President Ma's recent decision to withdraw the Kuokuang plant project in Changhua may have pleased environmental groups,

but the domestic petrochemical industry and its investors have been infuriated as a result, criticizing the government for its lack of a clear and consistent policy.

However, some scholars believe that the sudden change of plan actually offers the high-pollution industry an upgrade opportunity.

The Kuo Kuang Petrochemical plant's decision not to build a facility in Changhua is part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs declaration that the petrochemical industry will pursue higher value production in the future.

Some still question this new direction, saying it may take a long time.Scholars argue that there is a backlash in recent years as the environment has been impacted by major disasters.

Taiwan should pursue both environmental protection and economic growth.

Priorities should be given to the development of a high value, low pollution petrochemical industry.

Scholars believe that oil is a finite resource, and the rest of the world is thinking about alternative energy and industrial restructuring.

If the government does not upgrade the petrochemical industry, the future may include more economic costs and Taiwan may not be able to keep up with the pace of global competition.