The review of a special draft bill on the Free Economic Pilot Zones (FEPZs) has been stalled again at the legislature. Five opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) mayors and commissioners refused to attend the deliberation meeting on Wednesday to help review the bill.
Economics minister Chang Chin-juch said that he understands the public is worried that setting up the Free Economic Pilot Zones will hurt Taiwanese businesses. But he said the government already has several control measures in place to ensure national security. He said even if Taiwan signs more agreements with China in the future, the government will be able to monitor them.
Chang also urged the public to think about possible ways to lower the impact of cross-strait trade agreements instead of simply opposing working with China.