Taipei, May 5 (CNA) The Kaohsiung-Subic Bay-Clark economic corridor is going at full strength, and it seeks to strengthen economic relations between Taiwan and the Philippines, a Philippine official told the CNA in an interview Saturday.
By linking three economic and export process zones and allowing easier product and manpower movement, Taiwan and the Philippines will be able to build upon their already successful trade relations and create a win-win situation, said Armand Arreza, administrator and CEO of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
Arreza was a part of a Philippines delegation that visited Taiwan from May 2-5 to review the implementation of the economic corridor, an initiative submitted by former Minister of Economic Affairs Ho Mei-yueh in 2005. The Memorandum of Agreement was signed and went into effect May 2006.
The Philippines and Taiwan have been enjoying a long and harmonious trade relationship, Arreza said, adding that there are more than 45 Taiwanese locators in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone which account for more than 80 percent of the zone's export value.
The establishment of the corridor is expected to resolve some issues that have concerned Taiwanese companies and make Subic Bay attractive again, he said.
The Clark Special Economic Zone, a former U.S. Air Force base located just north of Manila, will also become attractive for Taiwanese companies, especially following Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's announcement of a US$1 billion investment plan by Texas Instruments earlier this week, Clark Development Corp. Director Benigno Ricafort said.
Arreza also clarified local news reports on Taiwanese businesses' "exodus" from Subic Bay, stressing that the freeport always welcomes Taiwanese companies and that it is "delivering more and more incentives to Taiwanese companies."
"This is an international zone for everyone. Companies from South Korea, China and the United States have seen the opportunities [ for investment.] It's only a matter of time before Taiwan once again recognizes the opportunities," Arreza said.
However, he admitted that some Taiwanese companies have moved out of Subic Bay, explaining that "it's just a part of the business" since companies are always looking for cheaper labor.
"Today, they're moving to Vietnam, tomorrow they will be in Cambodia. And in the future, they will probably be in Africa, " he said.
"But we want to work with Taiwan, and we are always looking to adjust, " he reiterated, saying that qualified engineers are in short supply, and that's Taiwan's strength. If Taiwan takes advantage of the Philippine labor force and helps develop its talent and creativity, this will be beneficial for both sides, he said.
Subic Bay and Clark are working hard to improve infrastructure, including building expressways, international airports and power supply networks, Ricafort added.
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced in a press release that the Philippines has agreed to grant Taiwanese IC makers tax-free treatment for a period of between 6-8 years, as well as 90-day visas and work permits, while lowering electricity costs for Taiwanese locators. The two sides will also collaborate to push for direct flights between Taipei/Kaohsiung and Subic Bay/Clark and to integrate tourism into the corridor in the future.
According to MOEA tallies, bilateral trade between Taiwan and the Philippines reached US$7.2 billion for 2006, with Taiwan ranking as the Philippines' sixth largest trading partner.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY KEY TO GETTING JOB AT FOREIGN COMPANY: SPOKESMAN
Taipei, May 5 (CNA) English proficiency is as important as professional expertise, if not more important, in determining Taiwanese white-collar workers' chances of getting hired by foreign companies, a spokesman for a job hunting service said Saturday.
"The number of registered foreign companies in Taiwan has reached more than 3,000, which accounts for only less than one percent of all registered companies in the country. That shows you how difficult it is to get a job with a foreign enterprise in Taiwan. And more often than not, your English proficiency will be the deciding factor," said Ryan Wu, vice general manager of 1111 Job Bank.
Representatives from various leading foreign companies agreed with Wu's view in a press conference held Saturday to announce the results of a poll on office workers' dream foreign employers. The survey found that over 96 percent of Taiwan's white-collar workers want to work for foreign enterprises.
Employees of a foreign company are expected to attend at least one English-speaking meeting a week, and in Yahoo! Taiwan's case, it's almost a daily routine, said Lu Wen-shiou, Yahoo! Taiwan's human resources director.
"All our e-mails, documents and reports are in English. And most of our meetings are conducted in English, " said Chou Su-huei, human resources manager for American Express.
Most companies do not require language proficiency certificates from their newly-recruited employees, because most of them hold oral interviews prior to the hirings, and "there's no place for you to 'hide' once you're hired, " Wu said.
"To be considered proficient in English, you not only have to be able to attend English-speaking meetings and understand what your colleagues are saying, you also have to be able to participate in the discussions, chair meetings and even socialize after the meetings -- all in English, " Wu said half-jokingly.
