Premier Lai Ching-te at today's Cabinet meeting received reports from government agencies on Taiwan's participation in 2017's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam. The premier thanked People First Party Chairman James Soong for his efforts as President Tsai Ing-wen's special envoy to the Economic Leaders' Meeting, and affirmed the successful completion of the mission thanks to the coordinated cooperation of national security units, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Development Council (NDC), Ministry of Economic Affairs, Mainland Affairs Council, Office of Trade Negotiations and relevant overseas offices.
Next year's APEC meetings are scheduled to be held in Papua New Guinea, with agenda items to include digital connectivity, regional economic integration, inclusive growth, structural reforms and people-to-people connectivity. Premier Lai directed relevant ministries and agencies to move quickly to research initiatives and proposals in areas related to the 2018 APEC meeting priority topics, as well as to expand business opportunities for Taiwan globally by continuing to strengthen cooperation with APEC economies based on the conclusions of this year's meetings.
Taiwan's economic development is deeply intertwined with the regional economy, with both multilateral and bilateral links of extreme importance. The premier directed relevant ministries and agencies to formulate responses as quickly as possible, make preparations, and win membership for Taiwan in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
The NDC reported that the 29th APEC Ministerial Meeting was held on November 8 and 9. As 2017's host economy, Vietnam chose "Creating new dynamism, fostering a shared future" as the theme for the year. The four priority topics were promoting sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth; deepening regional economic integration; strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises' competitiveness and innovation; and enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change.
Taiwan made many contributions at this year's ministerial meeting, including to the Renewed APEC Agenda for Structural Reform, in the drafting of the APEC Roadmap on Internet and Digital Economy, as well as on agricultural issues. The NDC also highlighted Taiwan's human resources initiative, the APEC Skills Development Capacity Building Alliance, and the gender equality initiative APEC Gendered Innovation for Technology and Science.