To counter the polarizing trend in Taiwan's wealth distribution, the Executive Yuan seeks to create more jobs for the underprivileged by stimulating investments in the private sector. But some economists are questioning the effectiveness of such a strategy, advising that the government should start by increasing the minimum wage instead.

The 71 year-old Mr. Liu still has to work to bring the bacon home even after retirement.

He would work 6 to 7 hours per day by collecting recycled materials and sell them for about NT$700 to NT$800 at most, but sometimes NT$300 per day would have to do.

Liu is satisfied with the income for he knows that he would not make much even if he goes back to work.

The gap between the rich and the poor widens as the government is tackling the problem.

The Executive Yuan has set up a special committee to close the gap and is headed by Vice Premier Sean Chen; the first meeting has already taken place and the first step is to correct the economic structure to stimulate private sector investment and create more job opportunities.

However, some scholars pointed out that, creating jobs does not equal to closing the gap between the rich and the poor, increase minimum wage would be the key to allow poor laborers more income.

Besides economic structure change, family structure might be another problem in addition to social welfare problems, as the government needs to analysis from all aspects to really help the economically disadvantaged.

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