At the press conference, "four dream foreign employers" for Taiwanese white-collar workers in four categories were announced according to the results of the online survey. They are: IBM Corp. (manufacturing industry), American Express (financial industry), IKEA (retail industry), and Yahoo Group (all other industries).
"The number of registered foreign companies in Taiwan has reached more than 3,000, which accounts for only less than one percent of all registered companies in the country. That shows you how difficult it is to get a job with a foreign enterprise in Taiwan. And more often than not, your English proficiency will be the deciding factor," said Ryan Wu, vice general manager of 1111 Job Bank.
Representatives from various leading foreign companies agreed with Wu's view in a press conference held Saturday to announce the results of a poll on office workers' dream foreign employers. The survey found that over 96 percent of Taiwan's white-collar workers want to work for foreign enterprises.
Employees of a foreign company are expected to attend at least one English-speaking meeting a week, and in Yahoo! Taiwan's case, it's almost a daily routine, said Lu Wen-shiou, Yahoo! Taiwan's human resources director.
"All our e-mails, documents and reports are in English. And most of our meetings are conducted in English, " said Chou Su-huei, human resources manager for American Express.
Most companies do not require language proficiency certificates from their newly-recruited employees, because most of them hold oral interviews prior to the hirings, and "there's no place for you to 'hide' once you're hired, " Wu said.
"To be considered proficient in English, you not only have to be able to attend English-speaking meetings and understand what your colleagues are saying, you also have to be able to participate in the discussions, chair meetings and even socialize after the meetings -- all in English, " Wu said half-jokingly.
At the press conference, "four dream foreign employers" for Taiwanese white-collar workers in four categories were announced according to the results of the online survey. They are: IBM Corp. (manufacturing industry), American Express (financial industry), IKEA (retail industry), and Yahoo Group (all other industries).
PRESIDENT LAUDS EU ACHIEVEMENTS, APPEALS FOR EU SUPPORT
Taipei, May 4 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian Friday praised the ideals and achievements of the European Union (EU), which is entering its 50th year, and appealed to EU for its support of Taiwan in the international community.
Highlighting the World Health Organization (WHO) Secretariat's refusal to accept Taiwan's request to become a WHO member under the name "Taiwan" and the fact that the United Nations Office in Geneva once again refused to issue press credentials to Taiwanese journalists to cover the World Health Assembly (WHA), Chen urged the EU to "extend more assistance to and support for Taiwan in international affairs."
"We deeply appreciate the EU's solid support for Taiwan's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). With the WHA soon to convene, it is my earnest hope that EU delegates will also speak up for Taiwan at the assembly and join hands with us to safeguard the collective health rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan, " Chen said at a Europe Day dinner hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the EU's 50th anniversary.
Citing the Freedom of the Press 2007 survey published by U.S.-based Freedom House Tuesday, in which Taiwan ranked No. 33 among the 195 countries surveyed and counted as Asia's most media-friendly country, Chen said it is ironic that Asia's freest press environment is denied the freedom to cover the WHA.
"Do not hesitate to do a good deed because it is trivial, and do not do an evil deed because it is negligible, " Chen said, using an old saying to encourage European countries speak up against China's relentless oppression of Taiwan.
He described European integration as "the grandest project in mankind's contemporary history" and in his speech lauded the EU's pursuit of four major objectives: peace, security, solidarity and progress.
Europe Day, May 9, is the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration in which former French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed a new form of political arrangement for Europe. Six countries decided in 1957 with the Treaty of Rome to build a European Economic Community, which is now known as the EU.
Highlighting the World Health Organization (WHO) Secretariat's refusal to accept Taiwan's request to become a WHO member under the name "Taiwan" and the fact that the United Nations Office in Geneva once again refused to issue press credentials to Taiwanese journalists to cover the World Health Assembly (WHA), Chen urged the EU to "extend more assistance to and support for Taiwan in international affairs."
"We deeply appreciate the EU's solid support for Taiwan's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). With the WHA soon to convene, it is my earnest hope that EU delegates will also speak up for Taiwan at the assembly and join hands with us to safeguard the collective health rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan, " Chen said at a Europe Day dinner hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the EU's 50th anniversary.
Citing the Freedom of the Press 2007 survey published by U.S.-based Freedom House Tuesday, in which Taiwan ranked No. 33 among the 195 countries surveyed and counted as Asia's most media-friendly country, Chen said it is ironic that Asia's freest press environment is denied the freedom to cover the WHA.
