TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Premier-designate Cho Jung-tai announced on Tuesday (April 16) the third wave of Cabinet appointments, featuring J.W. Kuo, chairman of Topco Group, who is taking over as Minister of Economic Affairs.
The appointment came a day after an electricity warning in northern Taiwan. In response to media inquiries, Cho assures the public that he had asked Kuo to leverage his expertise in the energy industry to ensure a stable power supply.
Cho emphasized that Kuo will promote diverse green energy development, encourage energy conservation in industries, and move society towards sustainable living to achieve the "2050 Net Zero Transition" goal.
Regarding Taiwan's five shortages, including water, electricity, labor, land, and talent, Kuo responded, "I was just appointed as the minister today, so I might need to consult some friends before May 20."
Cho noted that talent is primarily drawn from the business and education sectors. "We will seek out outstanding individuals to serve the country as needed from this stage to the next, but we are very grateful for the team that has contributed to the government, the cabinet, and the country over the past years."
Other appointments include Paul Liu, the new head of the National Development Commission, and Huang Yen-nun to become the digital affairs minister.
After President-elect Lai Ching-te announced the first wave of cabinet appointments on April 10, of the 14 cabinet appointments announced by Cho subsequently, only two were women: Cheng Li-chun as Deputy Premier and Liu Shi-fang as Minister of the Interior.
