Vice President Vincent C. Siew on the evening of August 4 at the Presidential Building met with Blackstone Group Chairman Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzman and his delegation. The vice president, on behalf of the ROC government and President Ma Ying-jeou, extended a warm welcome to Mr. Schwarzman. He said he looks forward to exchanging opinions with Mr. Schwarzman on topics related to investment and the world economy. He added that he hopes to strengthen his guests’ impression of Taiwan, thereby increasing the willingness of the Blackstone Group to invest here.
Vice President Siew noted that the Blackstone Group is the world’s largest private equity fund, managing over US$100 billion of funds. The organization has been quite active in Asia in recent years. Also present in the discussion is Mr. Antony Leung, chairman of the Blackstone Group’s Asian office in Hong Kong, who the Vice President said has impressive credentials, too. Mr. Leung presided over the signing of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Meanwhile, when the Hong Kong economy was dealt a blow due to the outbreak of SARS, Mr. Leung was instrumental in helping to turn the tide. Mr. Leung has joined the Blackstone Group and is responsible for Asian affairs. The vice president said he looks forward to greater interaction between the Blackstone Group and Taiwan due to efforts made by Mr. Leung.
Due to the tight schedule of the guests, they traveled to the Presidential Building to meet with Vice President Siew shortly after arriving here. In addition, they will be leaving Taiwan on Tuesday. As a result, the only time to meet was on Monday evening. Vice President Siew said he was touched by the willingness of his guests to find a time for the meeting, adding that he appreciates their friendship. The vice president expressed his hope that the Blackstone Group will strengthen its investment on Taiwan. He said this is a prime opportunity for both sides to benefit.
Vice President Siew said that in the two-plus months since the new government has taken office, it has implemented many liberalization and relaxation policies. Amid this environment, Taiwan’s policies increasingly show the nation’s dedication to liberalization. He said he hopes this atmosphere will generate more confidence among foreign investors in Taiwan’s investment climate and will boost their willingness to invest here.
The guests expressed their appreciation to Vice President Siew for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with them. They said they are pleased to have this rare opportunity to meet with the vice president during their short visit to Taiwan. They also said they look forward to exchanging opinions with the vice president on a range of issues of mutual concern. The guests said that joint efforts by the two sides will provide the basis for further cooperation and even more opportunities.