Taipei, Feb. 6 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian reaffirmed his commitment Thursday to provide a better life for the people in the new Year of the Goat.
Chen made the remarks at a New Year's gathering of Presidential Office staff on the first working day after the lunar new year holiday.
Noting that providing a better life for the people is the top goal of his administration for this year as he promised in his Jan. 1 New Year's Day speech, Chen said he has confidence in realizing this mission.
Chen said he met with 20-plus top officials of various ministries and relevant government agencies to exchange views on major policy issues and the work agenda for the new year. "The executive branch has a consensus on the future direction, " Chen said, adding that the government will prioritize economic development, introduce comprehensive reforms, eradicate corrupt "black gold" politics and organized crime, accelerate educational reforms, promote tourism and attract investment.
Chen further said he thinks that both the international situation and relations across the Taiwan Strait will continue steady development. "Of course, some uncertainties still lurk on both fronts. We are keeping close watch on relevant developments and will cope with all possible changes with care and prudence, " Chen said, adding: "Whatever changes or challenges there will be, we should not lose faith and confidence in our nation. With confidence and unity, we'll be able to overcome any difficulty and accomplish our goal."
Noting that the start of a new year offers both new opportunities and new challenges, Chen said all members of the ruling team must work hard to boost national development and upgrade Taiwan's overall competitiveness in the global market.
"The Year of the Goat may be eventful, " Vice President Annette Lu said on the same occasion. "It will be full of challenges and turbulence. It may be a crunch time for either peace or war. It may be a time for a showdown between righteousness and evil."
Several factors, such as cross-strait relations, will pose challenges for Taiwan. "All these problems must be tackled with wisdom and prudence to maintain peace, stability and prosperity," she noted.
Lu encouraged all Presidential Office staff to work with conscience, love and confidence to create a better future for Taiwan.