Welcome to Friends of Lee Teng-Hui Association
On May 20th, 1998, President Li Teng-hui hosted a tea reception for the attendees of the annual meeting of the World Friends of Lee Teng-hui Association. During the event, he emphasized three important tasks for the country's development: accelerating political democratization, pursuing high economic growth, and actively promoting cross-strait policies.
The tea reception took place in the Grand Hall of the Presidential Office this afternoon, with the Vice President also in attendance, showing respect to the 200 participants of the annual meeting of the World Friends of Lee Teng-hui Association. Secretary-General Huang Kun-hui of the Presidential Office and advisors Gao Qing-yuan, Wang You-ceng, and Xu Sheng-fa of the World Friends of Lee Teng-hui Association were also present.
In his speech, President Li expressed gratitude to all members of the World Friends of Lee Teng-hui Association for their support to him personally and to his government. He also provided an explanation of the three important tasks for the country's development in recent years.
First, accelerating political democratization: Over the past decade, starting from the lifting of martial law, we have progressively opened up party restrictions, press censorship, and conducted comprehensive parliamentary elections. We have also implemented direct elections for the President and Vice President. Last year, we completed the fourth-stage constitutional amendments, fully achieving democratization, which has garnered worldwide attention and recognition.
Second, pursuing high economic growth: Since the 1950s, we have maintained a successful economic policy that has resulted in high economic growth. Currently, our average annual gross national product has reached NT$13,233, ranking us 23rd in the world. We are also the 15th largest trading nation, the 7th largest foreign investor, and the 3rd largest information technology country. Despite the financial crises that have occurred in various Asian countries since last year, our country has not been severely affected, proving the soundness of our economic foundation and optimistic development prospects.