President Ma Ying-jeou says that a controversial cross-strait trade pact – which is the target of protests -- has faced the toughest scrutiny of any bill in Taiwan’s history.
The president said Wednesday that before signing the trade in services agreement with China last June, his administration held 110 meetings with industry representatives, and 144 forums to explain the agreement. He said that more than 7,900 people participated. Furthermore, he said, another 20 hearings have been held at the legislature and the bill was set for a clause by clause review.
“In the history of our legislature, we have never held 20 hearings just for one bill," said Ma. "This is the first time in history. This review process is as strict as it can be. Why are people still calling it an under-the-table deal?”
The president said that 70% of Taiwan’s economy relies on external trade. So if the trade pact is not passed, he said, it will hurt Taiwan’s credibility in the international community. Ma said it would also hurt Taiwan’s chances for participating in regional economic integration, and that, in turn, would isolate Taiwan from the rest of the world.