Taipei, Jan. 28 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian claimed credit Wednesday for the booming local stock market after the Chinese Lunar New Year, calling it evidence of the effectiveness of his administration's economic policy.
Speaking at a dinner party hosted by the president for his senior advisers, national policy advisers, strategy advisers and other advisers, Chen said the growth of the stock market, which saw a climb of 114.92 points in the weighted index and an unusually huge turnover of NT$140.2 billion (US$4.21 billion) Tuesday, didn't take place by chance; rather, it is because of his administration's efforts, and the delivery of his 2002 promise to reinvigorate the economy.
As a president taking over the country that had been ruled by the Kuomintang for five decades, Chen said he has been faced with the demanding challenge of curing the country of a 50-year-old ailment.
Although the last three years of his term is only a short period in the country's history, it could be the most critical part of the country's upward movement, the president claimed, adding, "Our efforts have created a favorable environment for the country's sustained development, and have provided a more reliable guarantee for Taiwan people's freedom and welfare."
He thanked his advisers for their work over the last year and extended new year's greetings to them.