Ma optimistic on economy

ICRT reports:

President Ma Ying-jeou is upbeat on the local economy ... saying Taiwan is
expected to post growth of 4.8 pct in 2008 despite higher oil prices and the
resulting surge in import prices.

The projection is higher than the government's latest forecast of a 4.30
percent increase in gross domestic product this year.

Ma, who marks his 100th day in office today ... is quoted as saying the
government's recent string of deregulations concerning trade with China is
unlikely to have an immediate effect.

However, he did note that at least 17 Taiwan-invested companies listed in
Hong Kong have shown interest in seeking a home listing or issuing Taiwan
depositary receipts.

Ma also said he is not worried about the smaller-than-expected number of
mainland tourists recorded since July as the Chinese authorities are ready to
allow visits to Taiwan in September.