President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) said yesterday that it was a good time to adjust economic policies during a downturn in the economy, ensuring the public that his administration would make every effort to realize his “6-3-3” economic policy.
The “6-3-3” policy refers to Ma’s campaign pledge to deliver annual GDP growth of 6 percent, an unemployment rate of less than 3 percent and annual per capita income of US$30,000.
Ma made the remarks while receiving regional directors of the Lions Clubs International at the Presidential Office yesterday morning. He said that as many countries were suffering from the global economic slump, his administration had to be steadfast and aggressive in setting economic policy so it could react to the changing situation.
“Despite the unfavorable economic situation, the government must push measures designed to improve the economy,” he said. “For example, we must further relax regulations, lift bans and create an environment in which industry can operate more freely.”
Despite his earlier comments that it would take eight years to realize the “6-3-3” goal, Ma said his administration had never abandoned the goal nor has it been changed.
Economic development goes through cycles, Ma said, adding that it was a good time to examine various polices while the economy was in a downturn, so the nation could grasp the opportunity to rise up again when the situation improved.
Regarding price increases of fuel and raw materials, Ma said the government should react to rising crude and international raw material prices, but it should make every effort to minimize the impact on the public. To that end, the government respected market mechanisms, but at the same time it would offer assistance to the disadvantaged, he said.
Ma also patted himself on the back for purchasing moon cakes from disadvantaged fruit farmers. Ma said the Presidential Office had purchased more than 11,000 items, including 8,400 boxes of moon cakes.
Ma said they were purchased from disadvantaged groups to give to the underprivileged, which would boost the farmers’ buying power and stimulate the economy.
Meanwhile, Vice President Vincent Siew (蕭萬長) yesterday endorsed the economic stimulus plan announced by the Executive Yuan, urging the public to give the government some time before demanding results.
In addition to encouraging the government to “listen, think and take action,” Siew called on the public to have faith in the government and remain optimistic because the country would overcome its difficulties and manage the crisis.
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