The government's "Challenge 2008" six-year development plan has started to make headway as Taiwan's unemployment rate is expected to dip below 4 percent next year ahead of schedule, Council for Economic Planning and Development Chairman Hu Sheng-cheng (
Hu was addressing the opening of an exhibition on the "Challenge 2008" program at the National Taiwan University stadium in Taipei.
Hu said Taiwan is facing an unprecedented challenge in the 21st century with the combined impact of globalization, technological innovation and green reforms.
The program was drafted by the government against this backdrop two years ago to realize its visions of building Taiwan into a "green silicon island" to enhance the country's competitiveness, Hu said.
The program has produced some preliminary results after the efforts over the past two years, Hu said.
For example, he said, the country's economic growth will reach 5 percent this year; the unemployment rate will drop to below 4 percent next year; and investment in research and development is expected to account for 3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2006.
These goals are being achieved ahead of schedule, according to Hu.
On the plan to assist the development of high-value industries, the production of the semiconductor sector will top NT$1 trillion this year, he said.
More than 3.51 million households have access to broadband networking in Taiwan today, and the island successfully completed the construction of the Hsuehshan Tunnel -- the world's fifth-longest and the longest in Southeast Asia -- on Sept. 16, Hu said.
The free trade zone at Kaohsiung Port will start operations in January next year, after the openings of a similar one at Keelung Port on Sept. 30, Hu said.
Four factors led to the declaration of a typhoon day and the cancelation of classes yesterday, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said. Work and classes were canceled across Taiwan yesterday as Typhoon Krathon was forecast to make landfall in the southern part of the country. However, northern Taiwan had only heavy winds during the day and rain in the evening, leading some to criticize the cancelation. Speaking at a Taipei City Council meeting yesterday, Chiang said the decision was made due to the possibility of landslides and other problems in mountainous areas, the need to avoid a potentially dangerous commute for those
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