Policy forum in Hsinchu highlights central-local cooperation for better lives in Taiwan

A policy forum in Hsinchu placed central-local cooperation at the center of discussions about improving daily life in Taiwan. Chuang Ching-cheng, the Democratic Progressive Party’s candidate for Hsinchu mayor, said he would work closely with the central government if elected at the end of the year.

The “Taiwan Better Life” forum, held on Aug. 30 by the Hsinchu Friends of Taiwan Trust association, invited Kao Hsien-kuei, deputy minister of the National Development Council, to speak on Taiwan’s economic repositioning and strategic planning. Residents and people interested in public policy attended.

Chuang said the forum’s importance lay in bringing central policies into local communities while giving central authorities a clearer opportunity to hear Hsinchu’s needs. Drawing on his past experience, he said he would seek additional resources for the city through closer cooperation with the central government.

He described Hsinchu as a major center for Taiwan’s technology industry and said he would pursue national investment connected to the Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli Great Silicon Valley initiative. The goal, he said, would be to link Hsinchu’s existing technology strengths with central policies so industrial development and local construction advance together.

The areas mentioned included industry, transportation, education and urban governance. Chuang said resources generated by industrial growth should become visible improvements in city infrastructure and residents’ quality of life.

Wu Kuo-chih, the association’s chairman, said national policies directly affect employment, child care, housing and everyday life. Kao said the central government would continue promoting 10 major AI construction projects, 13 strategic industries, transformation support for small and micro businesses, and population and social-welfare measures. She added that the Great Silicon Valley plan was closely tied to Hsinchu’s future.