President Lee Teng-hui, while meeting with Belize Prime Minister Mannuel A. Esquivel this morning, said that he hoped to be a pioneer leading ROC businessmen in exploring the vast Central and South American markets and accelerating bilateral ties between the Republic of China and that part of the world.
During the meeting, the President also noted that, although the substantive effects of his recent visit to Central and South America could not be seen until the end of this year or early next year, yet he was encourged to find two facts. Firstly, countries in Central and South America have become more stable politically and are focusing their attention on economic development, which invites foreign investment. Secondly, his visit to the region also created a good opportunity for ROC businessmen; and he also urged them to strike while the iron is hot.
Congratulating President Lee on his recent successful Latin American tour, Prime Minister Esquivel said that President Lee's visit has brought bilateral ROC-Latin America ties into a new era.
Prime Minister Esquivel hoped that President Lee can be another "Columbus," leading ROC businessmen to Central and South America for creating a new world.
Prime Minister Esquivel made a side-trip to Taipei from Hong Kong after attending the general annual meeting of the World Bank there. He was accompanied by ROC vice premier John Chang to the Office of the President for the meeting. Dr. Ding Mou-shih, secretary-general of the National Security Council, and Mr. Stephen S. F. Chen, deputy secretary-general to the President, were also at present.