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VP Chen touts contributions of Taiwan expatriate businesses
From Taiwan Today
2017-09-29
New Southbound Policy。Vice President Chen Chien-jen (right) is presented with a Brooklyn Nets team jersey by TCCNA President Kenneth Wu at the Office of the President Sept. 28 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Office of the President)
Vice President Chen Chien-jen (right) is presented with a Brooklyn Nets team jersey by TCCNA President Kenneth Wu at the Office of the President Sept. 28 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Office of the President)

Taiwan expatriate businesses are important bridges linking the country to the rest of the world and a key contributor to national development, according to Vice President Chen Chien-jen Sept. 28.
 
The government and people of Taiwan are grateful for the long-term support of these expatriates, Chen said. It is hoped this backing will continue going forward and extend to policies aimed at making Taiwan a better place for all members of society, he added.
 
Chen made the remarks while receiving a delegation from Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America at the Office of the President in Taipei City.
 
According to Chen, the New Southbound Policy is a key component of the government’s national development strategy. It seeks to deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
 
In terms of domestic economic development, the vice president said Taiwan is making impressive headway in the promotion of precision technology and smart machinery on the back of its world-renowned high-tech manufacturing prowess.
 
Chen said such strengths are propelling development of local innovative industries under the five-plus-two initiative, which covers the sectors of biotech and pharmaceuticals, green energy, national defense, smart machinery and Internet of Things, as well as the circular economy and a new paradigm for agricultural development.
 
At the same time, the vice president said the government is leaving no stone unturned in promoting Taiwan’s cultural and creative industries, as well as innovations in the services sector, with the goal of attracting more international investment and talent for a win-win result.
 
Regarding Taiwan’s international engagement, Chen cited the Global Cooperation and Training Framework jointly implemented with the U.S. as an example of collaboration with more than 30 Asia-Pacific countries and territories in areas like humanitarian aid, public health and women’s rights.
 
In particular, Taiwan is working with academics and experts from the U.S. on the development of an affordable dengue fever vaccine in an attempt to reduce transmission rates in the region, Chen said, adding that the country is rock solid on its commitment to advancing global health care and medical practices. (SFC-E)

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