Taipei, Jan. 7 (CNA) Administrative restructuring is the key to upgrading Taiwan's overall national competitiveness in the face of major challenges arising from globalization, digitalization and sustainable development, President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday.
Chen made the remarks at a national meeting with personnel affairs chiefs from across the country.
Describing personnel affairs chiefs within the government system as the main driving force behind planned administrative reforms aimed at sharpening the country's competitive edge, the president said the government has also outlined concrete plans to cultivate e-generation manpower and deepen and enhance the country's digitalization.
Stating that administrative restructuring, streamlining and adjustments are the focal points of government reforms, Chen said a reformatory committee is currently assessing whether to cut the number of ministries and commissions under the Cabinet from the existing level of 36 to 23.
However, the president urged the relevant authorities to devise complementary measures to fully protect the interests of the large number of personnel facing transfers or downsizing.
According to the president, the Examination Yuan submitted in April 2002 for legislative screening a set of draft regulations aimed at protecting the interests of government employees to be involved in the planned administrative restructuring.
The government reform task will be able to kick off after the bill has cleared the legislature, he added.