Taipei, March 19 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian urged business leaders Wednesday to make investment in Taiwan their top priority and said that Taiwan businesses should make the island their base.
The president made the remarks when he attended a regular monthly meeting of the "3-3 Society" -- a local businessman's group -- to meet with the heads of some major businesses.
The president said that although the society represents only 48 business groups, their combined annual revenue exceeds US$200 billion, or more than one half of Taiwan's gross domestic product.
Noting that the members of the society are all leaders in their respective fields, he urged them to attach importance to their social responsibilities and make island their operation base.
Chen said Taiwan must have a global vision if it is to sustain its industrial development. "Only when Taiwan keeps growing and getting stronger can its businessmen around the world have a wider space to maneuver," he added.
He expressed the hope that the business leaders will invest in Taiwan based on their love of homeland and that they will pump more resources into research and development and marketing.
He also said that since the inauguration of the his government in May 2000, it has faced three-pronged pressure: poor adjustment of the roles of ruling and opposition parties since the first political transfer in Taiwan over the past five decades; strong impact of the full opening of its market after accession to the World Trade Organization; and the rapid rise of mainland China, which poses a threat to Taiwan.
Faced with multiple stiff challenges ahead, Chen expressed regret that not only has the nation yet to forge a consensus, it has seen even more division.
Quoting the late United States President John F. Kennedy -- "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country" -- Chen urged the business leaders to take action to contribute to their country.