"Do not hesitate to do a good deed because it is trivial, and do not do an evil deed because it is negligible, " Chen said, using an old saying to encourage European countries speak up against China's relentless oppression of Taiwan.
He described European integration as "the grandest project in mankind's contemporary history" and in his speech lauded the EU's pursuit of four major objectives: peace, security, solidarity and progress.
Europe Day, May 9, is the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration in which former French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed a new form of political arrangement for Europe. Six countries decided in 1957 with the Treaty of Rome to build a European Economic Community, which is now known as the EU.
Friday, May 04, 2007
AIT HEAD AGAIN CALLS FOR PASSAGE OF APPROPRIATE DEFENSE BUDGET
Taipei, May 3 (CNA) American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Taipei Office Director Stephen Young Thursday again called for the passage of an appropriate defense budget for arms procurement to help Taiwan shore up its national defenses against China's military buildup.
In his second press conference in six months, Young, who recently returned from Washington for consultations, also made clear that the U.S. has "no favorites" in Taiwan's 2008 presidential election and "will cooperate with whoever elected, like we did in 2000."
In a press conference last October, Young sent one of the strongest and clearest messages the AIT has publicly expressed in years urging Taiwan's legislature to pass the defense budget and various arms procurement packages. His statement drew criticism within Taiwan's politically polarized climate.
Young said he has spoken with leaders of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the opposition, and received promises to push for the passage of the bill.
"Yet there's been no action," he said, adding that the U.S. would speak out "humbly, respectfully and clearly" when it felt that either side of the Taiwan Strait is unilaterally changing the status quo and threatening stability in the Strait.
One of the toughest questions he had to answer, Young said, during his consultation with officials in the Pentagon, White House, State Department and Capitol Hill, was "Why hasn't Taiwan passed an appropriate defense budget which provides for funding of the defensive system President [George] Bush offered six years ago?"
The latest explanation from Taiwan centered around the controversial issue of Central Election Committee, but that still could not explain why the Legislative Yuan hasn't taken any action in moving the bill, Young said.
He went on to denounce a false local report which claimed that the U.S. government approved the use of long range offensive missiles in the Han Kwang exercise.
Quoting U.S. National Security Council senior Asian Director Dennis Wilder, Young said the U.S. does not encourage the development of offensive weapons on either side of the Strait.
Ask about the absence of any mention of the cross-strait issue in the just-concluded security dialogue between the U.S. and Japan, Young said it was not the first time that the issue was not mentioned in the meeting, but the U.S. maintains a longstanding and consistent policy on the cross-strait issue.
In his second press conference in six months, Young, who recently returned from Washington for consultations, also made clear that the U.S. has "no favorites" in Taiwan's 2008 presidential election and "will cooperate with whoever elected, like we did in 2000."
In a press conference last October, Young sent one of the strongest and clearest messages the AIT has publicly expressed in years urging Taiwan's legislature to pass the defense budget and various arms procurement packages. His statement drew criticism within Taiwan's politically polarized climate.
Young said he has spoken with leaders of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the opposition, and received promises to push for the passage of the bill.
"Yet there's been no action," he said, adding that the U.S. would speak out "humbly, respectfully and clearly" when it felt that either side of the Taiwan Strait is unilaterally changing the status quo and threatening stability in the Strait.
One of the toughest questions he had to answer, Young said, during his consultation with officials in the Pentagon, White House, State Department and Capitol Hill, was "Why hasn't Taiwan passed an appropriate defense budget which provides for funding of the defensive system President [George] Bush offered six years ago?"
The latest explanation from Taiwan centered around the controversial issue of Central Election Committee, but that still could not explain why the Legislative Yuan hasn't taken any action in moving the bill, Young said.
He went on to denounce a false local report which claimed that the U.S. government approved the use of long range offensive missiles in the Han Kwang exercise.
Quoting U.S. National Security Council senior Asian Director Dennis Wilder, Young said the U.S. does not encourage the development of offensive weapons on either side of the Strait.
Ask about the absence of any mention of the cross-strait issue in the just-concluded security dialogue between the U.S. and Japan, Young said it was not the first time that the issue was not mentioned in the meeting, but the U.S. maintains a longstanding and consistent policy on the cross-strait issue.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
VP PROUD OF WHO SHE IS, HER METHODS
Taipei, May 2 (CNA) Never fear being extraordinary, Vice President Annette Lu, who is seeking the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP's) nomination to run for the next presidency, said Wednesday, adding that she is proud of being a female leader and of the way she has conducted herself in a brutal primary.
