Taipei, Aug. 19 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian Monday received Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel A. Roxas, who was in Taipei for the 10th Taiwan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Conference.
Chen lauded Roxas as an outstanding rising star in the Philippines and expressed hope that substantive relations between the two countries will be further strengthened.
He said that the ROC government has adopted a policy to encourage businessmen to invest in Southeast Asia and expressed hope that the Philippines will provide more incentives to attract investors from Taiwan.
During the reception, Chen also extended his thanks to the 70,000-plus Philippine laborers working in Taiwan for their contributions to the country's development.