President Ma Ying-jeou on the evening of June 12 attended the European Chamber of Commerce Taipei's (ECCT) Europe Day Dinner. In addition to congratulating the ECCT on its 20th anniversary, the president thanked the ECCT and all of its members for their long-term efforts in promoting bilateral trade and economic dealings between Taiwan and European nations, as well as their contributions to fostering substantive and friendly relations.
President Ma said Taiwan and the European Union (EU) maintain close interaction on the economic and trade front, as well as substantive and cordial ties. Last year, Taiwan and the EU posted bilateral trade amounting to US$46.7 billion. The EU is Taiwan's fourth largest trading partner, behind only Mainland China, the United States and Japan. Taiwan's exports of goods to EU countries hit US$26.8 billion, while imports from the region amounted to US$19.9 billion. These numbers attest to the close and deep-seated trade bond between the two. In addition, President Ma said that over the years the ECCT has provided any number of valuable suggestions to the government here, including calling for the liberalization of restrictions in the financial services sector, opening direct links between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, and urging the government to increase investment in infrastructure and development projects.
President Ma furthermore stated that next year, the government will embark on US$130 billion of investment in the I-Taiwan 12 infrastructure projects. Two-thirds of the budget for the projects will come from the government, while the remaining one-third will be open to participation by the private sector. The president said he hopes these projects will enhance the foundation for Taiwan's national competitiveness and economic development. He said that when the time comes for the program to commence, he welcomes the ECCT to participate in these infrastructure projects.
President Ma also said that in addition to the trade and economic interaction between Taiwan and the EU, European philosophy and thought, political science, culture, arts and lifestyle all have a deep influence on Taiwan. He said that in his inauguration address, he quoted a famous saying by England's Lord Acton: "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." The president said he will always keep this saying in mind. President Ma also said 15 years ago when he served as vice chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, he came to understand the German peoples' stance on the two Germanys, namely "One Germany, Two States." While this is not entirely applicable to the cross-strait situation, the president did note that the efforts by East and West Germany to co-exist peacefully is worthy of reference.
President Ma expressed his deep appreciation for the EU's support for the ROC's participation in the World Health Organization (WHO). He said that while the nation's efforts to join the WHO have been thwarted many times, he hopes that next year Taiwan will adopt a more flexible stance in its application that could facilitate its entrance into the organization. He added that he hopes the EU will continue to strongly support Taiwan in this regard.
President Ma also explained to the guests Taiwan's plans to reduce CO2 emissions and its goals in this respect. He said he hopes that before 2016-2020, Taiwan's CO2 emissions will be brought back down to the levels of 2008. Furthermore, by 2025, Taiwan will look to reduce its CO2 emissions back to the levels of 2000. Looking even further ahead, the president said Taiwan's objective in 2050 will be to have cut CO2 emissions to half the level of those in 2000. President Ma stressed that this is an extremely tough mission. However, he said that per capita CO2 emissions on Taiwan are more than three times the world average. Therefore, Taiwan must take action and adopt measures quickly. He said he hopes in the future Taiwan will be cleaner and more beautiful. He also expressed his confidence that the long-term efforts by European nations to promote environmental protection and sustainability will assist Taiwan in reaching its goals to reduce carbon emissions.
Lastly, President Ma expressed good wishes and thanks to all members of the ECCT. He said he was extremely pleased to have been invited once again to attend the gala, and he said he hopes Taiwan and the EU in the future will continue to strengthen their understanding of each other and further build their friendship.