President William Lai (賴清德) today said he has instructed senior presidential adviser Lin Hsin-i (林信義) to convey three messages at this year’s APEC summit, which is to be held in Peru next week.
First, Taiwan contributes to the international community in areas such as artificial intelligence and digital medical treatment, Lai told a news conference at the Presidential Office in Taipei.
Taiwan also supports a more inclusive and fair international trade order, and is willing to facilitate digital trade development with other economies, he added.
Photo: George Tsorng, Taipei Times
Lin is to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, scheduled for Friday and Saturday next week, as Lai’s envoy to the meeting, the Presidential Office said in a previous statement.
Lin said he would fight for international support by telling the summit that Taiwan is willing to contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region as a kind, reliable and responsible member of the international community.
The global economy is rapidly changing, and Taiwan is playing an important role due to geopolitical factors, while also facing challenges and having opportunities at the same time, he said.
Lin also said his team is to share experience relating to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, women, indigenous people and the underprivileged groups in the summit, which this year centers on “Empower, Include, Grow.”
Taiwan has participated in APEC meetings every year since it joined in 1991.
Presidents have been unable to attend the leaders’ summit — even though it is a full APEC member — due to pressure from China.
It has instead traditionally appointed a prominent figure to represent the president.
Lin previously attended three APEC meetings on behalf of Taiwan — in Brunei in 2000, China in 2001 and South Korea in 2005 — during the Democratic Progressive Party administration of then-president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).
Lin is also chairman of Taiwania Capital Management Corp, and served as minister of economic affairs between 2000 and 2002, and as vice premier between 2002 and 2004 in Chen’s administration.
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