Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of October 21 at the Presidential Office met with Governor C. L. "Butch" Otter and Mrs. Otter of the U.S. state of Idaho. The president extended a warm welcome and appreciation to Governor and Mrs. Otter for making the long trip to visit Taiwan.

The president noted that Governor Otter previously visited the ROC 10 years ago and that he is certain that the governor will notice today's Taiwan differs greatly from the one 10 years ago. President Ma said he hopes Governor Otter is able to stay in Taiwan for a few more days to experience and see the new Taiwan.

President Ma said that Taiwan Province and Idaho State entered into a sister province/state arrangement back in 1984, sharing a very long relationship. The president added that he hopes the delegation from Idaho will come away with a deeper understanding of Taiwan, enabling the private sectors of each side to develop even closer substantive relations.

Governor Otter thanked President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He said that Taiwan and Idaho have had many exchanges in the areas of high technology, education, economics & trade, energy and culture. Governor Otter said he treasures the relationship between the two sides and hopes to continue to strengthen exchanges and interaction based on the existing foundation.

In mentioning the financial crisis that has gripped the world lately, President Ma said that Taiwan continues to display sound economic fundamentals and a stable industrial foundation. While Taiwan is facing a difficult period, in the future it will certainly resume growth, he said. The president said the government recently announced a series of measures aimed at reducing the effects of the financial crisis on Taiwan. One of the measures was to fully guarantee all bank deposits, a move he said that has helped to stabilize sentiment and promote confidence among the public. In addition, the president said he has led an effort to encourage consumption, hoping that people with the ability to do so will consume more in order to help stimulate buying and the economy.