President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, stated today that during the Democratic Progressive Party’s time in office, the economic growth rate has continued to rise. The economic situation of the past one to two years has been better than the previous 8 years, and the government aims to implement tax reduction policies to take better care of the people.
President Lai Ching-te visited Chiayi City today to attend the “Chiayi City God Temple Night Patrol and Procession” event, praying for national prosperity, peace, and favorable weather. He explained the government’s policy priorities to the local residents, hoping for their continued support in implementing various measures to promote local development and cooperation with Taiwan for a better future, enabling the country’s continuous progress.
Addressing the audience, President Lai expressed his delight in participating once again in the “Night Patrol and Procession” event at the Chiayi City God Temple, which has been standing for over 300 years. He thanked and prayed to the City God for safeguarding Chiayi and Taiwan, emphasizing the cultural significance of the temple as a religious and cultural event.
Firstly, President Lai emphasized the importance of strengthening national security due to the threat from the Chinese Communist Party. He highlighted the government’s efforts in enhancing national defense capabilities, including increased defense budgets, foreign military procurement, and collaboration with international partners in defense research, design, production, and manufacturing.
President Lai mentioned his recent visit to the “2025 Taipei International Aerospace and Defense Industry Exhibition,” where over ten countries participated and showcased the latest defense and aerospace products and technologies. This demonstrated that increasing defense budgets not only protect the country but also drive industrial development, leading to dual benefits.
Secondly, the government is focused on promoting economic development. During former President Tsai Ing-wen’s 8-year tenure, Taiwan’s average annual economic growth rate was 3.2%, ranking first among the “Four Asian Tigers” and outperforming Japan, the United States, the European Union, and other economies. The economic conditions in the past one to two years have been even better, with a 5.48% growth rate in the first quarter and nearly 8% in the second quarter this year.
President Lai highlighted that Taiwan’s stock market recently reached a historic high of nearly 26,000 points, with record-breaking exports of $58 billion in August. The unemployment rate has decreased, and the employment situation is the best in two decades. He attributed this economic progress to the government’s policies, combined with the efforts of the Taiwanese people, society, and various industries, calling for continued cooperation to achieve further economic successes in the future.
As Taiwan’s economy thrives and tax revenues increase, President Lai emphasized the importance of taking better care of the people. Therefore, the government has implemented policies such as the National Child-Rearing Policy for ages 0 to 6, with an annual budget of approximately NT$120 billion. Additionally, high school and vocational school tuition is waived, private universities and colleges receive subsidies of NT$35,000 per academic year, low-income households receive an additional NT$20,000, and middle-to-low-income households receive an additional NT$15,000. Investing in education nurtures talents, enabling people to gain specialized knowledge, improve their lives, and contribute to a better society.
Furthermore, President Lai mentioned the government’s efforts in promoting the “Long-Term Care 3.0” policy to care for the elderly and people with disabilities. There are over 10,000 long-term care centers nationwide, employing approximately 100,000 caregivers with improved wages. Regarding tax reduction measures, singles with an annual income below NT$626,000, families of four with an annual income below NT$1,641,000, and three-generation households with an annual income below NT$2,124,000 will be exempt from comprehensive income tax next year.
In conclusion, President Lai hoped that the local residents would continue to support the government’s policies, wishing everyone good health, success in their careers, and happiness in their families. He joined the crowd in the City God’s departure ceremony and Night Patrol Procession, symbolizing unity and progress together with the people present.