Moving into the future
pp. 47-48 · Read in the full issue
TAIWAN’S emphasis on economic growth has also, however, meant attention has been diverted from some serious economic and social problems.
These include traffic congestion, envir onmental pollution, a rising crime rate, lack of cultural and recreational facili ties, and excessive preoccupation with financial speculation. In addition, a tightening supply of low-skilled labour and a declining work ethic are hamper
ing business activity and slowing econ
omic growth.
As a result, the six-year national development plan was formulated to iddress these problems. It covers the oeriod from 1991 to 1996.
Policy goals of the plan are
• To Raise the National Income
hrough continuous economic develop
nent and creation of job opportunities md to enter into the ranks of high ncome countries. The plan aims to >oost the nation’s per capita gross
lational product (GNP) to
JS$ 14,000.
Mass Rapid Transportation system In Taipei: under construction to ease the city’s traffic congestion
• To Strengthen Infrastructral Development This includes proper planning of manpower, energy, water, land and other resources essential to industrial development; augmenting transportation, shipping and telecom munications facilities; and building Taiwan into a financial centre, trans portation hub and technological stronghold for the western Pacific. • To Pursue Balanced Regional Development narrowing gaps in regional development to promote a regional balance; strengthening infrastructural, medical, cultural and educational facilities in isolated areas; building convenient transportation networks to shorten the distance be tween regions. • To Improve the Quality of Life involves planning the development of living perimeters, augmenting hous ing, cultural, educational, sports, medical, shopping and transportation facilities; strengthening social security and establishing social welfare; and, boosting Taiwan into the ranks of developed nations and creating a society of affluence and civility. □
Improving the quality of life: one of the goals of the national development plan