President Tsai Ing-wen named James Soong, chairman of the opposition People First Party, as her representative to the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting Oct. 12 during a news conference at the Office of the President in Taipei City, while also outlining Taiwan’s priorities for the upcoming summit.
 
The annual APEC Leaders’ Meeting will be held Nov. 10-11 in Danang, Vietnam, and attended by representatives from the organization’s 21 member economies.
 
The president outlined three main objectives for the Taiwan delegation at this year’s APEC meeting. Firstly, Tsai instructed the representatives to convey the country’s commitment to this year’s theme—Creating New Dynamism, Fostering a Shared Future—as well as its ability and determination to contribute in areas spanning food safety, job opportunities, regional free trade, sustainable development and talent cultivation.
 
Secondly, as many APEC member economies are also New Southbound Policy target countries, Tsai said she hopes that through participating in this year’s summit, the delegation can promote her administration’s goals under the initiative.
 
The foundation of the New Southbound Policy was established in line with APEC’s goals of championing free and open trade, promoting economic cooperation and regional integration, as well as working toward attaining economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, Tsai said, adding that Taiwan shares these same values.
 
Lastly, the president encouraged the delegation to work closely to increase Taiwan’s presence at this year’s meeting and establish strong, long-term relations with leaders from around the world.
 
APEC is one of the most important platforms for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, Tsai said, adding that Soong’s delegation will represent the people of the nation as well as highlight Taiwan’s indispensable role. “Through engaging in meaningful exchanges with the leaders of the member economies, particularly those with strong partnerships with Taiwan, we will promote regional prosperity and sustainable development,” she said. 
 
According to the president, the nation must seize every opportunity for meaningful international participation so as to demonstrate Taiwan’s contributions to regional development.
 
Since becoming a full member of APEC in 1991, the country has made substantial contributions to numerous initiatives and projects spanning such areas as disaster prevention, food security, information and communication technology, and women and the economy. This year’s delegation will comprise officials such as Minister without Portfolio Deng Chen-chung, Ho Mei-yueh, national policy advisor to the president, National Development Council Minister Chen Mei-ling and Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jong-chin, as well as academics and experts from the private sector. (KWS-E)
 
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