Tsai taps economic reformer as Taiwan’s new Premier

TAIPEI – Lin Chuan, who was Taiwan’s Minister of Finance from 2002 to 2006 in the administration of former DPP President, Chen Shui-bian, has been tapped as Premier by President-elect Tsai Ing-wen, reflecting the reform mindset of the incoming Democratic Progressive Party administration.

A University of Illinois-trained economist, Lin was described by Tsai as an effective communicator capable of quickly and effectively implementing policy. “I expect Lin and the new Cabinet to initiate root-and-branch policy reforms spanning the economy, politics and society,” Tsai said.
Lin as Finance M initiated a series of financial reforms, as well as an alternative minimum tax system.
At an industry forum last year, Lin hinted at possible policymaking priorities.
He identified six areas for development: biopharmaceuticals, defence technology and precision machinery, information and communications technology, innovative agriculture, new energy and new petrochemicals.  www.taiwantoday.tw (ATI)