Vice President-elect Wu Den-yih will attend the upcoming Boao Forum for Asia in mainland China’s Hainan Province as honorary head of the ROC delegation, according to the Taiwan-based Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation March 1.
“Boao is an international economic forum,” Presidential Office spokesman Fan Chiang Tai-chi said. “The fact that the ROC delegation can participate at the event on equal footing with its counterparts from all over allows the development of our international image and is an opportunity for cooperative exchanges.”
Chang Jung-kung, spokesman for the ROC delegation, added that the forum is important as a multilateral organization directed by Asian countries, especially now that Asia is crucial in terms of its increasing contributions to the world economy.
“Participants at the event are mostly current or outgoing leaders, as well as government ministers, so taking part in the forum will help enhance Taiwan’s visibility,” he pointed out.
Chang also noted that arrangements are under way for Wu to meet with high-ranking mainland Chinese leader Li Keqiang. “Cross-strait relations are focused on economic cooperation and obtaining a win-win situation,” he said. “Li is the highest level mainland Chinese official to attend the forum. As his current job is in the cross-strait economic sector, their meeting will be helpful to maintaining peaceful and stable cross-strait relations.”
According to Chang, former Control Yuan President Fredrick Fu Chien will head the delegation of more than 50 members, including Common Market Foundation Chairman Chan Huo-sheng, HTC Corp. Chairwoman Cher Wang and Taipei City Mayor Hau Lung-bin.
Founded in 2001, the Boao Forum is a platform for its 28 members to discuss pressing economic issues and exchange ideas on regional cooperation and development. This year’s event will take place from April 1 to 3, with a focus on sound and sustainable development. (THN)
Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw