Taipei, Sept. 23 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Tuesday that Taiwan will take bold steps to further liberalize its markets and investment system in the face of ever-growing competition in the international community.
Chen made the commitment while meeting with Thomas J. Engibous, chairman and CEO of U.S.-based Texas Instruments Group, who is currently in Taipei to attend a business forum being held in connection with the opening of the 2003 Computex Taipei -- the world's third-largest computer trade fair.
As a democratic country, Chen said, Taiwan must update its legal system to the world standard. "And in the face of mounting global competition, Taiwan must further deregulate restrictions on investment and other economic activities," he added.
Chen said his administration will bravely promote convenient cargo transportation and even direct trade, shipping and air links across the Taiwan Strait under the premise that the nation's security and dignity are not compromised.
The president also lauded Texas Instruments for making Taiwan its Asian operations hub and for continuing to launch new investments on the island.