President Ma Ying-jeou has expressed optimism about the state of Taiwan’s economy and a shrinking wealth gap in Taiwan.
Speaking at a reception for recipients of a managerial prize on Friday, Ma said that Taiwan’s economy has stabilized and staged a recovery from recent years. He said that unemployment is at a seven-year low and income disparity has continued to shrink.
Ma said that while a wealth gap will always exist, the government can use social welfare policies and tax reform to create a more equal society.
"We don’t just look at growth. We don’t just look at decreases in unemployment. It’s more important to see if wealth can be distributed more reasonably," said Ma. "There can’t be perfect equality, but if we can reduce the wealth gap, it will reduce resentment in society," he said.
Ma said that in order to promote further growth, Taiwan’s industries will need to restructure, and the government will need to work towards eliminating obstacles to international trade.