President Tsai meets Taiwan delegation to 2018 APEC Economic Leaders' Week
On the morning of November 12, President Tsai Ing-wen met with the Taiwan delegation that will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week activities. She emphasized that Taiwan is a major link in the global digital economy supply chain, and can also contribute much to innovative governance and promoting inclusive growth. She also expressed hope that the delegation will complete its mission and highlight Taiwan's importance in the digital economy.
In remarks, President Tsai noted that the 26th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in just a few days in Papua New Guinea, and that this year's theme is "Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future." On this issue, she said, Mr. Morris Chang (張忠謀), founder of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), is the most suitable candidate to act as the Leader's Representative for Taiwan, and is well-equipped to represent Taiwan and exchange views with world leaders.
The president said that before the delegation departed, she wanted to thank Mr. Chang once again for representing her at this important international event. She also thanked the whole delegation, saying she has high hopes for them.
President Tsai noted that the rise of smart technology in recent years has brought unprecedented changes to economic models. The digital economy can bring innovation and efficiency to businesses, governments, and individuals, but it also poses new challenges like the digital gap and uneven developmental opportunities.
The president pointed out that Taiwan has worked hard to promote the digital economy and open governance with considerable success. And Mr. Chang, she said, has outstanding experience and influence in the tech sector and digital development. She expressed hope that through exchanges between Mr. Chang and leaders from other countries, the international community will come to better understand Taiwan's efforts, and that the delegation will not only share Taiwan's experience, but also create more opportunities for Taiwan to engage in international cooperation.
The president expects that all relevant government ministries and agencies, and the advisors in the delegation, will do everything they can to assist Mr. Chang, and make the world see that Taiwan is an important link in the global digital economy supply chain, and can also contribute much to innovative governance and inclusive growth. Taiwan is willing and able to work with other countries to promote regional prosperity and development, she said.
President Tsai also thanked Mr. Chang's wife, Sophie Chang (張淑芬). By accompanying her husband on this trip, Mrs. Chang will participate in the delegation's activities. She will also be able to interact with local charitable organizations, engaging in philanthropic diplomacy on Taiwan's behalf so the world can see the concern and warmth of Taiwan's people.
The president emphasized that APEC helps Taiwan strengthen cooperation and increase connectivity with other countries, and said that under Mr. Chang's leadership the delegation will surely fulfill its mission and highlight Taiwan's importance in the digital economy. She then wished Mr. Chang and the whole delegation a smooth and successful journey.
Mr. Chang then delivered remarks, saying it is an honor to represent the president at APEC. APEC is an economic conference, he said, and he is attending as the president's representative. He also noted that President Tsai posted thoughts about the APEC meetings on Facebook the day before, and that he would play his proper role in keeping with the president's expectations. He added that he would say a few words at the press conference to be held later, and take questions then.
President Tsai and Mr. Chang then exchanged ideas about preparations for, and issues to be discussed at, this APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM). The president said that Mr. Chang will not simply express her opinions at APEC meetings, but will also draw on his own experience and wisdom to make suggestions to the president, and that together, they worked out Taiwan's final positions for this year's AELM.
Guests also included Sophie Chang, Mr. Chang's wife; John C. C. Deng (鄧振中), Minister without Portfolio in the Executive Yuan and Spokesperson for the delegation; National Development Council Minister Chen Mei-ling (陳美伶); National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥); and Elizabeth Sun (孫又文), Senior Director of TSMC's Corporate Communications Division.