Ex-VP Siew readies for APEC leaders’ summit

2014-11-04

Taiwan’s commitment to expanding its participation in regional economic integration and development will be highlighted at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting, according to former Vice President Vincent C. Siew Nov. 3.

“I will take the opportunity to explain to the world the government’s measures in seeking further trade liberalization and negotiating more economic partnership agreements,” Siew said.

The former vice president, who is President Ma Ying-jeou’s special envoy for the Nov. 10-11 meeting in Beijing, mainland China, made the remarks during a news conference in Taipei City.

Siew is leading a delegation comprising officials from the ministries of economic and mainland affairs, National Development Council, as well as representatives from the private sector.

According to the ex-vice president, Taiwan took a central role in promoting nine APEC initiatives this year. These endeavors span areas in which it commands a leadership position, such as health and medical care, small and medium enterprises, as well as enhanced disaster prevention through information and communications technology.

“These achievements fully underscore the country’s economic and technological prowess,” Siew said. “They also show that Taiwan is ready, willing and able to contribute to the global community.”

By focusing attention on specific measures such as implementing regulatory easing and optimizing local industrial structures, he said, such positive developments underline Taiwan’s value to regional economic integration.

“They have also won support from the global community and will create favorable conditions for Taiwan to join trade blocs such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.”

Siew said he is looking forward to exchanging views with the leaders of APEC economies on issues of mutual interest. “We will leave no stone unturned in enhancing Taiwan’s global visibility and creating more room for further international collaboration.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=223598&CtNode=413)