President Tsai meets 2013 Nobel economics laureate Robert Shiller and representatives of 2017 Joint Annual Conference of Asian Real Estate Society and Global Chinese Real Estate Congress
While meeting on the afternoon of July 10 with 2013 Nobel economics laureate Professor Robert Shiller and representatives of the 2017 Joint Annual Conference of the Asian Real Estate Society and the Global Chinese Real Estate Congress, President Tsai Ing-wen specially emphasized that housing policy is one of the most important focal points of government policy. Living securely and working in contentment is the foundation of social progress, and the government will do everything it can to meet this goal, she said.
In remarks, President Tsai started by thanking Professor Shiller for coming to Taiwan, and noted that he is a Nobel economics laureate and an authority on housing price indices. The Case-Shiller Home Price Indices provide the most important data on housing price trends in the world. The president stated that both real estate professionals and scholars were eagerly anticipating Professor Shiller's address, and hoping to take advantage of this opportunity to solicit his views.
President Tsai pointed out that the Asian Real Estate Society and the Global Chinese Real Estate Congress provide an important venue where real estate scholars, professionals, and policymakers can meet and exchange ideas. It is extremely rare, she said, for Taiwan's Chinese Society of Housing Studies to be able this year to arrange for these two fine organizations to hold a joint annual conference in Taichung City from July 9 to 12. In addition to bringing together many real estate experts and scholars from Taiwan and around the world, the event is also highlighting issues such as urban renewal and regeneration, social housing, smart buildings and green architecture, and housing price indices. The president said the proceedings will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the government's policymaking efforts.
The president emphasized that housing policy is one of the most important focal points of government policy. Living securely and working in contentment is the foundation of social progress, she said, adding that living securely comes first. Once the need for shelter has been met, people can devote more energy to pursuing their dreams.
President Tsai stated that the government's policy plans include social housing, and she hopes to promote the construction of 200,000 social housing units over a period of eight years. Taiwan has a lot of dilapidated housing stock, so the government is also encouraging the rebuilding of such housing, especially relatively high-risk units. In addition, the president said she hopes to use legislative action to accelerate the pace of urban renewal. Housing policy is one of the national government's important policy areas, and cabinet members are all actively exchanging views with scholars and industry professionals with an eye to providing the people of Taiwan with safe, pleasant, and affordable living environments.
In concluding her remarks, President Tsai once again welcomed the distinguished guests to Taiwan and thanked them for being here.