Taipei, May 8, 2008 (CENS)--A task force led by vice premier-designate Paul Chiu is working hard on an anti-inflation package envisioning to hike oil prices and power rates but provide subsidies to the underprivileged groups to cushion the impact, which will be put into practice shortly after the new Cabinet members assume office.

In principle, oil prices will be raised in one fell swoop to reflect the soaring costs fully, but power rates will be adjusted in stages. The package will also take into account such factors as energy conservation, carbon-emission abatement, and increased subsidies for low-income families and mass transportation systems.

Another two priority items to be addressed by the new Cabinet are the launch of cross-Taiwan Strait charter flights in July along with opening up of visits by mainland Chinese to Taiwan and the adjustment of the central-government budget, at a scale of NT$100 billion, in order to raise the funds for executing the 12 "Love Taiwan" construction projects.

Liu Chao-shiun, premier-designate, noted that backed by a strong mandate from the electorate, the new Cabinet will comply with the requirements of "cleanness, professionalism, sustainability, and the narrowing of wealth gap."

(by Philip Liu)