Minister Wang; Chairman Koo; Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet with you once again at the Chinese Lunar New Year Dinner Party hosted by our Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce for Ambassadors and Commercial Representatives to the Republic of China.
There has always been a very close connection between economic development of this country and its international relations. Because of a population of just 21 million people on Taiwan and land area of only 36,000 square kilometers, our domestic market is small and our space for economic activities is limited. Our economy thus depends heavily on the world market. Strengthening trade and commercial relations with other countries has therefore been an important element in our pursuit of economic development. Through the years, the Republic of China has maintained close ties with the international community, and our economy has continued to develop and grow, providing a solid foundation for us to promote political and social reform. I would like to especially use this occasion to extend our sincere appreciation to each of you for your support and efforts towards the above.
Presently, in addition to holding discussions on mutual economic cooperation, this country has entered into investment protection agreements and endeavors to strengthen bilateral economic relations with other countries. We are also actively participating in international organizations and activities in order to contribute even more concretely to the global community.
After ten years of striving to gain entry into the World Trade Organization, we have successfully completed our bilateral consultations and very possibly may be formally admitted into the organization this year. I sincerely hope your respective nations will continue to support the ROC's accession to the WTO so that we can meet our international responsibilities and join hands with the rest of the world to build a new epoch of peace and prosperity.
Looking ahead to the twenty-first century, greater developments in the trend of globalization and the advance of information technology will create new challenges for the world economy. In the midst of a rapidly changing and fiercely competitive new environment, Taiwan will also seek to create sustainable development for its economy by retaining its comparative advantages and opening new horizons for development. At the same time, we will continue to actively expand external economic and trade relations. Our major goals for the future include the following.
First, comply with the rules of international trade set by the WTO to promote the expansion of world markets. Second, raise the standards of the world's industries through technology transfers in high tech industries. Third, give back to the international community by providing international aid and assistance.
Ladies and Gentlemen, each of you has contributed and participated in the Republic of China's economic development process. I hope that in the future you will continue to give us your affirmation and assistance so that we can make greater contributions to peace, cooperation and economic prosperity of the world.
Just before I left my house to come to this occasion, I read a newspaper article about Professor Paul Samuelson, a famous economist at MIT, which I would like to share with you. On the day before his 21st birthday, Samuelson excitedly looked forward to the coming day. He believed that a new life would begin tomorrow for he would become an adult. However, when he woke up the next day, he started by brushing his teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast, going through the same routine as he had done every morning. He found that he did not feel anything special; his birthday was just another ordinary day. This story could similarly describe the ROC. Even as we look forward to the rapid changes from new technologies and more open world markets in the 21st century, the ROC will still stay the same as we enter the new era, advancing steadily step by step, just like Samuelson did on his birthday. Whether it be one's 21st birthday or 19th birthday, it is just another day.
I will be stepping down from office on May 20th of this year. We will be electing a new president soon. People may wonder whether things will change with the new president. But, no matter who the next president shall be, the ROC will remain the same. We will continue to march forward and seek further development upon the basis of past foundations.
Let me close by wishing everyone good health and happiness. Thank you.