Taipei, Aug. 7 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian encouraged the business sector Thursday to help the government promote the nation's foreign relations.
Addressing the Fourth Congress of the Taipei-based Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA) , Chen said that it is one of his administration's goals to promote Taiwan's foreign relations and to increase its participation in international activities.
The president said that he has made three overseas trips since he took over the presidency of the Republic Of China in May, 2000, which took him to Taiwan's diplomatic allies in Latin America and Africa.
On every overseas trip, Chen said, he was always accompanied by business leaders who have made great contributions to consolidating the bilateral ties and friendship between Taiwan and its allies.
He also encouraged CIECA members to pool their forces with those of the private sector and to make use of its communication channels with commercial and industrial organizations of more than 50 countries around the world to help the government promote foreign trade, economic cooperation and friendship.
Chen revealed that he is planning to visit Taiwan's diplomatic allies again in the near future and invited domestic entrepreneurs to join his upcoming overseas trip.