Minister of Economic Affairs Yiin Chii-ming (尹啟銘) yesterday did not say whether the government shakeup would have an impact on the signing of an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) with China. He confirmed, however, that discussions on the matter had begun in April.
A ministry official who requested anonymity, however, told the Taipei Times that “the signing of an ECFA may not take place before the end of this year, which isn’t necessarily a failure. We can simply sign it next year.”
The appointment of Wu and Chu as premier and vice premier could increase “efficiency of execution” and ameliorate communication between the executive and the ruling party, said Cheng Cheng-mount (鄭貞茂), head economist at Citigroup Taiwan Inc.
“As a legislator for two [sic, three] terms, Wu should have a strong understanding of how to maintain a better relationship with the legislators,” Cheng wrote in a client note.
“Wu will continue to carry out President Ma’s campaign promises to run Taiwan as a regional asset management center and logistics center. Improving economic ties with China will continue to be one of the KMT’s priority policies, but the pace may slow because of the Dalai Lama’s visit [earlier this month],” he said.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ELIZABETH TCHII
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