Prepared Remarks For U.S. Secretary of Energy Bill Richards on Arrival Statement Taipei, Taiwan November 9, 1998

PR9847E | Date: 1998-11-09

I am pleased to be visiting Taiwan. This is my fourth trip to Taiwan, though my first one as Secretary of Energy. I am looking forward to this opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the long-standing friendship between Americans and the people on Taiwan.

I am here at the invitation of the U.S.-ROC Business Council and its Taiwan counterpart. My attendance at this meeting reflects the strength of the economic and commercial relations between the United States and Taiwan.

This is an excellent opportunity for me to hear the concerns and views of U.S. and Taiwan businessmen and women, who are the foundation of our vibrant economic relationship.

Despite the past year's economic difficulties in the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan has been able to maintain impressive economic growth.

This success is a credit to the maturity of Taiwan's economic and political systems. The theme of this year's conference: "Taiwan: Gateway to Asian Business Recovery" reflects Taiwan's achievements and its importance to the Asia-Pacific regional economy.

Thank you very much.