DPP asks to scrutinize trade pact with China

"We demanded that a referendum be held on an ECFA and asked for the formation of a cross-strait monitoring task force in the Legislative Yuan, an assessment of local industries vulnerable to the trade deal, government assistance measures, a secure employment guarantee and a report on the profit-compromising measures claimed by China, " DPP legislative caucus whip Lee Chun-yi told reporters after an economic committee meeting.

The meeting was dismissed due to a boycott by DPP lawmakers when MOEA officials were reporting on the proposed trade pact.

"There is nothing new or anything concrete in the report, " Lee said, adding that government agencies should at least make efforts to help the public better understand the proposed agreement and countermeasures to mitigate the impact on Taiwan.

DPP lawmaker Pan Meng-an echoed Lee's view and questioned why government agencies, without a legal basis, have earmarked NT$95 (US$2.97 billion) to assist local industries that will suffer massive damage as a result of an ECFA.

Pan also asked how the executive branch could subsidize ruling Kuomintang lawmakers -- from NT$100,000 to NT$300,000 each -- to hold briefing sessions on ECFA across the country.

Citing the results of public opinion surveys, Minister of Economic Affairs Shih Yen-shiang said after the aborted legislative committee meeting that "most of Taiwan's people are in favor of inking an ECFA."

The government will carry out policies supported by a majority of the people, he said.

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