Redefining Taiwan's role in the region is one of my highest priorities as president. To be clear, the New Southbound Policy is our new "Regional Strategy for Asia." Under this policy, we intend to work with countries in the region and around the world to deepen and broaden our presence in South and Southeast Asia.

One way of achieving this goal is through the government’s New Southbound Policy. By forging closer links and relations with the 18 target countries in the region, Taiwan is playing a more important part in shaping regional prosperity and stability, she added.

Premier Lai Ching-te today delivered an address on the eve of Taiwan's national day on the theme of a "Better Taiwan," offering his best wishes on behalf of the Executive Yuan for peace, happiness and success for Taiwan and its people. Under the leadership of President Tsai Ing-wen, the government has been able to successfully promote its policies, achieve reform, and ensure prosperity across multiple sectors of society, thus providing a secure and contented environment for all.

Since May 2016, we have made the New Southbound Policy one of our major policy agendas. The objective is to strengthen Taiwan's long-term presence in South and Southeast Asian markets and work together as long-term partners for growth.

On the morning of October 3, President Tsai Ing-wen met with International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) President Carmen Pena and her husband. President Tsai stated that Taiwan is dealing with the challenges of an ageing population, so building a comprehensive pharmaceutical care network is one of the most important tasks facing our government. Taiwan's government also encourages pharmacists to do a good job of educating patients on the proper use of drugs to avoid wasting healthcare resource

As we build a new economic model for Taiwan, we are also willing to share our experiences with different countries in the region. This is because as a trading country, we know that Taiwan cannot work alone.

Taiwan moved up three places to a best-ever fifth in the latest Allianz Global Wealth Report released Sept. 27 by the Munich-based financial services group.

President Tsai also mentioned that Taiwan is actively working to implement the New Southbound Policy to promote cooperation with the nations of ASEAN and South Asia.

President Tsai Ing-wen said Sept. 28 that relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Holy See are going from strength to strength, and the diplomatic allies will continue working together in promoting peace, prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific.

This cooperation is in line with the New Southbound Policy. A key component of the government’s national development strategy, the policy 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.