00:00It's a very challenging time for Taiwan in many ways, and yet we have also made progress, I think
00:07in some areas.
00:09The public mood here tends to be optimistic.
00:13Our latest polls demonstrate that optimism over Taiwan's current economic situation surpasses pessimism,
00:24which is a rather unique accomplishment among mature industrialized economies around the world.
00:32The projected economic growth rate for this year is at 11 percent GDP.
00:38That's the projected growth rate.
00:40We've done fairly well the first half of the first two quarters of this year,
00:44also making double digit growth rates and achieving growth that we haven't seen in decades.
00:52And the general confidence in Taiwan's economy primarily is based on the critical node that Taiwan plays in the
01:03technology supply chain,
01:05especially when it comes to artificial intelligence,
01:09but not limited to the hardware stack that supports AI growth around the world.
01:15It also goes into many other areas of some new key emerging and advanced technologies.
01:24There is also general enthusiasm towards our democratic situation.
01:32Again, despite significant challenges, including different types of gray zone coercion, disinformation, polarization,
01:41that many mature democracies around the world are also experiencing.
01:46But despite all of that, I think our people are very involved, enthusiastic about political campaigns, elections, public policy,
01:56and I'm sure during your visit here you will experience some of that enthusiasm over around different political parties.
02:04I'll continue to have their very active supporters.
02:08And for us, it's important to ensure that the democratic institutions that we built, we worked so hard to
02:15build,
02:16are sustainable and that can survive different types of and different degrees of pressures.
02:22This year we are commemorating 30 years since the first presidential election.
02:28And as you know, this building has survived colonialism, one party authoritarianism.
02:35It has witnessed a lot of history, but also including the last 30 years of a very robust transition into
02:42the democracy that we enjoy today.
02:45So in short, again, we have many challenges ahead of us,
02:50but at the same time through the hard work, the diligence and determination of the people of Taiwan.
02:56We have also made significant strides in our economy as well as in our politics, our democracy.
03:03And we will work to continue that.
03:08On the front of international relations, that's a more complicated scene.
03:12Of course, not everything is up to our own hard work and determination.
03:17It's a complicated geopolitical environment.
03:20The Indo-Pacific security, maintaining that balance in this region, the stability of this region is a priority.
03:30Obviously, we are contributors to stability.
03:34We are the responsible stakeholders in this part of the world.
03:40But beyond regional stability, I think Taiwan continues to build partnerships across the world, around the world.
03:50Again, in technology and advancing.
03:52We are saying that God canmi be located in the right direction of the country as well,
03:56It's a great area that's close to the world.
03:56It's a beautiful view.
03:57We don't have any spots, we do have any,you know,
