(Click to watch video) [Presidential Office News] President Meets with Winners of the "44th Republic of China Entrepreneurship Model Awards and the 30th Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurship and Mutual Aid Awards" Republic of China, December 2, 2021 President Tsai Ing-wen met with the winners of the "44th Republic of China Entrepreneurship Model Awards and the 30th Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurship and Mutual Aid Awards" this morning. She stated that this year, the government has not only resumed the Taiwan-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) talks and applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), but Taiwan's economic growth rate also has a chance to exceed 6%. These positive results demonstrate that Taiwan is on the right path, and the government will continue to expand the international economic and trade layout for Taiwanese business friends. In her opening remarks, the President first welcomed the visiting dignitaries to the Presidential Office and congratulated all the entrepreneurship models and award winners. She expressed that everyone had worked diligently both domestically and overseas, demonstrating a spirit of passion and overcoming challenges in their careers. They serve as role models for many entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises. The President not only thanked domestic business owners for creating job opportunities in Taiwan and promoting national economic development but also expressed gratitude to Taiwanese friends who, despite resource and language challenges, have achieved outstanding success overseas, enhancing Taiwan's international visibility. The President pointed out that in recent years, the government has laid the foundation for Taiwan's investment environment through the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program to facilitate industry advancement. The government warmly welcomes Taiwanese business friends to return to Taiwan and jointly participate in the "Invest Taiwan Three Major Programs," aiming to inject new energy into industry transformation, which has yielded positive results. Last year, the government further promoted the "Six Core Strategic Industries," incorporating technologies such as AI and 5G, with the goal of making Taiwan the center for "advanced Asian manufacturing" and "semiconductor advanced processes," enhancing supply chain resilience and maintaining the industry's competitive edge. The President mentioned that although the pandemic has had an impact on the world economy, it has also led to the restructuring of global industrial supply chains. This presents both challenges and opportunities for Taiwan, especially in light of our collective efforts to combat the pandemic, safeguarding economic operations and showcasing Taiwan's importance in the global industrial supply chain. The President stated that this year, the government has not only resumed the Taiwan-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) talks but also applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Taiwan's economic growth rate has a chance to exceed 6%, reaching a new high in 11 years. These achievements are the result of joint efforts by the industry and the government, and she expressed her gratitude. These positive outcomes demonstrate that Taiwan is on the right path, and the government will continue to expand the international economic and trade layout for Taiwanese business friends. The President concluded by stating that everyone is an outstanding business owner who cares deeply about the country's development and industrial progress. She emphasized the inseparable relationship between the two and urged everyone to support the government's stance on the various issues in the upcoming referendum on December 18, which range from stable power supply, energy transition to economic and trade layout, and deepening democracy. Each issue is vital to Taiwan's future, and she hopes that everyone will join hands to support the government's efforts to propel Taiwan forward and onto the world stage. Finally, the President thanked Chen Ching-kang, Chairman of the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Association, and his team for providing long-term services such as entrepreneurial consultation, training, and post-entrepreneurship care, as well as offering valuable insights to the government. She expressed her commitment to continue being the strongest support for entrepreneurs and once again congratulated all the award winners. The visiting delegation was led by Chen Ching-kang, Chairman of the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Association, and accompanied by Chen Cheng-chi, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Secretary-General of the Presidential Office Lee Ta-wei was also present at the meeting.

source: https://www.president.gov.tw/News/26397