President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) said yesterday the government would continue to support the development of Taiwan’s cultural and creative industries despite the recent economic slowdown.
Speaking at a Lunar New Year reception of the National Cultural Association, Ma — who was named chairman of the association in November — said that he was fully aware that the cultural industry had been greatly affected by the global economic downturn and promised the government would do everything in its power to support and promote the industry’s development.
PLANS
“Many cultural and artistic organizations have been forced to reduce or cancel their presentations or exhibitions because of the worsening economic situation,” Ma said, adding that Premier Liu Chao-shiuan (劉兆玄) and Vice President Vincent Siew (蕭萬長) were evaluating plans to ensure the survival and development of the industry.
Ma said the cultural innovation sector was one of the nation’s most competitive industries, with great potential for future development in the global arena.
BRAINSTORMING
Liu and Siew have been meeting members and organizations within the cultural community to find feasible methods to assist the cultural industry as well as help them find ways to export their work, presentations, productions and exhibitions abroad, he said.
“With the support and assistance of the government, I am sure Taiwan’s cultural industry will not only successfully ride out the global economic downturn, but will also develop into one of Taiwan’s most important industries,” Ma said.
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