Taipei, July 17 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian encouraged the public Thursday to take advantage of every opportunity to help upgrade Taiwan's international profile and defend the country's interests and rights.
Chen made the appeal while addressing a changeover ceremony for the outgoing and newly elected chairmen of Taiwan Lions Clubs. Over 100 representatives from local Lions Clubs attended the ceremony.
Outgoing Chairman Shen Chu-hsiung noted that under tremendous pressure from Beijing, the International Association of Lions Clubs changed the title of Taiwan's membership into "Taiwan, China" last year.
However, he added that thanks to a series of efforts by its members, Taiwan Lions Clubs obtained the title "MD300-Taiwan" for its membership.
The president lauded the Lions Clubs for their efforts to safeguard their interests and rights and urged all the Lions Club members to help upgrade Taiwan's visibility in the international arena, just as his wife Wu Shu-jen, who is currently in Germany for a four-day visit, is doing.
Chen pointed out that trips such as these are difficult for Wu, but he said she will be persistent in accomplishing her mission.
Citing the 3.54-percent growth rate in Taiwan's economy last year, which was much higher than those of advanced countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Japan, Chen voiced the hope that the domestic Lions Club members, most of whom are entrepreneurs, will have confidence in Taiwan's future.