Premier Frank Hsieh (
Addressing the opening of the National Energy Conference held at the Taipei International Convention Center, Hsieh assured the country that this two-day meeting would not be just a ceremonial event, but rather a serious brainstorming session aimed at working out good energy and industrial policies.
Hsieh said that economic development sometimes conflicts with environmental protection and conservation efforts.
PHOTO: SEAN CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
Nevertheless, the premier said, if he had to make a choice between economic development and environmental protection, he would opt for environmental sustainability for the entire country.
At the same time, Hsieh added that as premier, he has no right to ignore efforts to maintain the nation's international competitiveness, saying that this is the reason why he has proposed a "golden triangle" formula to enable the country's economic growth, social justice and environmental sustainability to all progress at the same time.
The premier also admitted that "talking is easier than doing," pointing out that related issues, such as whether the fifth and the sixth naphtha cracking plants should be built, are extremely challenging.
PHOTO: SEAN CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
Noting that greenhouse gas emissions have become an important international issue since the Kyoto Protocol went into effect on Feb. 16, Hsieh encouraged participants in the National Energy Conference to fully express their opinions and share their expertise on the issue to assist the administration in crafting workable and pragmatic energy policies.
Hsieh added that related policies on reducing greenhouse gas emissions are already in the administrative pipeline, adding that it has been decided that solar energy will be used at venues of the 2009 World Games to be held in Kaohsiung.
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