Conference Chairman Wang, President Masselos of the International Apparel Federation, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good morning to all of you!
It is a great honor to have been invited to attend the opening ceremony of the 23rd IAF World Apparel Convention. On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, I would like to say to the 260 convention delegates from 33 countries near and far: Thank you for attending and welcome to Taiwan.
Founded in 1976, the IAF's membership now includes apparel associations from 33 countries representing over 150,000 companies and more than 5 million employees.
I would like to congratulate Chairman William Wang and Chief Vice Chairman Roland Tsai and the Taiwan Textile Federation for their successful bid to host the IAF World Apparel Convention this year. Thank you for your hard work in organizing this convention. The TTF first hosted an IAF World Apparel Convention in 2001, when Thomas Huang was Chairman, and I am glad this year we will have another opportunity to showcase the strength of Taiwan's textile and apparel industry and increase its visibility. I am certain Taipei 2007 will be a standout example for other industries in Taiwan in terms of our country's participation in important international NGOs.
Global trade of textiles and apparel grew by approximately 50 percent from 1990 to 2004 driven mainly by the rise of consumer power in Asia. The emerging Asian market is rich with opportunities and fraught with challenges. To fully capitalize on this situation it will be important to study today's textile trade in Asia and its future manufacturing and marketing trends. The theme of this year's convention "Asia--from a global production base to an emerging consumer market" reflects the host organization's far-sight and defines an issue of global concern.
With participants from all over the world in attendance, members of the domestic industry will have a good chance to interact and get to know delegate members of major international companies. This will be an excellent opportunity to share expertise and successful experiences, and I hope that we will see many win-win results for all come out of this year's convention.
This year, the host has arranged a special study tour of apparel factories operated by Taiwanese businessmen in Cambodia and Vietnam after the convention. Convention delegates will be able to observe for themselves the commitment of Taiwanese textile companies in expanding their overseas market and their accomplishments in this respect.
Taiwan is the world's 18th largest economy, 16th largest trading country, and the 7th largest source country of foreign investment. The textile industry is one of the pillars of Taiwan's economy. It has created significant employment opportunities, and helped turn Taiwan into a highly developed economy.
With new technologies emerging everyday, our country has been actively researching and developing functional textiles. Over one-third of Taiwan's textile companies are engaged in that area and have earned a good reputation in the global market.
To enhance the competitiveness of our textile industry, we have continued to upgrade and transform this sector, expand our market worldwide, study strategies of product differentiation, and develop high value-added textiles. That is why share prices of many textile and apparel companies have climbed. Companies such as Formosa Chemicals and Fibre Corporation, Far Eastern Textile, and Makalot Industrial Co., LTD. have all become investors' favorites.
Taiwan is known as Ilha Formosa or "beautiful island." It is also a "green silicon island"--an island of technology and wisdom founded on the commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, and international aid work. Under the irresistible trend of environmental consciousness, environmentally friendly textiles are bound to become the mainstream product of our textile industry in the years to come. Taiwan's textile companies have demonstrated their compassion by making donations to victims of the New Orleans flooding, Southeast Asia tsunami, and the September 21 earthquake in Taiwan. These admirable efforts, praised by the international community, are shining examples of the good work carried out by companies in Taiwan.
Since the elimination of textile quotas, the global market has entered into a phase of increased trade liberalization, bringing severe challenges to all WTO members. I believe that through thorough discussion and exchange of experience in this conference, we will be able to work towards overcoming difficulties and creating a bright future for the textile and apparel industry.
In closing, I would like to thank you again for your enthusiastic participation. I wish this convention and the following study tour every success and all of you good health and happiness.
Thank you!