Taipei, Dec. 13 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Friday that national land planning and administrative district demarcation should follow a "bottom up" rather than a "top down" decision-making formula in order to minimize possible backlash.
Chen made the remarks while meeting with Kaohsiung Mayor Frank Hsieh, who won a second four-year term by a narrow margin last weekend.
While promoting balanced development in the island's two existing special municipalities of Taipei in the north and Kaohsiung in the south, Chen said his administration will also do its utmost to boost development in the central part of the island.
In his talks with Hsieh, Chen said he is willing to serve as a "spokesman" for Kaohsiung's interests. "Chen has promised to take advantage of every possible opportunity to help boost Kaohsiung's prosperity and upgrade Kaohsiung's international profile, " Hsieh said.
Chen reaffirmed his commitment to promoting reform while striving to revitalize the sluggish economy and lower the unemployment rate.