Taipei, Sept. 22 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Monday his administration will continue making every possible effort to make Taiwan a global innovation center.
Addressing the opening of Computex Taipei 2003, Chen said Taiwan will not be complacent about its current pivotal status in the world information technology (IT) industry supply chains. "Taiwan won't be just an IT product manufacturing hub, " Chen said. "It will endeavor to become a global IT industry research and development (R&D) center."
The president further said Taiwan will not rest on its "MIT" (Made in Taiwan) laurels but will make even greater efforts to win the title of "IIT" (Innovated in Taiwan).
Noting that 24 local- and foreign-owned enterprises have set up R&D centers in Taiwan, Chen said more than 30 multinational conglomerates are expected to launch similar R&D facilities on the island by 2006. "We sincerely welcome all companies around the world to invest in Taiwan, " Chen said. "They are welcome to set up either manufacturing or R&D facilities in our country."
Chen said Computex Taipei ranks among the world's three largest computer trade fairs. "I take great delight in seeing a large number of companies gathered here to exhibit their latest lines of IT products, " Chen said, adding that the show demonstrates to the world Taiwan's vigor and vitality.
The large number of participants also indicates that Taiwan has emerged from the brief recession brought by the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreaks earlier this year, Chen said. "I'm confident of our economic recovery," he said.
Quoting forecasts by major local economic think tanks, including the Chung-hua Institution for Economic Research and the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, President Chen said Taiwan's economic recovery will shift into high gear in the second half of this year.
Chen also urged local business people to assist the government in luring more foreign companies to take part in the 2003 Taiwan Business Alliance Conference to be held in October.