TAIPEI (TVBS News) — National Development Council (NDC, 國發會), Taiwan's key economic planning agency, Minister Liu Chin-ching (劉鏡清) announced his resignation Wednesday (Aug. 27) due to mounting health concerns. Liu returned to Taiwan Tuesday (Aug. 26) following a Japan visit and dispatched a late-night gratitude letter to council supervisors, pledging to continue working through Friday before prioritizing medical treatment. His departure marks a significant transition for Taiwan's economic development leadership.
Liu emphasized the council's accomplishments during his tenure, spotlighting six regional development plans and new artificial intelligence infrastructure projects in his farewell correspondence. He projected these initiatives would create substantial high-paying employment opportunities and secure prosperity for Taiwan's next generation. The council launched an ambitious entrepreneurship project this week, incorporating an entrepreneurship alliance and innovative venture platform that Liu anticipates will transform Taiwan's startup ecosystem.
Liu disclosed that a trillion-dollar investment strategy would serve as cornerstone policy for tackling Taiwan's fiscal and economic challenges in the coming year. His tenure was marked by persistent health difficulties, including surgical procedures and dramatic weight loss of 7 kilograms within a single month, ultimately compelling his decision to prioritize medical care. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced a comprehensive Cabinet reshuffle Friday (Aug. 23) designed to address critical national priorities and fulfill public expectations. ◼