MAC not making good on promises

In May last year, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) gave a speech in New York proposing a strategic alliance of international companies, for the purpose of attracting foreign capital to be integrated with Taiwanese capital before entering China. Such a policy direction is the most important remedy at this crucial point in time when the Taiwanese economy is facing a transformation. At the same time, it brings thorough internationalization, attracting foreign capital and integrating international interests. It also increases national security, and is worth encouraging.

More than a year has gone by, and we still see no government actions in this direction.We eagerly hope that the authorities in charge are able to concretely implement Chen's economic strategy and actively negotiate and plan a way to realize direct cross-strait transportation links.

"When the law functions, people follow the law. When the law does not function, the law follows the people." If legal standards cannot meet real needs, I'm afraid they will only bring new restrictions and diminish the economic competitiveness of Taiwanese business.

Kao Koong-lian is a professor at Chung-yuan Christian University and a former first vice chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council.

Translated by Perry Svensson and Jackie Lin