Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Changhua, central Taiwan, July 16 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian traveled to the central county of Changhua Tuesday to officiate at a ceremony to mark the inauguration of Taiwan's first international-standard vehicle test center.

Addressing the ceremony, Chen said the establishment of the test center underlines the fact that the research environment of Taiwan's automobiles, motorcycles and other vehicles has reached international standards and marks a milestone for Taiwan's vehicle industry.

The non-profit center, located in the Chuangping Industrial Zone in Changhua County, is poised to raise Taiwan's competitiveness in the world vehicle industry, Chen said.

The Asian auto market, apart from Japan and South Korea, is expected to double in terms of business transactions in the coming 10 years, providing a golden opportunity for Taiwan's auto industry, Chen added.

The 129-hectare test center has 21 satellite laboratories responsible for research, development, testing and verification for automobiles, motorcycles, other vehicles, parts and components.