President Chen Shui-bian (
"Even if China has overtaken Taiwan by a few stages in economic development," Chen said, "I believe that if we look at things calmly, take the necessary steps and create the next stage of the economic miracle, Taiwan can maintain its primary position in economic development."
Chen made his remarks when addressing the opening ceremony of the first full session of the Economic Development Advisory Conference, the newly created provisional organization for creating economic and financial suggestions or proposals to help the government solve the current economic slump.
The president also appealed to people in Taiwan to cherish past achievements, which were built by all Taiwanese over the past decades by conquering economic and political challenges with confidence and courage, and to again jointly overcome the current downturn.
"This is the best of times and the worst of times. We must turn the worst environment into the best environment. The opportunity lies in our hands," Chen said in his opening statement.
The president pointed out that every one should calmly review the current international economic situation and realize that even the US, EU and Japan have their own difficulties.
"But if Taiwan could rise out of these adverse circumstances earlier than its rivals," Chen added, "it would be our new opportunity."
The conference, which the president announced during his anniversary speech May 18, is seen as a symbol of political reconciliation after last year's struggles.
Chen, who personally serves as the conference's chairman, lead yesterday's meeting and made the opening statement. He said that the economic slump resulted from global sluggishness as well as the island's failure to adjust itself both politically and economically.
"As we may be aware, the root of Taiwan's economic problems is the downturn of the international economy, which is compounded by structural domestic political and economic flaws," Chen said.
He added that the conference was the best opportunity for the nation at this crucial moment to start turning the economy around.
He pledged that the government would carry out all conclusions or consensus proposals of the conference, saying he has three points to guarantee the success of the meeting.
"First, the determination to implement the policy of making the economy a priority, investments a priority and Taiwan a priority.
"Second, the determination to begin reconciliation between the government and the opposition alliance, to promote cooperation between all political parties and cooperation between the Executive Yuan and the Legislative Yuan," Chen said.
Thirdly, Chen clearly voiced his determination to assure there is no prerequisite, bottom line or pre-set stance on issues to be addressed by the economic conference.
To further show his sincerity in seeing that the Executive Yuan implemented the economic conference's conclusions, Chen stressed that government officials who are invited to join the meeting have no right to veto any consensus.
"If a consensus was opposed only by government officials in future meetings," Chen pledged, "I will ask them to accept those resolutions -- unless the officials can persuade others to change their positions -- and fully carry out the consensus."
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