"I believe that the people of Taiwan are ready for a female president, although some of the DPP supporters are not, " Lu, alluding to a claim by a senior DPP supporter that women are not suited to being a national leader, said in an interview with CNA.
Lu is one of the most prominent female political figures in Taiwan and has always advocated what she describes as the "soft power" that women can bring to the political table.
Citing well-known examples in history, including Elizabeth I of England, Catherine the Great of Russia and Wu Zetian, the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Emperor, Lu said that women are able to achieve great feats just like men.
"And look at German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was named by Forbes Magazine among the most powerful people of 2007, " Lu said, adding that there are 14 female heads of state in the world.
"99.9 percent of wars in history were launched by men. Women can find another way to cope with difficulties, challenges and conflicts," she claimed.
Women also approach politics differently, she said, which is why she has been insisting a "no fund-raising, no mobilization" policy in her DPP primary campaign, hoping to win the approval of party members through her ideals and vision.
Lu expressed hope that her integrity and her accomplishments and dedication in different fields can win the heart of the voters.
A women's movement advocate, Lu became the first female vice president in Taiwanese history in 2000. Before that, she was jailed in the early1980's for her involvement in the opposition movement when the Kuomintang (KMT) was still in power.
She has devoted herself for years to various international affairs, such as Taiwan's bid for a U.N. seat and establishing the Democratic Pacific Union (DPU) and the Pacific Congressional Caucus (PCC).
"If I win the DPP nomination, I believe I can beat Ma Ying-jeou (who is expected to win the KMT nomination soon) in the 2008 presidential election and start writing Taiwan's `her-story', " she said, an apparent mis-reference to the word "history."
"I believe that the people of Taiwan are ready for a female president, although some of the DPP supporters are not, " Lu, alluding to a claim by a senior DPP supporter that women are not suited to being a national leader, said in an interview with CNA.
Lu is one of the most prominent female political figures in Taiwan and has always advocated what she describes as the "soft power" that women can bring to the political table.
Citing well-known examples in history, including Elizabeth I of England, Catherine the Great of Russia and Wu Zetian, the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Emperor, Lu said that women are able to achieve great feats just like men.
"And look at German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was named by Forbes Magazine among the most powerful people of 2007, " Lu said, adding that there are 14 female heads of state in the world.
"99.9 percent of wars in history were launched by men. Women can find another way to cope with difficulties, challenges and conflicts," she claimed.
Women also approach politics differently, she said, which is why she has been insisting a "no fund-raising, no mobilization" policy in her DPP primary campaign, hoping to win the approval of party members through her ideals and vision.
Lu expressed hope that her integrity and her accomplishments and dedication in different fields can win the heart of the voters.
A women's movement advocate, Lu became the first female vice president in Taiwanese history in 2000. Before that, she was jailed in the early1980's for her involvement in the opposition movement when the Kuomintang (KMT) was still in power.
She has devoted herself for years to various international affairs, such as Taiwan's bid for a U.N. seat and establishing the Democratic Pacific Union (DPU) and the Pacific Congressional Caucus (PCC).
"If I win the DPP nomination, I believe I can beat Ma Ying-jeou (who is expected to win the KMT nomination soon) in the 2008 presidential election and start writing Taiwan's `her-story', " she said, an apparent mis-reference to the word "history."
DPP PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL TALKS ON RE-POSITIONING A GLOBAL TAIWAN
Taipei, May 2 (CNA) Vice President Annette Lu, who is seeking the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP's) nomination to run for the next presidency, told CNA Wednesday in an extensive interview that it is important for Taiwan to re-position itself and that she looks forward to leading Taiwan onto a global stage.
"Taiwan needs to define and re-position itself in a historical context, as well as in its relationship with the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China. Taiwan will never be able to walk out of the mire of independence versus unification with China without re-positioning itself accurately, " she said.
Taiwan became de jure independent March 23, 1996, the day of Taiwan's first direct presidential election, she claimed, saying that she will push for normalization of the country, which includes the campaign to change the names of companies with the word China in the title and to replace the Constitution, instead of being trapped in the debate of independence versus unification.
Lu, who attended Harvard Law School and devoted herself to constitutional study, said that it would be very difficult to amend the Constitution under current regulations.
"In the long term, we need to launch a comprehensive and complete constitutional education for Taiwan citizens. The second step would be drafting the framework of a new constitution with help from professional scholars, " she said, adding that the constitutional system of Japan and the U.S. might not be suitable for Taiwan.
