The 20th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held from September 8 to 9 this year in Vladivostok, Russia. President Ma Ying-jeou has extended an invitation to former Vice President Lien Chan (連戰) to serve as his envoy to the annual meeting. This will be Mr. Lien's fifth time representing President Ma at the event.
The president stated that former Vice President Lien has already represented the ROC for four consecutive years at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and is familiar with the operation of APEC. Mr. Lien, he added, has a deep understanding of Taiwan's political and economic affairs, along with a thorough comprehension of international affairs. He has performed in an outstanding manner in previous years during such meetings, and consequently the president said he has decided to again ask the former vice president to serve as the representative for the ROC's leader.
The theme of this year's APEC summit is "Integrate to Grow, Innovate to Prosper." Four priority areas for discussion will include liberalizing trade and investment and expanding regional economic integration, strengthening food security, establishing reliable supply chains, and fostering innovative growth. Former Vice President Lien will exchange opinions with leaders from other APEC member nations on matters of concern, trade and economic development in the Asia-Pacific, and global economic trends.