President Ma Ying-jeou is speaking out in response to a series of protests against Formosa Plastics Groups petrochemical plant in Mailiao, Yunlin and the issues involving the halt of Central Taiwan Science Park.

He addresses at the recent conference that a balance is needed between industrial development and environmental protection.

During the triennial National Industrial Development Conference, which took place on Thursday, President Ma Ying-jeou expressed optimism in Taiwan's post-ECFA economic development.

Later on, Chinese National Federation of Industries Chairman Chen Wu-hsiung blasted the effects of the Formosa Plastics naphtha cracker plant fire on Taiwan's major infrastructure projects.

Many industry representatives also expressed dissatisfaction with the island's major construction projects. In response, Ma commented for the first time on the Taipei High Court's decision to stop all construction work at the Central Taiwan Science Park.

Apart from supporting the Cabinet's stance that the construction stoppage would not affect production, Ma also said that the court shouldn't revoke environmental reviews.

The core theme of Thursday's conference was using industrial soft power and optimized structures to create new opportunities.

While the event was meant to focus on post-ECFA economic policies, recent economic and environmental issues became the main issue.