Taipei, April 13 (CNA) President-elect Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday on her Facebook page that establishing a comprehensive supply chain for Taiwanese businesses operating in Southeast Asia and India forms the cornerstone of her new southbound policy.

She said the policy is aimed at strengthening Taiwan's economic and cultural ties with countries in the region and creating a link between overseas Taiwanese students and Taiwan's new immigrants from the region.

Tsai, who will take office on May 20, said that Taiwan cannot afford to miss out on the opportunities presented in the vibrant Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region and South Asia, which are now the focus of world attention.

Tsai said her administration will raise the levels of governance responsible for decision making with regard to the policy. In addition to encouraging bilateral investment, the policy is also aimed at establishing cooperation ties with ASEAN and South Asian countries in the areas of talent cultivation, education, culture, tourism and agriculture to find a way out for Taiwan's diplomacy and usher in a new era of economic development.

As all generations of Taiwanese who lived or live in this island know, the oceans know no boundaries, Tsai said, adding that Taiwan therefore should tap into the opportunities in the region.

(By Sophia Yeh and Evelyn Kao)
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