Mayor MA Ying-Jeou, Mr. TAN Hup Foi, Chairman of UITP Asia-Pacific Division, Mr. Hans RAT, Secretary General of UITP, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is a great pleasure to be here to attend the Opening Ceremony of 2002 World Metro Symposium & Exhibition, and the 4th UITP Asia Pacific Assembly. Over a thousand of public transport experts from various countries and representatives from world-class public transportation corporations are gathering here today to share their experiences and knowledge with us. This joint event, I am convinced, will not only bring invaluable benefits to the development of public transport in our country but also make great contributions to technological advances in the fields of transportation.
The importance of transportation to a society is just blood vessels to human body. Our body cannot function if the blood vessels are blocked. Similarly, traffic congestion often leads to rising logistics cost and decreasing productivity, which hinders industrial growth and results in unbalanced regional development. While free circulation of blood in the vessels is critical to our health, a well-developed public transport system boosts domestic demand and economic prosperity. Its commissioning will further stimulate regional development and rejuvenate the economy with much reduced travel time and the revolutionized concept of space.
In addition to the characters of fast speed, convenience and safety, a public transport system also serve several other functions. It is widely considered as an inseparable part of the government's capability in crisis management, when relief and logistic materials have to be shipped to certain areas at short time. Finally, in terms of energy consumption, researches have indicated that automobiles consume 2.5 times as much energy per kilometer as trains, and airplanes four times as much. Statistics also shows that a rapid transport system proves to be a much cleaner way of travel than other ground and air travel systems. As energy shortage and air pollution are becoming serious problems for most of the countries in the world, development of public transport system indeed is our hope to save our living environment.
Over the past few years, the government of Taiwan has invested tremendous amount of money to improve public transport system around the island. In the meantime, the Taipei Metropolitan Rapid Transit System is providing convenient and efficient service to millions of commuters in greater Taipei. The Kaohsiung Rapid Metro Transport System and the North-South High-Speed Railway System are also under construction. Anticipating fast growing demand for ground travel in the future, we are planning to launch similar projects in Taoyuan (桃園), Hsinchu（新竹）,Taichiung（台中）and Tainan（台南）. Our ultimate goal is to establish an island-wide rapid transportation network so as to further alleviate the overcrowding traffic and enhance a balanced development between urban and rural areas.
In this connection, it pleases me indeed that the World Metro Symposium and Exhibition and the UITP Asia-Pacific Assembly are taking place in Taipei. I am optimistic that these two events, by introducing the advanced public transport know-how to Taiwan, will help usher this country and further integrate us into this globalizing world.
Finally, may I extend my sincere wishes for great success of the Symposium and Exhibition as well as the UITP Assembly. May all of you have a pleasant stay in Taipei. Thank you.