President Ma Ying-jeou met with 2010-2011 Lions Clubs International President Sid L. Scruggs III and Mrs. Scruggs at the Presidential Office on the morning of November 22. The president applauded the contributions made by Lions Clubs in educational and public services activities over the course of many years, and expressed appreciation for the social wellbeing that they have generated through their hard work.
The president noted that Lions Clubs International was founded in 1917 and is the world's largest international service organization with some 1.3 million members. The Lions came to Taiwan's aid with generous donations after the devastating flooding and landslides spawned by Typhoon Morakot in early August last year, and the people of Taiwan deeply appreciated the kindness. President Ma pointed out that 8% of Taiwan's population donates blood, surpassing the ratio in the United States and Japan, and one big reason for this is the more than 100 blood donation vans that have been donated by the Lions Clubs, which make it much more convenient for people to give blood.
President Ma told the guests that while Taiwan was affected by the financial tsunami and the economic recession, the nation's economy has recovered quickly. Annualized economic growth hit 13.56% and 12.6% in the first two quarters of this year, and in the third quarter exceeded 9%. Growth for 2010 as a whole is expected to hit 9.98%, which would be the highest in 21 years, trailing only Singapore in Asia. Moreover, per capita GNP this year is poised to break through the US$19,000 level and over US$20,000 next year. The president stressed that economic growth can create jobs. However, he pointed out that the government not only emphasizes economic development, but also wants to ensure that the fruits of economic development are enjoyed by everyone.
President Ma referred to the noted American columnist Thomas L. Friedman, who stated when visiting Taiwan that while Taiwan is small and does not have many natural resources, its ability to mine the intelligence of its people has enabled the nation to make many outstanding achievements. The president remarked that over the past two years, contingents from Taiwan have been the biggest winners at the iENA International Trade Fair in Nuremberg and the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. In addition, the World Economic Forum in its Global Competitiveness Report ranked Taiwan sixth among 133 nations in its innovation subindex, with Taiwan topping the world in the number of utility patents per million population. He added that Taiwan designers in recent years have also turned in outstanding performances at design competitions in Germany (iF and red dot award), the United States (IDEA), and Japan (G-Mark). Consequently, the government plans to hold a major design exhibition next year to mark the nation's centenary and to display Taiwan's design abilities, he said.
President Ma commented that in his National Day address in October of this year, he declared that the ROC intends to play four roles in the world, namely, that of a peacemaker, a provider of humanitarian aid, a promoter of cultural ties, and a creator of new technologies and business opportunities. This, he said, exactly corresponds with the spirit of service and contribution embraced by the Lions Clubs, adding that he hopes Lions Clubs International will continue to work with the government here to make society a warmer and more harmonious place.
Mr. Scruggs, who comes from the state of North Carolina, was in Taiwan to attend the Lions Clubs International 49th OSEAL Forum. He and Mrs. Scruggs were escorted to the Presidential Office in the morning by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ssu-tsun Shen to meet President Ma. Also attending the meeting was Deputy Secretary-General to the President Liu Bao-guey.