Yunlin, Central Taiwan, Dec. 12 (CNA) Visiting Sao Tome and Principe President Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes, accompanied by his counterpart, ROC President Chen Shui-bian, visited the Sixth Naphtha Cracking Plant of the Formosa Plastic Group (FPG) Wednesday at Mailiao in Yunlin County, southern Taiwan.
FPG Vice Chairman Wang Yung-tsai, on behalf of FPG Chairman Wang Yung-ching, welcomed the two presidents upon their arrival at the compound. Wang briefed the head of state from the western African country on the current development of the plant.
In a speech, President Chen said that FPG had to overcome a number of difficulties to build the Sixth Naphtha Cracking Plant. The plant is situated on land that was reclaimed from the ocean. "This is Formosan spirit," said President Chen. He said he hoped that under the able leadership of President Menezes, Sao Tome and Principe will become Africa's Formosa.
Chen further pointed out that under the concerted effort between the government and the 23 million people of Taiwan, they have let nothing stand in their way to create the Taiwan miracle.
The Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, which is 1,001 square kilometers and consists of two islands, has a population of 140,000.
Chen said he hoped that the ruling Advanced Democratic Independence Party will become the largest political party next year after parliamentary elections.