President Chen Shui-bian received environment ministers from Central American countries on October 20. He expressed appreciation to his guests for attending the Taiwan-Central American Environment Ministerial Meeting and strengthening the partnership between Taiwan and its Central American allies.
The meeting discussed the setup of a dialogue mechanism on climate change and the strengthening of Latin America's regional capabilities. The establishment of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and exchanges over the technology of sustainable development were also major issues at the meeting.
President Chen stressed that the CDM of the Kyoto Protocol encourages both the public and private sectors from the world's leading countries to invest in developing regenerated resources in Central America, including hydroelectric power, bio diesel fuel, alcohol gasoline, forestation, and forest reservation. It will help reach the goals of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in developed countries and sustaining the economic developments in developing countries.
President Chen also pointed out that, though not a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, Taiwan has passed a bill on reducing GHG, demonstrating its determination to fulfill its responsibilities as a member of the international community.