President Lai 'Surprised' by Drone Budget Cut, Hopes for Swift Passage of General Budget

(CNA, Reporter Su Mu-chun, Taichung, 9th) President Lai Ching-te attended the grand assembly of the Taiwan Excellence Drone Overseas Business Opportunity Alliance today. He stated that promoting the drone industry is a major national policy. He found it surprising that the Legislative Yuan cut all funding for drone development but said he will not give up and hopes everyone will continue to work hard together.

The event was held today at the Hsiang-Yuan Hotel & Resort's recreation center, part of Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC). Representatives from the aviation and drone industries gathered, with AIDC Chairman Tsao Chin-ping among the attendees.

During the meeting, President Lai thanked the industry players for responding to the Ministry of Economic Affairs' call to join the grand alliance. He stated that promoting the drone industry is a major national policy, hoping that Taiwan's drone industry can become an Asia-Pacific center for global drone development. He expressed his wish to concretely achieve the goals of strengthening national defense and driving industrial upgrading and economic development.

Regarding the development of the drone industry, President Lai mentioned that the government is promoting four major initiatives: forming a national team grand alliance, allocating a special budget for support, deregulating laws, and establishing a conducive environment.

President Lai then shifted his tone, stating that even in the past when the DPP was in power with a minority in the legislature, a situation like this year's in the Legislative Yuan had never occurred. He acknowledged that competition in party politics is unavoidable, but there should be a line for opposition. He found it very surprising that the Legislative Yuan cut all drone development funds, only passing NT$780 billion in military procurement.

President Lai said that this year's central government general budget has not yet passed. Someone told him that although Taiwan's economy has performed well in recent years, it would be even better if the general budget were passed on schedule, calling the situation very regrettable. He said he will not give up and hopes everyone will work together to get the budget passed as soon as possible, allowing the industry to flourish and jointly pursue the global drone industry market. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150609