President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) welcomed this year’s model workers and their families to the Presidential Office on Tuesday. He praised their contributions to Taiwan’s stable and sustained economic development and presented several policies aimed at safeguarding people’s livelihoods amid future challenges.
In his remarks, President Lai acknowledged the model workers’ hard work and dedication to strengthening Taiwan’s economy. He also expressed gratitude for the vital contributions of migrant workers to the country’s industrial and healthcare sectors.
Lai noted that Taiwan has become the world’s 21st largest economy. He said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth led the Four Asian Tigers, referring to Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, and even outpaced that of Japan, the United States, and the European Union last year.
Regarding government policy, Lai noted that Taiwan’s minimum wage has increased for nine consecutive years. He also highlighted a range of initiatives aimed at improving labor standards, enhancing workforce training, and strengthening industrial relations to foster a stable and sustainable working environment.
In response to U.S. tariff policies, Lai stated that the government has allocated additional funding to maintaining the stability of the labor insurance system, safeguarding the livelihoods of retired workers. He further noted that this year, the government also implemented tax cuts and redirected tax revenues to support education, elderly care, and childcare, all with the aim of enhancing the well-being of the public.
Lai emphasized that the nation’s economic growth is the result of workers’ dedication, and therefore the remaining tax surplus should be invested in critical areas such as national security, infrastructure, and labor welfare to build a more progressive and prosperous Taiwan.