TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) pledged the government's dedication to economic growth, public welfare, and national security while emphasizing political unity and international cooperation in his Lunar New Year address Wednesday.
Cho highlighted Taiwan’s economic performance, noting the nation’s GDP growth rate was projected to reach 4.3% last year, the second-highest in a decade. He stressed the government’s commitment to closely monitoring global trends and strengthening international partnerships to secure Taiwan’s position in global industrial and supply chains.
On healthcare, Cho detailed efforts to expand resources for economically disadvantaged citizens and lower the eligibility age for free adult health checkups to 30. He also reaffirmed the government’s support for the “dual employment, dual caregiving” policy.
The initiative encourages both spouses in a household, regardless of gender, to engage in formal employment while sharing caregiving duties. It aims to eliminate gender-based caregiving roles by establishing a robust public childcare system, extending to long-term care, to support working families, according to the National Center Library.
By reinforcing public support systems, the policy is expected to benefit workers across Taiwan’s technology sector, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other industries.
Cho reiterated the government’s focus on open communication, economic progress, and national security while promoting bipartisan cooperation. He voiced confidence in President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) leadership and Taiwan’s continued global engagement.
As the nation enters the new year, Cho urged citizens to support government initiatives, foster social unity, and work together to build a more prosperous Taiwan.
