President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of October 30 at the Presidential Office met with Intel Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Paul Otellini. The president, on behalf of the people and government of the ROC (Taiwan), extended a warm welcome to Mr. Otellini.
President Ma noted that Intel is the world's most important maker of micro processors. It not only maintains an enormous share of the global market, but also holds an important position in the world's information and technology industry. The president mentioned that Intel established an R&D center in Taiwan in 2003, which has had a considerable impact in helping to boost the position of Taiwan's information industry. President Ma said he is delighted to have the opportunity to meet and exchange opinions with Mr. Otellini.
President Ma pointed out that this year's financial turmoil has impacted many industries in countries throughout the globe, causing drops in their revenues. Despite this, Intel was able to buck the market trend and post a 12% growth in third quarter sales, which is an amazing performance and points to the successful business and operational strategies of the company, he said. The president expressed his hope to further exchange opinions with Mr. Otellini, on the precondition of not to touch Intel's commercial secrets, so as to understand how Intel has chalked up such an impressive performance amid an economic downturn. This knowledge, he said, could be useful for related industries in Taiwan.
Mr. Otellini expressed his gratitude to President Ma for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with him. He noted Taiwan's prowess in many areas of the information industry and the healthy structure its high-tech industry exhibits, adding that Taiwan offers quite a good investment environment. He expressed his confidence that even though Taiwan is feeling the impact of the global economic downturn, it will safely get through the financial crisis.
President and CEO Otellini was accompanied to the Presidential Office in the afternoon by Minister of Economic Affairs Yiin Chii-ming to meet with President Ma.