Taipei, May 22 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen said on Monday in a speech delivered after her first anniversary in office that the government's reform program cannot be completed within one year and great patience will be needed to introduce all the planned reforms.
Tsai made the statement during a meeting with a delegation from a Taiwanese association active in Thailand.
Noting that the government has just marked its first anniversary in office, Tsai said despite strong resistance from the opposition her administration will push ahead with reforms, including a pension system reform and projects aimed at upgrading the country's economy and infrastructure.
Difficulties will inevitably be encountered as it pushes on with reforms, she added.
Tsai said that after one year of effort, pension reform is now entering its final phase, adding that she believes the Legislature will soon pass pension reform legislation.
"This problem has existed for decades but we have tackled it in just one year," Tsai added.
Meanwhile, to turn Taiwan into a "nuclear power-free home," the government enacted a revised law last year to phase out nuclear power generation by 2025 and increase renewable energy, Tsai said, adding that Taiwan's wind power development projects have attracted nearly NT$1 trillion (US$29.82 billion) in foreign investment.
The Legislative Yuan has also passed a draft law on long-term care services as part of an effort to increase funding and the availability of quality care for Taiwan's elderly and disabled, Tsai noted.
Moreover, she also mentioned the Cabinet-proposed NT$890 billion infrastructure development plan, saying it seeks to accelerate Taiwan's development and enhance competitiveness by investing in infrastructure construction.
The president stressed the government will continue to push ahead with its ambitious reform program, but it will take time for the reforms to be fully implemented.
