DPP Legislator Chung Suggests Taipei Typhoon Holidays Should Not Halt Stock Market Trading; Premier Cho: Worthy of Discussion

Central News Agency Report (Reporter: Lin Jing-yin, Taipei, August 14)

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Chung Chia-pin today suggested that the stock market and securities exchanges should continue normal trading operations even if Taipei City declares a typhoon holiday. Premier Cho Jung-tai responded that this direction could be discussed in the future, but stressed the importance of maintaining consistent daily life order across the Taipei metropolitan region, including New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan.

Premier Cho attended the Legislative Yuan this afternoon with heads of relevant ministries to deliver a special report titled 'Review of the Chung Lien Oils Soybean Salad Oil Incident and Deficiencies in Food Safety Regulatory Mechanisms,' and to answer legislative questions.

During Typhoon Bavi's approach to Taiwan, Taipei City declared a holiday despite wind and rain levels not meeting the official suspension criteria, sparking widespread discussion. During questioning, Chung pointed out that unnecessary work suspensions severely disrupted critical medical schedules, asking who should be held accountable. He noted that monopolistic service systems, such as Taoyuan City suspending work while Taoyuan International Airport continued flight operations and the Taiwan High-Speed Rail maintained service, revealed inconsistencies. He asked whether the stock exchange would remain open if Taipei operated normally while other counties suspended work due to weather. Cho replied affirmatively.

Chung advocated that even if Taipei declares a typhoon holiday, the stock market should continue normal trading. He emphasized that the Central Bank, securities firms, bank headquarters, and the stock exchange should not be affected by Taipei's work suspension, to ensure financial market stability. He asked Cho whether the government would consider revising relevant regulations.

Cho responded that this direction could be discussed for the future. However, he emphasized that decisions on work and class suspensions should follow meteorological data from the Central Weather Administration, and that daily life order across regions—such as the Taipei metropolitan area or central and southern Taiwan—should remain consistent. (Edited by Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150714