Chairman Wang (General Chamber of Commerce), Ambassador Kazembe, Ambassador Hernandez, outstanding businessmen, outstanding trade representatives, directors of outstanding foreign firms, ladies and gentlemen:
Good morning!
I am most delighted to have this opportunity to meet with the recipients of the 2002 Golden Merchant Awards. I would like to commend you for your remarkable achievements and extend my congratulations to all of you.
This past year has been full of challenges and crises in global politics and economy. On 1st January this year, Taiwan made its entry into the WTO, which has opened up a new world for us and allowed us to play a more influential role in the international society.
To meet these new global changes, in May this year, our Executive Yuan has formally adopted a six-year national development plan, known as "Challenge Year 2008." It is our goal to push through reforms on all fronts in the next 6 years, so that Taiwan would create the most attractive and competitive environment for foreign investors and shape a bright new future.
Our concrete plans to realize the above goals could be summarized as the following. In terms of economic development, our administration attaches equal importance on the development of both high-tech and traditional industries and actively provides sufficient incentives for domestic investment. This would actualize our strategic goal of "investing in Taiwan first". In addition, the administration will expedite its government reform process. Through the streamlining of our governmental agencies and strengthening of our Legislative Yuan, the efficiency of our government and the competitiveness of Taiwan will be greatly enhanced. In terms of cross strait relations, our administration will continue to push for its normalization, based upon the principles of "goodwill reconciliation", "active cooperation" and "permanent peace". I firmly believe that the democracy and liberty that we now enjoy, as well as the vitality and creativity of the Taiwanese people are the greatest treasures and weapons we have for competing with China.
Lastly, let me congratulate you once again and thank you all for your remarkable contribution to the economic development in Taiwan. I wish all of you good health and every success. Thank you very much!