfast as the global landscape evolves.
President Lai Ching-te gives his New Year’s speech Jan. 1 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. (Courtesy of PO)
Source : January 02, 2025 Taiwan Today , The Office of the President
