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Major speeches

President Tsai attends luncheon with representatives of Taiwanese businesses in southern Africa

2018-04-18

It is a rare opportunity to meet with Taiwanese businesspeople operating in Africa. Everyone in Africa is working hard not only for your own companies, but also on behalf of Taiwan. I want to thank you for helping Taiwan make an impact in Africa, making Taiwanese proud.

Several heads of government agencies are here today, and we arranged this meeting for two reasons. The first is to understand the difficulties of investors in Africa, and how the government can resolve those difficulties. I am aware of the problems that were reported, and that in just a little while, the ministers or deputy ministers of the ministries concerned will discuss those problems with you.

The global economic and trade environment is in a constant state of flux, like the recent trade standoff between the US and mainland China. We have responded by promoting diversification of Taiwan's trade and manufacturing bases.

Through two-way industrial investment and cooperation, industries can strengthen their own competitiveness while Taiwan builds closer relationships with countries around the world. So we encourage Taiwanese enterprises to expand their global presence, and we definitely shouldn't overlook Africa.

There's much room for improvement in Africa's infrastructure and a growing demand for everyday household goods. Taiwanese enterprises excel in those areas and should make an effort to develop this kind of market because it has enormous growth potential. For example, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) arranged for a trade mission to meet with buyers in North and West Africa about a month ago. This is an approach worth encouraging.

Many of you here today have experience investing in various areas of Africa. You are welcomed to exchange views. Taiwanese enterprises should definitely come to Africa more often to investigate possibilities. The government will enhance the capabilities of official and non-official overseas units, and continue to support Taiwanese businesspeople to develop African markets.

Although Taiwan doesn't have official diplomatic relations with very many countries in Africa, much can be achieved through non-government organizations. This year, for example, TAITRA opened new business centers in Algiers in Algeria, Lagos in Nigeria, and Johannesburg in South Africa, and we encourage everyone to use them often.

The second reason for this meeting was to update everyone on Taiwan's domestic economic development and talk about new investment opportunities there. The government's hard work over the last two years has produced some initial achievements. Taiwan's economy is gradually rebounding from its previous doldrums and stagnation, and the economic growth rate has exceeded expectations for two consecutive years. Total exports last year were the second highest in history, and the unemployment rate is at the lowest level in 17 years.

Our "5+2 industrial innovation program" has created opportunities for industry upgrading and transformation. The Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program will also pick up speed this year, spurring stronger domestic demand. The government has set up a one-stop contact window to solve problems for overseas Taiwanese businesspeople who want to come back and invest in Taiwan.

We enthusiastically welcome our businesspeople to return to Taiwan to set up research and development or production centers. You can use Taiwan's market and talent pool as springboards in your plans for global expansion.

In closing, I want to thank you for traveling a long way to Swaziland. I'm very happy to have had a chance to talk with you.

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