Instead, Taiwan can learn from a number of welfare countries in Northern Europe, such as the Netherlands, whose backgrounds, territorial sizes and populations are similar to Taiwan, Lu said.
With her experience in participating in international affairs, Lu went on, she will be able to march with Taiwan onto the global stage.
"I am determined to make Taiwan a 'global Taiwan', instead of 'China's Taiwan' or 'Taiwan's Taiwan', " she said, reiterating her vision for Taiwan while referring the perspectives of her DPP counterparts and Ma Ying-jeou, who is expected to be the nomination of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) for the 2008 presidential
election.
In terms of relations with China, Lu advocated a "3CO" policy that Taiwan will seek co-existence, co-operation and co-prosperity with China.
She said Taiwan should keep cultivating its high-tech and develop a cultural creative industry to embrace the "new economy" in the age of globalization.
As the DPP presidential primary drew to a close, Lu also lamented the lack of fair competition in the campaign. Lu is the only female in the four-man field, which also includes Premier Su Tseng-chang, former DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun and former Premier Frank Hsieh.
The DPP will by May 12 at the earliest determine its candidate for the election. The presidential primary's public opinion poll will take place from May 9-11 and will account for 70 percent of the score in determining who will represent the party, with the other 30 percent accounted through a vote by party members
May 6.
"Taiwan needs to define and re-position itself in a historical context, as well as in its relationship with the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China. Taiwan will never be able to walk out of the mire of independence versus unification with China without re-positioning itself accurately, " she said.
Taiwan became de jure independent March 23, 1996, the day of Taiwan's first direct presidential election, she claimed, saying that she will push for normalization of the country, which includes the campaign to change the names of companies with the word China in the title and to replace the Constitution, instead of being trapped in the debate of independence versus unification.
Lu, who attended Harvard Law School and devoted herself to constitutional study, said that it would be very difficult to amend the Constitution under current regulations.
"In the long term, we need to launch a comprehensive and complete constitutional education for Taiwan citizens. The second step would be drafting the framework of a new constitution with help from professional scholars, " she said, adding that the constitutional system of Japan and the U.S. might not be suitable for Taiwan.
Instead, Taiwan can learn from a number of welfare countries in Northern Europe, such as the Netherlands, whose backgrounds, territorial sizes and populations are similar to Taiwan, Lu said.
With her experience in participating in international affairs, Lu went on, she will be able to march with Taiwan onto the global stage.
"I am determined to make Taiwan a 'global Taiwan', instead of 'China's Taiwan' or 'Taiwan's Taiwan', " she said, reiterating her vision for Taiwan while referring the perspectives of her DPP counterparts and Ma Ying-jeou, who is expected to be the nomination of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) for the 2008 presidential
election.
In terms of relations with China, Lu advocated a "3CO" policy that Taiwan will seek co-existence, co-operation and co-prosperity with China.
She said Taiwan should keep cultivating its high-tech and develop a cultural creative industry to embrace the "new economy" in the age of globalization.
As the DPP presidential primary drew to a close, Lu also lamented the lack of fair competition in the campaign. Lu is the only female in the four-man field, which also includes Premier Su Tseng-chang, former DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun and former Premier Frank Hsieh.
The DPP will by May 12 at the earliest determine its candidate for the election. The presidential primary's public opinion poll will take place from May 9-11 and will account for 70 percent of the score in determining who will represent the party, with the other 30 percent accounted through a vote by party members
May 6.
DPP PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL: CONSENSUS-BUILDING PRIORITY FOR TAIWAN
Taipei, May 1 (CNA) Consensus-building is a priority for Taiwan as the current "democratic civil war" has hindered Taiwan's national development and democratic achievement, former Premier Frank Hsieh, one of four ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential hopefuls, said in an interview with CNA Tuesday.
Hsieh, who launched his presidential campaign with the slogans of "love and trust" and "say yes to Taiwan, " also said he believes the people of Taiwan would be glad to see China's peaceful rise if China holds no animosity toward it.
In another effort to explain his controversial "One China" framework for the Constitution, which has been under criticism by hardcore Taiwan independence supporters, Hsieh reiterated that he foresees an eventual "one Taiwan" constitution and that when he said "China" he was referring to the Republic of China.
"The percentage of people who recognize `Taiwan identity' has been constantly over 70 percent in most public opinion polls. The DPP, however, has been able to win only around 50 percent of the vote in elections, " Hsieh said, noting that the 20 percent-30 percent differential is something the ruling party should think about.
