Taipei, June 7 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Thursday that the government will continue to work closely with the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to fulfill its obligations as a member of the international community.
Chen made the remarks when he received EBRD President Jean Lemierre at the Presidential Office.
He said that 2001 is the year of financial reform in Taiwan, and that the government is promoting the legalization and revision of related laws. Chen added that a financial institution merger bill has been signed into law, but noted that related bills such as a financial holding company bill, a bills management bill and a revised insurance bill were left outstanding at the end of the just-ended legislative session.
However, he said that the economy is the government's top priority and expressed hope that international groups will invest in Taiwan.
The president noted that as Taiwan extends its assistance to Kosovo through its ties with the EBRD, he hopes to continue such close relations.
He also said that the EBRD is different from other financial institutions in that it develops economies and also attaches importance to democratic reforms, in the belief that healthy financial order can only exist under a democratic system.
Lemierre said for his part that Taiwan has high foreign reserves and "a healthy economy." As long as the country continues its economic reforms, he went on, the outlook is bright.
Chen also reaffirmed the importance of the rule of law, saying that Taiwan is a democratic country ruled by law, while the mainland China is a system "ruled by people."
He also said that he will ask the Legislative Yuan to convene a provisional session, if necessary, to take care of a backlog of bills left outstanding as the legislative session ended in the wee hours of Thursday.
He expressed hope that legislators across the party spectrum will keep the interests of the people in mind, saying that economic development and financial reform should come above party affiliation.