Taipei, Aug. 31 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian acknowledged Sunday the contributions made by the country's basic industries to help the economy in defiance of an international economic slowdown.
Speaking at a conference of an association concerned with rejuvenating the economy of Taiwan through its basic industries, the president blamed the unfavorable international economic climate for the country's slower-than-expected economic recovery.
However, the president said, it is admirable that the country's basic industries are capable of bucking the worldwide trend and posting remarkable growth.
Citing various governmental data, the president said the country's economy is looking up and the efforts of basic industries will soon pay off.