Opposition parties yesterday voiced mixed feelings toward the upcoming Economic Development Advisory Conference, as the People First Party called for "adventurousness" while the KMT doubted the forum would yield any success.
PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜), eager to shape the outcome of the summit, said the government knew how to heal the economic woes but lacked the prowess to administer the prescriptions.
Since the transfer of power 14 months ago, the PFP has called on the government to ease control on China-bound investment, allowing labor-intensive manufacturers to seek what it called "a second boom" in China.
PHOTO: GEORGE TSORNG, TAIPEI TIMES
If denied the opportunity, manufacturing industries will continue to decline, which will in turn increase unemployment, the PFP has warned.
In addition, the party has pushed for direct transport, mail and trade links with China so Taiwan may be in an advantageous position to vie for a share in the giant market.
President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), who vowed to lift bans on full-fledged cross-strait links during the 2000 presidential campaign, has shied away from radical moves for fear of undermining national security.
"Hopefully, the government will heed the advice of PFP delegates and amend related policies accordingly," Soong said.
The opposition leader said he opposed a Cabinet reshuffle, as has been suggested by political commentators.
"A shakeup now or after the [economic] conference will only sharpen the feeling of unease among the public," he noted, adding that the executive branch would have to undergo a face-lift after the legislative elections in line with tradition.
The KMT, while agreeing with the PFP on major policy issues, is skeptical that the economic conference will produce any material benefits.
In a meeting with retired veterans, KMT Chairman Lien Chan (
"One year in power, the DPP government has undone the economic miracle achieved by the KMT in the last decades," Lien told the audience. "To prevent a total ruin, let's ensure the KMT remains the biggest force in the legislature."
The main opposition party has painted the Chen administration as inexperienced, directionless and prone to partisan feuding.
KMT Vice Chairman Vincent Siew (
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