The number shows that people who recognize "Taiwan identity" do not necessarily support the DPP's policies. Hsieh said consensus-building will be his priority if he wins his bid to be the DPP presidential candidate and wins the 2008 presidential election.
"If that happens, we will have a new constitution that reflects Taiwan's status quo: an independent country, " Hsieh said.
The former premier once again elaborated on his initiative of a "national stability alliance" and a "coalition government," saying that it will be his responsibility, if he wins the election, to help the DPP control the majority in the legislature" so that we can be held accountable for our policies and so that the people will not suffer."
Asked about the recent controversy over the 2008 Beijing Olympic torch relay route, Hsieh noted that he supported the government's decision to reject Beijing's torch rely plan but had second thoughts about a potential boycott of the 2008 Olympics.
A national leader is expected to find a "holistic solution" instead of making decisions on the concept of "either/or, " Hsieh said, adding that the suppression by China of Taiwan's international participation is almost a given. He said he will try to find a way for Taiwan to participate in international affairs and events without interference from China.
Hsieh said he believes Taiwan is an ocean state and that this concept will be dominant in his national development plan. He also advocated bidding to host the 2020 Olympics and of a more liberal economic system.
The DPP will by May 12 at the earliest determine its candidate for the 2008 presidential election. The presidential primary's public opinion poll will take place from May 9-11 and will account for 70 percent of the score in determining who will represent the party, with the other 30 percent accounted through a vote by party members May 6.
The other three aspirants are Vice President Annette Lu, Premier Su Tseng-chang and former DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun.
Hsieh, who launched his presidential campaign with the slogans of "love and trust" and "say yes to Taiwan, " also said he believes the people of Taiwan would be glad to see China's peaceful rise if China holds no animosity toward it.
In another effort to explain his controversial "One China" framework for the Constitution, which has been under criticism by hardcore Taiwan independence supporters, Hsieh reiterated that he foresees an eventual "one Taiwan" constitution and that when he said "China" he was referring to the Republic of China.
"The percentage of people who recognize `Taiwan identity' has been constantly over 70 percent in most public opinion polls. The DPP, however, has been able to win only around 50 percent of the vote in elections, " Hsieh said, noting that the 20 percent-30 percent differential is something the ruling party should think about.
The number shows that people who recognize "Taiwan identity" do not necessarily support the DPP's policies. Hsieh said consensus-building will be his priority if he wins his bid to be the DPP presidential candidate and wins the 2008 presidential election.
"If that happens, we will have a new constitution that reflects Taiwan's status quo: an independent country, " Hsieh said.
The former premier once again elaborated on his initiative of a "national stability alliance" and a "coalition government," saying that it will be his responsibility, if he wins the election, to help the DPP control the majority in the legislature" so that we can be held accountable for our policies and so that the people will not suffer."
Asked about the recent controversy over the 2008 Beijing Olympic torch relay route, Hsieh noted that he supported the government's decision to reject Beijing's torch rely plan but had second thoughts about a potential boycott of the 2008 Olympics.
A national leader is expected to find a "holistic solution" instead of making decisions on the concept of "either/or, " Hsieh said, adding that the suppression by China of Taiwan's international participation is almost a given. He said he will try to find a way for Taiwan to participate in international affairs and events without interference from China.
Hsieh said he believes Taiwan is an ocean state and that this concept will be dominant in his national development plan. He also advocated bidding to host the 2020 Olympics and of a more liberal economic system.
The DPP will by May 12 at the earliest determine its candidate for the 2008 presidential election. The presidential primary's public opinion poll will take place from May 9-11 and will account for 70 percent of the score in determining who will represent the party, with the other 30 percent accounted through a vote by party members May 6.
The other three aspirants are Vice President Annette Lu, Premier Su Tseng-chang and former DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
TAIWAN LUXEMBOURG JOINT BUSINESS COUNCIL INAUGURATED
Taipei, April 20 (CNA) The Taiwan Luxembourg Joint Business Council (TLJBC) was inaugurated Friday, with the long term goal of strengthening trade, business and investment relations between the two sides.
"Establishing linkages between Europe and Asia has not been easy, but we're determined to do it, and Luxembourg is the gateway for Taiwanese businesses into the European market, " council chairman Theodore Huang, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Association of Industry and Commerce.
