As the global financial turmoil hits Taiwan's economy, Ma Ying-Jeou said yesterday that public investment has been in negative growth and private consumption is limited. There is room for growth in both investment and consumption. He encourages people to spend more, and says: "when appropriate, I will take the lead in consumption."

Last night, he immediately went to Yuanling street, Taipei to buy leather shoes.

According to Taiwan media reports, Ma Ying-Jeou bought new shoes last night, matching the store's five thousand to five hundred discount, and picked two pairs.

The reporter asked Ma Ying-Jeou, is the "first family" spending power a lot? Ma Ying-Jeou embarrassed: "yes, we need to improve."

He laughed and said, "I am not consuming, I am too busy to have time!"

Ma Ying-Jeou met with representatives of Taiwan Industrial Council and Taiwan Federation of industry and Commerce on the same day, said that the financial turmoil was really great, but with Taiwan's excellent economic constitution, it could break through the difficulties.

He said that a series of measures in Taiwan to save the economy, including lowering the deposit preparation rate, cutting interest rates, reducing the tax rate of certificates, and reducing the stock market by half, had some effect.