Some 193 scholars and professional workers from within Taiwan and abroad took part in this year's National Development Seminar at the Chao Kuang Hall in Taipei. In a message to the opening ceremony, President Chiang Ching-kuo said that the purpose of the seminar was, first to discuss ideas and reach an understanding, and second to solicit various opinions and share experiences. By working diligently and in a cooperative spirit, participants could plan the steps which the country should take in the course of its development.

Proposing the theme for the conference, "Build a More Beautiful Tomorrow," Premier Sun Yun-suan of the Republic of China emphasized that the country is facing a period of transition in the areas of the economy, industrialization and political effectiveness. On the surface it looks as if problems are everywhere, but a closer look shows that many of the problems are due to the unavoidable aspects of this period of transition. Through perseverance and continued efforts, a beautiful new tomorrow can be created.

Premier Sun explained that the National Development Seminar's organization is based on the main areas of the country's development, broken down into four groups: Economy, technology, culture and foreign relations.

On the economic front, the country has already decided on measures to help the industrial and commercial sectors, but because of the continuing domestic state of flux and the worldwide recession, the economy has so far shown few signs of recovery. He expressed the hope that theory and practice can be brought together to work out the steps that should be taken to ensure that the Republic of China can join the ranks of developed nations before the end of the decade. Important industrial tasks outlined by the Premier are developing technology alongside industry to support the defense and civilian industries, expanding agricultural mechanization, and improving uses of water and land resources.

The Premier also pointed to the need to coordinate the work of the cultural development conference held at the end of last year. He stressed that human resources are the basis of national development, and that development of these resources is the responsibility of the educational system. The improvement of the educational system and extension of educational opportunities to more people should therefore be given immediate attention. Other tasks which have to be completed are the spreading of the beauties of traditional culture to a wider audience and solving the problems of spiritual and cultural life while at the same time improving physical comfort.

Politically, the Republic of China has upheld democracy, and despite many problems has continuously improved government efficiency. Diplomatically, the Premier stated, the country must use its present achievements as a base for combating the Chinese Communists' plans to isolate the ROC. In order to resolve international political and legal problems, the ROC must adopt new approaches to achieve these diplomatic goals.

One of the most discussed topics during the two-week conference was the impression other countries have of martial law in the ROC. Many scholars, while admitting that the provisions of martial law are light, said that it creates the wrong impression overseas.

At the end of the conference, its leader, Li Cheng-yi, presented a report which showed the findings of the various committees. On the diplomatic front, he reported no major change in government policies at present, and said it is more important to be self-sufficient than to receive sympathy from others. Economically, he said, talent, capital and resources must be combined to break through the bottlenecks in economic development. The destruction wrought by Communism has placed culture in a perilous position on the mainland. This means that the government must work even harder to preserve Chinese culture in Taiwan. As far as technology is concerned, Li said that success or failure in both the industrial and commercial sectors, and the defense industry ultimately depends on advances made in technology. He suggested a strengthening of relations between scholars in Taiwan and abroad to promote the development of high technology.

[Picture Caption]

1) This year, 193 scholars took part in the National Development Seminar. 2) Premier Sun Yun-suan welcoming participants. 3) President Chiang Ching-kuo warmly greeted the scholars.

1) Premier Sun and his wife greeted everyone personally at the opening banquet. 2) Premier Sun chatting with the children of one of the guests at the tea party. 3,4,5) Participants in the National Development Seminar visited the China Steel Corp., China Shipbuilding Corp., and Taichung port.

Premier Sun Yun-suan welcoming participants.

President Chiang Ching-kuo warmly greeted the scholars.

Premier Sun and his wife greeted everyone personally at the opening banquet.

Premier Sun chatting with the children of one of the guests at the tea party.

Participants in the National Development Seminar visited the China Steel Corp., China Shipbuilding Corp., and Taichung port.

Participants in the National Development Seminar visited the China Steel Corp., China Shipbuilding Corp., and Taichung port.

Participants in the National Development Seminar visited the China Steel Corp., China Shipbuilding Corp., and Taichung port.