Representatives from Luxembourg echoed the same opinion. "First of all, Luxembourg can be Taiwan's gateway to the European Union (EU) countries. Secondly, as the financial and logistic center of Europe, [Luxembourg] can be very attractive for Taiwanese companies, " said Pierre Gramegna, Director-General of the Chamber of Commerce of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Gramegna is among 30 Luxembourg economic mission delegates visiting Taiwan Apr. 19 - 21. If all goes well, he said, a Taiwan business delegation will be visiting Luxembourg this fall.
Luxembourgian businesses appreciate Taiwan's potential to produce top-quality products and its leading role in the Chinese world in democracy, said Marc Solvi, the other TLJBC chairman who is currently CEO of Paul Wurth Group.
"We're not just doing business with Taiwan," he said, adding that the company has a production facility in Kaohsiung from where it exports its products to many other countries around the world.
In the initial stages, the council will try to help businesses from both sides better understand one another, Huang said, adding that Taiwan can help Luxembourg penetrate Asian markets, such as Vietnam.
Economic relations between both sides are looking good, Gramegna said, as there are already Taiwanese companies from more than half dozen fields investing in Luxembourg.
"Establishing linkages between Europe and Asia has not been easy, but we're determined to do it, and Luxembourg is the gateway for Taiwanese businesses into the European market, " council chairman Theodore Huang, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Association of Industry and Commerce.
Representatives from Luxembourg echoed the same opinion. "First of all, Luxembourg can be Taiwan's gateway to the European Union (EU) countries. Secondly, as the financial and logistic center of Europe, [Luxembourg] can be very attractive for Taiwanese companies, " said Pierre Gramegna, Director-General of the Chamber of Commerce of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Gramegna is among 30 Luxembourg economic mission delegates visiting Taiwan Apr. 19 - 21. If all goes well, he said, a Taiwan business delegation will be visiting Luxembourg this fall.
Luxembourgian businesses appreciate Taiwan's potential to produce top-quality products and its leading role in the Chinese world in democracy, said Marc Solvi, the other TLJBC chairman who is currently CEO of Paul Wurth Group.
"We're not just doing business with Taiwan," he said, adding that the company has a production facility in Kaohsiung from where it exports its products to many other countries around the world.
In the initial stages, the council will try to help businesses from both sides better understand one another, Huang said, adding that Taiwan can help Luxembourg penetrate Asian markets, such as Vietnam.
Economic relations between both sides are looking good, Gramegna said, as there are already Taiwanese companies from more than half dozen fields investing in Luxembourg.
Monday, April 16, 2007
TAIWAN WON'T BE BARGAINING CHIP: EX-U.S. CONGRESSMAN
Taipei, April 15 (CNA) Taiwan will not be a U.S. bargaining chip to be traded for strategic relationship between the U.S. and China, a visiting former U.S. congressional leader said Sunday in an international seminar.
Henry Hyde, a former chairman of the U.S. House International Relations Committee, assured the people of Taiwan that the U.S. will not sacrifice its long friendship with Taiwan in exchange for political gains in the seminar titled "Taiwan's Rise to Democracy: Realities and Prospects."
Hyde, 83, made the remark after he mentioned the "Six Assurances" made by the Reagan Administration in 1982.
Stressing Taiwan's strategic importance to the world, Hyde reiterated a view central to his 2001 speech that "a free and uncoerced Taiwan is the key to the possibility of a genuinely close relationship between the U.S. and China", and a democratic Taiwan guarantees that China's growing impact in the international system will be positive.
In fact, "Taiwan may hold the key in China's destiny, " he said, adding that China has stepped up its suppression of Taiwan "partly because of its discomfort at Taiwan's success in democracy."
"You [Taiwanese] are carrying the banner of democracy in the Chinese world, " he said.
However, Taiwan should be willing to defend itself, especially in the face of China's military buildup, he said.
"The old saying 'God helps those who help themselves' seems applicable to the situation of Taiwan, " he said, noting that the priorities of U.S. foreign policy dramatically changed after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
While the U.S. will continue to pursuit closer commercial ties with Taiwan and provide defensive weapons, Taiwan should continue to outshine China in fields such as democratization and economic development, among others, Hyde said.
The one-day seminar was organized by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Henry Hyde, a former chairman of the U.S. House International Relations Committee, assured the people of Taiwan that the U.S. will not sacrifice its long friendship with Taiwan in exchange for political gains in the seminar titled "Taiwan's Rise to Democracy: Realities and Prospects."
Hyde, 83, made the remark after he mentioned the "Six Assurances" made by the Reagan Administration in 1982.
