The funds will be used to help affected workers make the move to other professions and stabilize their lives after the ECFA is implemented, Wu told a seminar on the impact of the proposed cross-Taiwan Strait trade deal held at I-Shou University in southern Taiwan.

Saying that the tariff-concession agreement is aimed at stepping up Taiwan’s competitiveness and helping businessmen amid fierce foreign competition, he pledged that the government will stick to its principle of protecting the interests of Taiwan’s people when negotiating the pact.

Taiwan and China are expected to hold the third round of ECFA talks in Beijing soon after concluding their second round of talks in Taiwan, which produced little progress on forging common ground regarding “early harvest lists” drawn up by the two sides for priority treatment.

The items included on each side’s list would be allowed to enter the other side with preferential customs rates or duty free, making Taiwanese goods more competitive in the Chinese market.

Wu reiterated that the government will not allow the entry of Chinese workers or open Taiwan’s doors wider to vegetables and other farm products from China.

Earlier that same day, the premier inspected reconstruction work on the Shuanyuan Bridge connecting Kaohsiung County with Pingtung County.

Reconstruction of the bridge, which was seriously damaged by Typhoon Morakot in August last year, is slated for completion by late April, before the onset of typhoon season.

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