President Chen Shui-bian praised the SMEs as the backbone of Taiwan's economic development and the bedrock for national stability.
"Only when the SMEs develop sustainably can the Taiwanese people enjoy a peaceful and prosperous life," said President Chen, when addressing the presentation ceremony of the 15th National Award of Outstanding Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on October 26.
According to President Chen, one of the goals for the Executive Yuan to approve the "Big Investment, Big Warmth" development project recently is to broaden the basis for Taiwan's industrial development through assisting the SMEs. The government aims to increase the number of SMEs from 1.22 million last year to 1.35 million by 2009, their annual turnover from NT$ 10 trillion to NT$13.8 trillion, and their employees from 7.64 million to 7.99 million.
President Chen also encouraged the SMEs to stay united. "The greatness of a nation does not count much on the size of its territory or population, nor does the success of an enterprise rely on the size of its capital or labor force."