Taipei, Feb. 22 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Saturday that Taiwan has everything that it takes to be a "fine-quality, " advanced country in the new century. "I'm optimistic about our country's future because we have every qualification needed to become a 'fine quality,' advanced country. We have mature democracy, pluralistic values, advanced technology and diligent and well-educated people, " Chen said in a keynote speech delivered at the opening of a seminar on Taiwan's economic development strategies.
Noting that developing Taiwan into a "green silicon island" has been one of his administration's top policy goals, Chen said knowledge economy, environmental sustainability and social welfare are the three main directions for the island's future development blueprint.
Chen said his administration has launched various reforms since its inauguration with a view to wiping out "old evils" and creating a brighter future.
Over the past two-plus years, Chen said, the government has achieved breakthroughs in cracking down on organized crime, vote-buying and political corruption. "I believe that all efforts will pay off so long as we continue to disengage political influence in judicial operations, " Chen said, adding that his administration will never waver on its commitment to create a new "rule by law" environment where prosecution and judicial authorities are given respect and a free hand to fight crimes and "old ills."
On the economic front, Chen said, Taiwan faces many challenges, including the wave of economic globalization and mainland China's "magnetic effect" in attracting investors.
But Chen said that despite all those challenges, Taiwan can overcome them and transform itself into an advanced country thanks to its mature democracy, pluralistic values, technological advancement and skilled labor.
Chen said the government has charted 10 major development projects under the "Challenge 2008" six-year national development plan.
Those projects include manpower cultivation to upgrade the nation's overall technological level, financial reform, establishment of an emerging stock market to help new high-tech companies obtain capital, and lure multinational business groups to set up research and development centers and operational hubs in Taiwan, Chen said, adding that all these programs are formulated in line with the goal of transforming Taiwan into a knowledge-based economy.
Meanwhile, Chen said, the government will promote environment-friendly technologies and industries to realize the goal of environment sustainability. He reaffirmed the commitment to resolving the issue of nuclear power plants and nuclear waste as early as possible to create a nuclear-free homeland.
As to the creation of a welfare society, Chen said the government has stepped efforts to improve welfare services for the underprivileged, unemployment benefits, workplace safety and reduction of occupational accidents.
In addition, Chen said, the government has taken steps to create new jobs in public services and is developing a comprehensive social security system, including the establishment of a new national pension system.