Stressing Taiwan's strategic importance to the world, Hyde reiterated a view central to his 2001 speech that "a free and uncoerced Taiwan is the key to the possibility of a genuinely close relationship between the U.S. and China", and a democratic Taiwan guarantees that China's growing impact in the international system will be positive.
In fact, "Taiwan may hold the key in China's destiny, " he said, adding that China has stepped up its suppression of Taiwan "partly because of its discomfort at Taiwan's success in democracy."
"You [Taiwanese] are carrying the banner of democracy in the Chinese world, " he said.
However, Taiwan should be willing to defend itself, especially in the face of China's military buildup, he said.
"The old saying 'God helps those who help themselves' seems applicable to the situation of Taiwan, " he said, noting that the priorities of U.S. foreign policy dramatically changed after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
While the U.S. will continue to pursuit closer commercial ties with Taiwan and provide defensive weapons, Taiwan should continue to outshine China in fields such as democratization and economic development, among others, Hyde said.
The one-day seminar was organized by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
MANY 'INCONVENIENT TRUTHS' IN TAIWAN-CHINA ISSUE: EX-U.S. OFFICIAL
Taipei, April 15 (CNA) There have been many "inconvenient truths" in the Taiwan-China issue for the international community, of which almost everyone is aware but few wish to discuss, including the status quo, a former U.S. official said Sunday.
Stephen Yates, former deputy assistant to U.S. Vice President Cheney for national security affairs from 2001 - 2005, questioned the very concept of a status quo, saying: "There is no such thing as a status quo. [The Taiwan Strait] is a dynamic region. Forces are changing."
Yates, speaking at an international seminar, said he would personally define the status quo as "defending Taiwan's democratic way of life." For many countries, though, the status quo in Taiwan Strait amounts to "Please, don't act and speak up now," he said.
Another inconvenient truth concerns China's "road of peace, " he said, echoing a question submitted by current ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman Yu Shyi-kun in his U.S. tour: "After China's peaceful rise, will there be peace and democracy? Will other democracies in the region be at an advantage or a disadvantage?"
"Should we make East Asia safer for democracy, or make democracy safer for East Asia? " said Yates, was yet another dilemma for the international community, but the answer, for him, was obviously the latter.
Putting the reality of international politics and military aside, Taiwan should try to let the world know what it is doing in other fields, Yates said.
With Taiwan's experience in civil rights, he would be glad to see non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from Taiwan organize a series of seminars in the most important civil rights institutes around the world.
There are many fields that Taiwan can work on, such as high tech, civil rights and business, to let the international community know that it can't afford to have Taiwan absorbed by China, he stressed.
With the September 11 terrorist attack in 2001 and the current unpopular military engagement in the Middle East, it is assumed that most Americans would be hesitant to commit to another international military engagement should Taiwan face a military situation, he said.
That is why Taiwan should increase its value to the international community, Yates said.
The one-day seminar, titled "Taiwan's Rise to Democracy: Realities and Prospects", was organized by the DPP.
Stephen Yates, former deputy assistant to U.S. Vice President Cheney for national security affairs from 2001 - 2005, questioned the very concept of a status quo, saying: "There is no such thing as a status quo. [The Taiwan Strait] is a dynamic region. Forces are changing."
Yates, speaking at an international seminar, said he would personally define the status quo as "defending Taiwan's democratic way of life." For many countries, though, the status quo in Taiwan Strait amounts to "Please, don't act and speak up now," he said.
Another inconvenient truth concerns China's "road of peace, " he said, echoing a question submitted by current ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman Yu Shyi-kun in his U.S. tour: "After China's peaceful rise, will there be peace and democracy? Will other democracies in the region be at an advantage or a disadvantage?"
"Should we make East Asia safer for democracy, or make democracy safer for East Asia? " said Yates, was yet another dilemma for the international community, but the answer, for him, was obviously the latter.
Putting the reality of international politics and military aside, Taiwan should try to let the world know what it is doing in other fields, Yates said.
With Taiwan's experience in civil rights, he would be glad to see non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from Taiwan organize a series of seminars in the most important civil rights institutes around the world.
There are many fields that Taiwan can work on, such as high tech, civil rights and business, to let the international community know that it can't afford to have Taiwan absorbed by China, he stressed.
With the September 11 terrorist attack in 2001 and the current unpopular military engagement in the Middle East, it is assumed that most Americans would be hesitant to commit to another international military engagement should Taiwan face a military situation, he said.
That is why Taiwan should increase its value to the international community, Yates said.
The one-day seminar, titled "Taiwan's Rise to Democracy: Realities and Prospects", was organized by the DPP.
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