The Presidential Office announced yesterday the 35 members that will make up the steering committee of President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) cross-party economic advisory council.
The list is a who's who of Taiwanese politics, business and academia. Many of the steering committee members are expected to also serve on the economics council when it convenes in August.
"The president expresses his appreciation to all political parties and independent politicians who have put aside party political considerations to contribute their experience and knowledge to develop Taiwan together," said Yu Shyi-kun, secretary general to the president.
The 35 members include Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄), who will serve as convener; five deputy conveners from the four main political parties and Morris Chang (張忠謀), chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (台積電), who will represent Taiwanese businesses; 12 representatives from the four main political parties and two independent groups to represent the legislature; six Cabinet officials; and 11 prominent figures from academic and business circles.
The steering committee will hold its first preparatory meeting on Sunday to discuss the agenda and rules for the cross-party economic advisory council.
Notably absent from the list of members was Wang Yung-ching (
When asked why Wang was absent from the list, Yu said the business leaders who have been chosen were fully capable of representing Taiwan's traditional and high-tech industries.
In addition to Morris Chang, other business leaders include Robert Tsao (
Wang last month harshly criticized the DPP government, saying it was responsible for Taiwan's poor performance over the past year.
Wang also called on President Chen to establish direct links with China as soon as possible by accepting the "one China" policy, which he defined as "one China, with each side having its own interpretation" (一個中國、各自表述). The Formosa chairman told reporters yesterday that he respected the government's decision.
President Chen yesterday said he hoped the cross-party economic advisory council would not be restrained by ideology. In addition, the president said he hoped the group could reach a consensus on policy proposals that would help stimulate the economy.
"I hope the council will reach some concrete consensus or resolutions when its formal meeting ends in late August," Chen said.
The president added that he hoped the legislature could pass into law whatever policies the council puts forth when lawmakers return to work in September.
Chen also said the government would take into account global trends and the nation's interests when developing its economic policies.
"No kind of political ideology should restrain the government in its making of economic and cross-strait policy," Chen said.
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