Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te （賴清德）detailed Taiwan's economic development at an undisclosed private event on November 22, according to a same-day Facebook post by veteran media figure Chou Yuhkow （周玉蔻）. The entire speech was purportedly delivered in Taiwanese.
Lai projected that Taiwan's per capita income could reach USD 40,000 by 2026. He emphasized that major Taiwanese corporations have contributed significantly in taxes, asserting that "when the country is wealthy, tax reductions are necessary." Policies such as tuition subsidies for private universities, long-term care, and housing were noted as key reasons the public perceives the increase in GDP.
Chou revealed that during the event, Lai provided a comprehensive 26-minute explanation of Taiwan's economic growth without a script, PowerPoint, or notes. The content covered the country's economic journey from Ma Ying-jeou's （馬英九）presidency to the economic growth rates of 5%, 8%, and 7% in the first three quarters of this year.
When asked for his opinion on Lai's remarks, Lu Shi-hsiang, Chou's peer and a senior economic journalist known for his critical view of politicians, acknowledged that the speech "was truly outstanding."
Lai reiterated figures released by Taiwan's Ministry of Statistics in September, which suggested that Taiwan's per capita income could reach USD 40,000 by 2026, a goal previously expected by 2030.
Lai repeatedly stressed that with significant tax contributions from large enterprises, the state could afford to reduce taxes. This would alleviate the tax burden for many, alongside policies like individual subsidies for private university tuition, long-term care, and housing. These factors are seen as the primary reasons for the public's notice of the increase in GDP. The president expressed hope for government action and public awareness. （Related： Puma Shen's 'State of Emergency' Tests Taiwan's Democracy ｜ Latest ）
