On November 16, President Chen Shui-bian received Taiwan's delegation to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, encouraging them to actively participate in the agenda and to promote the benefit of this country. Dr. Morris Chang, chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), who will lead the delegation this year, responded that he would do everything in his power for the best interest of Taiwan.
The "Hanoi Plan of Action" proposed by Vietnam, host of the APEC meeting this year, clearly listed the priority items for trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, aimed at helping the members focus on the APEC's core agenda and reach its goals. President Chen indicated that Taiwan will commit itself to the goals of the APEC.
With regard to reforming the APEC, President Chen said that Taiwan supports the idea of strengthening the APEC's execution and control over all proposed plans through organizational restructure, so as to enhance the efficiency of the APEC Secretariat. President Chen said he believed that Dr. Chang, with his outstanding entrepreneurship, will be capable of offering constructive suggestions on behalf of Taiwan.
In concluding the reception, President Chen expressed his hope that the delegation will not only attend the formal meetings but also take the opportunity to interact and communicate with leaders of other member countries. Dr. Chang said that he would make use of this trip to publicize the virtues of the Taiwanese people, the advantage of Taiwan's democracy, and Taiwan's economic achievements.