Taipei, Feb. 18 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian called Tuesday on domestic businessmen to use Taiwan as the flagship base of their global operations before reaching out to other countries.
Chen made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Chang Lien-kai, chairman of the Taiwan Trade and Industrial Federation in Okinawa.
Pointing out that Taiwan's economy has for some time been affected by the worldwide recession, the president said the government's economic strategy is to "cultivate Taiwan, explore the globe" by touting investment for Taiwan as its priority. "When Taiwan serves as the home base for the many Taiwan businessmen in the world, they can launch visionary investment projects everywhere and help improve Taiwan's economy," Chen claimed.
He also vowed to wipe out corruption, carry out educational reform, create employment, boost tourism and court investment to strengthen Taiwan's competitiveness and increase prosperity for the people of Taiwan.
Chen hailed the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission's performance in recent years, saying that the commission has done a great job in helping forge confidence and affinity toward the government by luring capital and tourists from among overseas Chinese communities.
Chen also praised Chang's long-time concern for the people of Taiwan and Okinawa, which has helped Taiwan investors explore more business opportunities.
A donation by Chang of 170 million yen (US$1.42 million ) for the victims of the earthquake of Sept. 21, 1999 is proof of his great love for Taiwan, he noted.