Vice President Wu Den-yih says that the welcome shown to Taiwanese visitors abroad shows that Taiwan is a country worthy of respect.
Wu was speaking to officials from the Junior Chamber International Taiwan, an organization for entrepreneurs, on Wednesday. Wu said that Taiwanese passport holders are entitled to visa-free entry or a visa on arrival in 140 countries and territories. He said this shows that Taiwan is receiving more and more respect on the global stage.
"Taiwanese nationals can visit 96% of the countries they would like to visit without a visa" said Wu. "This proves that the Republic of China [on Taiwan] is a country worthy of respect and trust, and that Taiwanese people are worthy of being welcomed. [Taiwanese tourists’] purchasing power is strong. Our country’s reputation is growing."
Wu also told the visiting delegation that Taiwan has enjoyed a steady growth in tourist visits. Wu said that in addition to Taiwan’s scenery, food, and people, improved cross-strait relations are an important factor in explaining this increase.