Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Receiving visiting WTO Deputy Director-General Ablasse Ouedraogo at the Presidential Office, Chen noted that after 12 years of laborious effort, Taiwan joined the WTO Jan.1, 2002, which he said opened "a window of opportunity" for the country. He also vowed to ensure Taiwan fulfills its commitments and obligations as a WTO member.

The president welcomed Ouedraogo's latest visit to Taiwan and expressed appreciation for his firm support of the country, both during his term as Burkina Faso foreign minister and as WTO deputy director-general.

Chen noted that during his term as the West African country's foreign minister, Ouedraogo visited Taiwan many times and developed a deep understanding of the nation.

He said that the ROC has close and friendly relations with Burkina Faso, noting that he visited the African country two years ago and that Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore visited Taiwan a year ago. He further pointed out that a bilateral investment guarantee agreement and several cooperation projects are in progress.

Ouedraogo, who arrived Sunday at the invitation of the Board of Foreign Trade, said that his visit is mainly to report on current WTO developments and he conveyed the WTO's hope that Taiwan will assist developing countries to participate in world trade affairs.

Ouedraogo also said that the WTO will hold several meetings this year to further explore the agendas on bilateral and multilateral talks, and that it is expected to complete all negotiations by 2005. The WTO also provides members with a framework for equal development, he went on, adding that Taiwan could help other developing countries through offering technology and resource plans.

He pointed out that the WTO is a non-political organization and that member states can handle trade issues under its framework. He further suggested that Taiwan's representative to the WTO could play a more active role in the body.