Taipei, Aug. 25 (CNA) The government has never wavered in its determination to revitalize the economy, President Chen Shui-bian said Sunday, on the eve of the anniversary of the Economic Development Advisory Conference (EDAC).
Speaking at the opening of a conference looking at the progress the government has made in following through on the recommendations put forward at last year's conference, the president said he is encouraged by the long way the government has come in implementing the 322 conclusions drawn at the conference and is more confident than ever in re-invigorating the economy, despite the difficulties and challenges facing the country.
Chen said the meeting was designed to underline the government's efforts in the last year in implementing the conference's recommendations and to reaffirm the government's commitment to rejuvenating the economy.
In order to put these recommendations into practice, a total of 59 pieces of legislation need to be revised or enacted, 35 of which have already gone through the legislation process and another 23 of which are pending debate at the legislature, the president said.
The implementation of the recommendations also entailed the revision of 80 decrees, of which 74, or 93 percent, have been completed, Chen went on.
He credited former Premier Chang Chun-hsiung, Premier Yu Shyi-kun and Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng for these "speedy results."
However, he went on, the conference's recommendations about reforming the electoral system, the opening of direct shipping and air links with mainland China and the streamlining of the government still need negotiation among the various political parties before a consensus can emerge and these tasks can be carried out.
He urged his countrymen, as well as the different parties in the legislature, to join hands in wrapping up the loose ends of the remaining recommendations of the EDAC conference.