President Tsai Ing-wen announced on Monday that the former CEO of TSMC, Morris Chang, will once again represent Taiwan at APEC. The upcoming meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation is scheduled for mid-November in Santiago, Chile.
This will be Chang’s second time in a row representing Tsai at the meeting. Taiwan’s president is unable to attend the summit in person, due to opposition from China.
Tsai said she chose Chang again because he holds an important position in the global manufacturing sector. He’s not only the former CEO, but also the founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation, which is the world’s biggest semiconductor manufacturer.
Tsai recognized Chang for the role he has played in Taiwan’s technological development. She said that he is the best person to represent Taiwan in discussing regional trade and the digital economy with other world leaders.
Tsai has called on Chang and his delegation to demonstrate Taiwan’s digital prowess and its determination to turn itself into a country powered by smart technology. She also asked Chang to share with world leaders Taiwan’s efforts toward inclusive and sustainable growth in the Asia Pacific region.
Chang said he’s honored to be given such an important task. He spoke about how the Internet has changed the global economy in the last 30 years. He said he’s hoping to discuss the potential problems of the digital economy with leaders of other countries.
Last year at APEC, Chang met with US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of the meeting. It was the highest level of interaction between Taiwan and the US at APEC in recent years.