Outgoing premier Lin Chuan, President Tsai Ing-wen, and newly-appointed premier Lai Ching-te (from left to right); photo courtesy of CNA
Taipei, Sept. 5 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen, in announcing the appointment of a new premier on Tuesday, identified seven major policy goals for the new government to pursue, including the 5+2 Transformation Plan.
Tsai officially appointed Tainan Mayor Lai Ching-te the new premier to replace Lin Chuan, who announced his intention to stand down the previous day after assuming office on May 20, 2016.
The president said she is confident Lai has a good understanding of public opinion and will be able to rapidly respond to the needs of people across Taiwan.
"We have also seen his executive capability," she said of the new premier and incumbent mayor of Tainan.
Tsai identified seven key tasks for Premier Lai, with particular focus on the continued implementation of the 5+2 Transformation Plan, referring to five "pillar industries" -- the Internet of Things (also dubbed Asia·Silicon Valley), biotech, green energy, smart machinery and defense -- high-value agriculture and the circular economy.
The government is counting on the program to boost innovation, create well-paid employment opportunities, and facilitate more balanced regional development to Taiwan.
