TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Thursday urged lawmakers to quickly approve Taiwan’s central government budget, warning that funds are needed for disaster relief before typhoon season.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the full reopening of the Jiji railway line in Nantou County, Lai noted that the annual budget has yet to clear the legislature. CNA reported that he stressed the government must have resources ready before major storms and flooding arrive.
“If a disaster happens, what money will the central government use for relief?” Lai said.
He called on ruling and opposition lawmakers to back the budget without delay. Passing it would ensure local governments receive funding, advance public works, and support economic growth, he said.
Lai added that Taiwan’s economy would benefit from timely approval of the budget. He pointed to the government’s latest GDP growth forecast, which has been raised to 9.64%.
At the same event, Lai also addressed trade and agriculture issues. He said Taiwan had secured zero tariffs for some tea exports to the US through negotiations, describing the outcome as both difficult and significant, Liberty Times reported.
Lai noted that many people still believe China is Taiwan’s largest market for agricultural products, but said that is no longer true. Japan is now the top overseas market for Taiwan fruit, while the US purchases the largest share of Taiwan’s farm goods overall, he said.
Lai said China has created challenges for Taiwan’s farmers by halting imports at times over health and inspection concerns. He added that Beijing recently ended zero-tariff treatment for 34 Taiwanese agricultural products, including Taitung sugar apples.
He emphasized the need for Taiwan to expand exports of both agricultural and industrial goods to more countries. Products such as mangoes, tea, and moth orchids are among those targeted for broader international markets.
Lai also highlighted central government funding for Nantou County. He said the county received NT$16.5 billion (US$519 million) in 2015, NT$27.9 billion last year, and more than NT$30 billion this year, per UDN.
He noted that this marks the first time Nantou has received more than NT$30 billion in central funding. Lai urged local officials to make effective use of the funds to support regional development.
