Taipei, May 24 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian on Wednesday received Taiwan Governor Chang Po-ya, Fujian Governor Yen Chung-cheng, Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou and Kaohsiung Mayor Frank Hsieh to exchange views on local development.
Chen said that the relationship between central and local government is that of a partnership rather than a hierarchical one, and promised to adjust the new administration in order to expedite development projects in local governments.
During the reception, Chen heard reports from the governors and mayors, and took notes about the problems they raised.
On the financial sources for Taipei and Kaohsiung cities, Chen agreed to maintain the existing system that gives 47 percent of local tax revenues to the two city governments.
The president also voiced his views on various local issues, such as the development of Taiwan's offshore islands, improvement of the Keelung and Tamsui rivers, the construction of three "Big Egg" dome stadiums in Taipei, the merger of Taichung City and Taichung County, and water supplies for the people of Taipei City and Taipei County.
On the development of cross-Taiwan Strait relations, Chen said that he offered his goodwill toward Beijing in his May 20 inaugural speech in the hope that the top negotiators on each side -- Taiwan's Koo Chen-fu and mainland China's Wang Daohan -- will be able to reopen their talks in the near future.