Anyone who surfs through TV channels these days could easily find themself watching a government-sponsored commercial promoting the use of “MIT” (Made in Taiwan) products.
The TV spot, featuring a string of celebrities showcasing domestically made goods such as towels, socks and bedding is part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ “Love MIT” campaign launched in December last year.
In view of the government’s eagerness to sign an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) with China despite the concerns of domestic industries about the impact of Chinese-made goods flooding into Taiwan, it comes as a bit of a comfort to see the government at least working to promote MIT products in an attempt to dampen the possible impact to the nation’s market should an ECFA be signed.
However, as the saying goes: “The best leaders lead by example.” The ministry could sponsor as many commercials as it likes to promote the “Love MIT” message, but nothing is more persuasive than having a leader set a good example and carve out a path for the rest to follow. In light of the latest mishap at the Presidential Office, it appears President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) still hasn’t learned that lesson — or that actions speak louder than words.
It turns out the uniforms worn by the Presidential Office’s volunteer tour guides are manufactured in China, with the label carrying such information sewed to a visibly prominent spot on the uniforms. The Presidential Office was quick to say the procurement of the uniforms was done via legal bidding and that in the future it would work to strike a balance between legal procurement and public perception.
Some people have been quick to dismiss the incident as trivial and unworthy of discussion. What these people seemingly fail to grasp, however, is the significance behind it. As the nation’s top government agency, whatever the Presidential Office does is closely watched and sets an example for all other agencies to follow. While the Presidential Office says that the uniforms were procured legally, it should be more sensitive of such details and how they could be perceived.
On numerous occasions, Ma and his government have pledged to map out measures to protect the nation’s disadvantaged industries and prevent them failing as the result of an ECFA with China. In light of the public’s concern over the proposed ECFA’s impact on domestic industries, many can’t help but wonder whether the Presidential Office’s obliviousness to the uniform issue reflects a lack of sincerity to its pledges.
The nation’s industries have worked hard to succeed and it is their drive for self-improvement that gives MIT products a good reputation as quality brands.
If the government can’t support its own “Love MIT” campaign before an ECFA is signed, one can only wonder what the fate of the nation’s industries will be after an ECFA is signed.
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