President Tsai Ing-wen (right) is joined by Morris Chang, founder and former chairman of TSMC, after she appointed him envoy to this year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Nov. 2 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. (Courtesy of PO)
 

President Tsai Ing-wen announced Nov. 2 that Morris Chang, founder and former chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., will be her envoy to the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

It will be the second time Chang has attended the biggest economic forum in the region as her representative this year, Tsai said.

According to the president, Chang will seek support for Taiwan’s participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership from APEC member economies on Tsai’s behalf during the meeting Nov. 12. He will also convey the country’s commitment to ensuring free trade in order to expedite post-pandemic economic recovery as well as equitable access to vaccines, she said.

Chang will also call for greater efforts from APEC to utilize digital tools to build resilient healthcare systems, the president said. Information and communication technology has played a pivotal role in Taiwan’s COVID-19 response and we will continue to share relevant experience with the international community, she added.

In response, Chang said it is an honor and a pleasure to represent Taiwan at the event. Though regrettable circumstances require the meeting to be virtual, each participant will still have time to share their views and make proposals, he added.

APEC was established in 1989 to achieve greater regional integration and prosperity through delivering balanced, inclusive, innovative, secure and sustainable growth. Since joining in 1991, Taiwan has made substantial contributions to numerous initiatives and projects spanning such areas as disaster prevention, food security, ICT and women’s economic empowerment. (DL-E)