Taipei, Dec. 1 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian praised domestic traders Monday for their contributions to the nation's development, particularly in the economic field.
Addressing a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Taiwan Importers and Exporters Chamber of Commerce, Chen said that Taiwan's exports and imports have increased by 770 times over the past five decades, with two-way trade expanding from US$303 million in 1952 to NT$233.2 billion in 2002, thanks to the efforts of the country's traders.
During the same period, Chen went on, Taiwan's per capita income grew by 70 times, from US$180 to more than US$13,000.
Chen said that his administration will continue to provide strong support to Taiwan exporters and importers and he encouraged businessmen to work with the government to create a second round of Taiwan's "economic miracle."