President Chen said that in recent years, both countries have made great breakthroughs in terms of bilateral relations. Taiwan and Korea have just restored direct commercial flights and implemented visa-free policies. In addition, Taiwan has set up a representative office in Busan, South Korea.
With respect to business, President Chen said that Taiwan and Korea enjoy a close relationship in trade. Korea is Taiwan's fifth largest trade partner, with the two-way trade amounting to US$ 18.8 billion in 2005, a 10.5 % increase over the previous year. It is also Taiwan's sixth largest export market. Last year, tourist arrivals between Taiwan and Korea numbered 540,000, and this year the figure is expected to reach 600,000.
President Chen said that he was gratified over the development of bilateral relations between the two countries and would like his guests to convey his regards to South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun.
Also present at the meeting were Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chang Siao-Yue and Deputy Secretary-General to the President Liu Shyh-fang.