Vice President Vincent C. Siew on the afternoon of May 22 met with The Carlyle Group Co-founder and Managing Director David Rubenstein at the Presidential Building. On behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), Vice President Siew extended a warm welcome to Mr. Rubenstein.
Vice President Siew noted that The Carlyle Group is one of the world's largest private equity firms. The government cordially welcomes this visit to Taiwan by Mr. Rubenstein, he said. In light of President Ma Ying-jeou's busy schedule these few days receiving dignitaries who have come from far distances to attend the inauguration ceremonies, President Ma specially asked Vice President Siew to meet with Mr. Rubenstein on his behalf. The vice president said he would like to extend the warmest greetings to Mr. Rubenstein on behalf of the president.
Mr. Rubenstein thanked Vice President Siew for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He said the main reason for this visit to Taiwan by him and his colleagues is in the hope of learning about the new government's visions and hopes for the future. He also said he wanted to express his good wishes on the 12 infrastructure projects the new government intends to carry out and relate The Carlyle Group's willingness to participate in these projects. Mr. Rubenstein said he hopes that mutual efforts will pave the way for more cooperation and interaction, opening a new page for the nation.
Vice President Siew told Mr. Rubenstein that even before the results of the March 22 presidential election, President Ma and he had worked together for quite some time. He said President Ma asked him to be his running mate since President Ma places great emphasis on Taiwan's economic development. Vice President Siew has a strong background in economic affairs both in his capacity as a government official in the past and in his work in the private sector. President Ma, he said, asked him to run as the twelfth-term vice president of the ROC with the hope that he could make even more contributions to the people of Taiwan.
Vice President Siew also said that one of Taiwan's most urgent tasks is to foster economic development. The new government, he said, will adopt more liberal policies and embrace a more open attitude with the hope of attracting greater amounts of foreign investment. At the same time, the government hopes that industries that previously left Taiwan will look at returning to the island. He said he believes now is the perfect time for Taiwan businesses and foreign investors to embrace Taiwan. Vice President Siew added that the new government is presently drafting many liberalization policies. In addition to setting the foundation for direct flights between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, the government also is planning to open Taiwan to mainland Chinese tourists. These initiatives will inject new life and opportunities into Taiwan's economy, he said.
Vice President Siew also told Mr. Rubenstein that he recently represented Taiwan at the Boao Forum for Asia that was held in Hainan, China. He said that he and Chinese leader Hu Jintao had a chance to meet. This was this first time in 60 years that high-ranking leaders from governments on both sides of the Taiwan Strait shook hands and sat down to talk. This not only marked an important moment in history, but also was a major step in fostering normalized relations between the two sides, he said. Vice President Siew stressed that Taiwan is already a fully open market and has enormous developmental prospects. He reiterated his gratitude and welcome to Mr. Rubenstein on behalf of the government and people here.