Politics

Ex-US president praises Taiwan’s economic recovery

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton offers suggestions on strengthening Taiwan’s economy during a speech in Taipei Nov. 14. (Courtesy of Universal Network Intelligence)

• Publication Date：11/15/2010
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Elaine Hou

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said he is amazed by Taiwan’s rapid recovery from the Great Recession and lauded the country for its role as a leading chip-maker.

In the face of challenges from other rising countries in the same field such as Vietnam, Taiwan should invest more in R&D to ensure its leading position, Clinton said. He made the remarks Nov. 14 at a speaking engagement in Taipei City.

Identifying biotechnology and nanotechnology as promising industries in the coming years, Clinton called for Taiwan to channel more investment toward these fields.

Taiwan should also join other developed countries in changing local consumption patterns as a key step in tackling social inequality across the world, Clinton said, adding that citizens must contribute more to solving the issues of disparity.

The world is becoming increasingly interdependent and this fact is impossible to ignore. No one is able to stop the globe turning, he said.

On the issue of cross-strait relations, Clinton holds a positive view of recent developments and sees disputes between Taipei and Beijing as being easier to solve than those in the Middle East. Taiwan is capable of choosing its own way during negotiations, he said.(JSM)

Write to Elaine Hou at elainehou@mail.gio.gov.tw