President Chen Shui-bian presided over a high-level government meeting on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) at the Office of the President on November 2. The President announced a five-point directive after receiving briefings from related government authorities and holding discussions with participants.
He said the Taiwan people should not be held back by China's relentless oppression, and as long as Taiwan can reach out to the world, the world will recognize the value of its existence and active participation in the global community.
According to President Chen, Taiwan has initiated a number of proposals to the APEC informal leadership meeting over the years, which include the establishment of the APEC Digital Opportunity Center (ADOC) and have won wide support from APEC members. And in May 2006, responding to the spread of bird flu, Taiwan donated US$ 1 million to the APEC Secretariat as a research fund for subjects on human security.
"In the future, Taiwan, with its advantages in economy and technology, will continue to share with all APEC members opportunities and prosperity, based on the spirits of openness, cooperation, and humanitarian care," said President Chen.
President Chen also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Department of Health to communicate with other APEC members, so as to make Taiwan's position known and seek support for Taiwan's initiatives, including the digital preservation program for cultural assets of the APEC members.