Good Afternoon!
I am very pleased to have been invited to attend this opening of the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Office of Trade Negotiations. It is truly gratifying to see that, under my direction, this Office has been so expeditiously planned and set up.
Today, the development of global trade is characterized by unceasing change and fierce competition. In years past, Taiwan's industrious people employed flexible strategies and made a remarkable economic achievement as the world watched. Today, in the 21st century, the government's duty is to consider how the fruits of our success may be multiplied.
During my time as president, Taiwan has acceded to the World Trade Organization and has been an active participant in the activities of international organizations such as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development. Taiwan has also signed free trade agreements with several countries, including Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador. At present, we are negotiating a further FTA with the Dominican Republic.
By participating in numerous international trade negotiations, we have realized that in conducting such negotiations, different government agencies need to plan together, combine their efforts, and work as a team. They also have to learn to look at things from different perspectives and let go of preconceived notions when necessary while engaging in inter-ministerial consultations and negotiations, as only when they do so can they maximize the benefits for our nation.
Today's opening of the Office of Trade Negotiations is proof of the government's creative and progressive thinking, which has put together a professional team to build momentum for conducting the nation's trade negotiations. Especially satisfying to me is that even though Taiwan has repeatedly been treated unfairly in the international community, its government and private sector continue to work as one to play an important role in and contribute to international trade.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of both Taiwan's accession to the WTO and its participation in the Doha Round of multilateral trade talks. The environment for international free trade having become more liberal, we now need to attract more individuals skilled in trade negotiations to join us in foreign trade negotiations. Then we will be able to maximize the benefits for Taiwan and capture a larger share of foreign markets as well as more business opportunities.
Aware of the complex and mercurial nature of international trade and the pressing needs of my administration, I particularly pointed out in the 2006 National Security Report published last May that the government should promptly appoint a trade representative with full responsibility for handling and coordinating all bilateral, multilateral, and regional trade talks. This would strengthen our overall ability in conducting foreign trade negotiations. Moreover, representatives participating in last July's Conference on Sustaining Taiwan's Economic Development also proposed a resolution urging the government to set up an agency with the exclusive responsibility for trade negotiations so that FTAs could be signed with more countries, to increase participation in international economic integration, and to enhance Taiwan's role and function in international organizations such as the WTO and APEC.
The establishment of the Office of Trade Negotiations, therefore, is the result of government agencies' cooperation. It also meets the people's expectations. I believe that when the Office becomes fully operational, our trade representatives specialized in different issues will have many opportunities to put their expertise to work in seeking the best for our nation in bilateral trade talks and international organizations such as the WTO and OECD.
We are honored by the presence of all of you ambassadors, foreign dignitaries, and representatives of the American and European chambers of commerce in Taipei at this opening ceremony. I believe that through your close interactions with and support for the Office of Trade Negotiations, we will create win-win situations for Taiwan and your nations in economic and trade affairs. I also look for the various sectors in society to work together to expand Taiwan's international space and help Taiwan play a greater role in the global economic and trade system. Ultimately this would help bring about a more stable, prosperous, and affluent Taiwanese society.
In closing, I would like to wish this opening ceremony great success and all our distinguished guests health and happiness. Thank you.