Taiwan's president-elect Lai Ching-te says he is appointing a former chairperson of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party as the new premier.

Lai announced the appointment of Cho Jung-tai, his close ally, to the post on Wednesday. Lai is scheduled to be sworn in as Taiwan president on May 20.

Cho served as the Taiwanese cabinet's secretary-general from 2017 to 2018, when Lai was premier under the government of President Tsai Ing-wen. After serving as the chairperson of the ruling party, he played a key role in Lai's campaign for the presidential election in January.

Lai said he chose Cho because of skills as a communicator and a problem-solver. He said Cho had the ability to build a consensus between different parties in the public interest.

Cho said the incoming administration would be focused on a people-first approach. He said closer cooperation between the executive and legislative branches will bring hope to Taiwan.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party lost its majority in the parliamentary elections held at the same time as the presidential election. Cho's appointment apparently reflects Lai's intention to seek dialogue with the opposition camp to implement his policies.