Economics Minister John Deng says Taiwan’s economic growth during President Ma Ying-jeou’s administration has been “healthy”. Deng was speaking Monday during an interview at the legislature.
President Ma Ying-jeou on Monday marked his seventh year in office. Deng said that with one exception, the economy has been in good shape during Ma’s two terms.
"Over the past seven years, the annual economic growth has been pretty healthy except for during 2008, when the global financial crisis heated up. There are two reasons for the healthy growth," Deng said. "One is domestic investment, the other is exports. Both have seen pretty good development. Of course, there are a lot of things that [we] still need to work hard on the international stage. If the regional economy improves, that of course, would be ideal."
Deng admitted, however, that the government should do more to bridge the income gap between rich and poor. He said the economics ministry will strengthen research and development in order to give Taiwanese industries a competitive edge.