Vincent C. SIEW

A native of Chiayi, Taiwan, Vincent Siew received a graduate degree from the Department of Diplomacy of National Chengchi University and then studied in the U.S. on an Eisenhower Fellowship. He has received honorary doctorates in management and economics from many universities at home and abroad. Besides premier, he also served as consul in Kuala Lumpur, director-general of the Bureau of Foreign Trade, minister of economic affairs, minister without portfolio, legislator, deputy chairman of the Kuomintang, and vice president of the ROC. Siew also taught at Fu Jen Catholic University and National Chengchi University. Currently, he is the chief consultant of the CTCI Foundation, chairman of the Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation, and chairman of the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research.

Important Events

• 1998.04.16
  The Executive Yuan Council passes a draft of the Offshore Islands Development Act, approved by the Legislature on March 21, 2000 and promulgated by the president on April 5, 2000.
• 1998.08.20
  The Executive Yuan Council passes a stimulus program to expand domestic demand by enhancing public and private investment.
• 1998.09.10
  The Executive Yuan Council passes a draft of the Provisional Statute for the Reorganization of Taiwan Provincial Government, approved by the Legislature on October 9, 1998 and promulgated by the president October 28, 1998.
• 1998.12.03
  The Executive Yuan Council passes a draft of the Local Government Act, which is approved by the Legislature on January 13, 1999 and promulgated by the president on January 25, 1999. The act marks a milestone in local self-government as it defines the complete structure of Taiwan’s local government system and the relationship between the central and local governments.
• 1998.12.16
  The Executive Yuan establishes the Improper Martial Law Period Insurgency and Espionage Convictions Compensation Foundation.
• 1999.02.24
  The Executive Yuan Council passes a program to strengthen the nation’s economic health.
• 1999.05.27
  The Government Procurement Act is implemented to bring Taiwan’s procurement environment into compliance with World Trade Organization rules, helping the nation’s bid to join the organization.
• 1999.09.21
  A magnitude 7.3 earthquake devastates Taiwan and claims thousands of lives. The president later issues an emergency decree and the Executive Yuan passes a draft of the Provisional Act Governing 921 Earthquake Post-Disaster Reconstruction, which is approved by the Legislature on January 14, 2000 and promulgated by the president on February 3, 2000.
• 1999.12.01
  Taiwan launches the public welfare lottery.
• 1999.12.10
  Asia’s first human rights monument is unveiled on the Green Island.