And finally, the president indicated that Taiwan is actively pursuing its New Southbound Policy, and continuing to seek out new ways to enhance Taiwan's role in the Asia-Pacific region, and hopes to be able to respond appropriately to long-term regional strategic needs and opportunities. Measures to achieve these objectives, she said, include promoting human resources training and development, increasing investment and trade, developing new business opportunities, and increasing tourism.

Taiwan is not alone on this journey to women's empowerment. As one of the CALD founding members, we are most fortunate to have the continued support from all members empowering us along the way.

Taiwan’s first radio station catering primarily to indigenous peoples began broadcasting Aug. 9 in Taipei City as part of government efforts to raise awareness of local aboriginal culture, history and languages.

Our "New Southbound Policy" acknowledges that Taiwan cannot idly sit on the sidelines as this process takes place. The policy is not just about encouraging short-term trade and investments. It is about looking at the longer-term needs, whether in terms of talent cultivation or complementarity in trade, in order to make investments that are both smart and relevant.

While attending the 2017 National Administrative Conference for Indigenous Peoples on the morning of August 1, President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized that the government will do everything it can to create an environment conducive to the learning and speaking of indigenous languages.

Meeting on the morning of July 31 with Salvadoran Minister of Public Works Gerson Martinez and Mrs. Martinez, President Tsai Ing-wen stated that the Taiwan government will continue working together with El Salvador to encourage corporations to further expand economic, trade, and investment cooperation by taking advantage of the Republic of China-El Salvador-Honduras Free Trade Agreement.

On the morning of July 26, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation from the German conglomerate Siemens AG. She expressed hope that Taiwan and Siemens AG would continue to enhance exchanges and cooperation on new energy and smart machinery, and also penetrate emerging international markets to create another win-win situation.

During a meeting on the morning of July 18 with Taiwan's delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC), President Tsai Ing-wen praised the delegates for their active participation in ABAC, noting that their efforts have increased Taiwan's international visibility. She also urged the delegates to continue using the APEC platform to help Taiwanese firms create more business opportunities, and help Taiwan continue to excel on the international stage.

President Tsai Ing-wen said July 18 that the efforts and extensive experience of Taiwan’s delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council are helping raise the country’s international profile while laying the foundations for greater prosperity throughout the region.

During a meeting on the afternoon of July 17 with a visiting delegation from the Reporters Without Borders (RSF), President Tsai Ing-wen stated that the group's decision to establish its first Asia bureau in Taipei is extremely significant. She also expressed hope that this cooperation model will attract more international NGOs to establish bureaus in Taiwan, which will help Taiwan to contribute more to global human rights issues.