The Head of Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia, Ambassador Gary Ko, and Madame Ko hosted a reception at the Grand Ballroom of the Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel on October 10, 2013 in celebration of the 102nd National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan), with over 300 guests in attendance including members of three congresses of the Baltic states. Among the speakers in the event are the host Ambassador Ko and other representatives from the Baltic States.
Ambassador Ko, in his remarks, highlighted the advancements in the national development of Taiwan in the past year. He also stressed the importance of the ROC President Ma Ying-jeou’s announcement that Taiwan, as a responsible stakeholder in the international community, should “play the roles of a standard bearer of Chinese culture, a promoter of cultural exchange, a provider of humanitarian aid, a peacemaker, and a creator of new technology and business opportunities.”
In the field of economy, Ambassador Ko cited how Taiwan, ranked the 18th largest trading nation in the world, was able to establish itself as “a world-class manufacturer of innovative hi-tech products” through “the government and the people’s unwavering endeavor and resolute determination.”
Ambassador Ko further elaborated the successful efforts of Taiwan under the “viable diplomacy” policy of President Ma Ying-jeou in improving the Cross-Strait relations with mainland China, and in participating in various international organizations like the WHO and the ICAO. As of October 8 this year, the viable diplomacy has paved the way for the granting of visa–waiver privileges to the ROC Nationals by a total of 134 countries.
In closing, Ambassador Ko also emphasized on the robust bilateral relationship of Taiwan and Latvia, especially in the fields of trade, culture, education and tourism. For instance, according to Latvian News Agency report, the turnover of “Olainfarm”pharmaceutical company in 2012, compared with last year, increases by 99% with the total amounts of $ 6.01 million Lats. Taiwan’s market definitely contributes to the sharp growth of Olainfarm’s profit, as the sale of the company in Taiwan’s market grows nine times in 2012. We want to point out, Taiwan is one of the biggest contributors of this excellent outcome. Last October we also facilitated Laima chocolate company to cooperate with the Taiwanese President Group by selling Laima chocolate, cookies and candies through 7-11 convenience stores. Now Laima products can be seen in 4,861 7-11 convenience stores all over Taiwan. Laima has successfully opened its market in Mainland China and Philippines, through the President Group also. He said, “We have been able to advance our relations based on mutual trust and interest.”
Ambassador Ko hosted a reception in celebration of the 102nd National Day
