President Tsai Ing-wen Nov. 13 praised James Soong, her envoy to the recently concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Danang, Vietnam, as well as Taiwan’s delegation for successfully representing the nation’s interests during the annual gathering.
 
During a reception at the Office of the President in Taipei City, Tsai said it is important for Taiwan to continue enhancing its global visibility and reaching out to the world. She added that the country’s ongoing participation at APEC, the most important economic cooperation forum in the region, underscores its commitment to contributing to the international community.
 
The president lauded the APEC Women and the Economy Subfund jointly launched by Soong, Australia’s Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City Karen Lanyon and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon. The initiative reflects Taiwan’s achievements in promoting women’s empowerment and economic participation, she said.
 
Tsai also commended Soong and the delegates for taking the opportunity to exchange views with their counterparts from other APEC member economies, particularly those targeted by the government’s New Southbound Policy.
 
Such efforts highlight the country’s desire to work with its partners in advancing regional developments as well as its efforts to support multilateral trade mechanisms through promoting trade liberalization and facilitation policies, she said.
 
During a news conference earlier the same day, Soong described the subfund as a way of demonstrating to the world Taiwan’s leadership in protecting women’s rights and striving for gender equality in economic development, education and political participation.
 
He also elaborated on the interest from other APEC member economies in the country’s disaster prevention measures and small and medium enterprise development policies, saying that these achievements will help expand ties with New Southbound Policy nations. Soong said Taiwan stands ready and willing to share its successful experiences and develop peaceful and prosperous partnerships with the rest of the world. (SFC-E)
 
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw