President recommits to cross-strait peace

“The swine flu vaccine epitomizes our progress in biotechnology development,” he noted, adding that Taiwan is more than willing to share its capabilities with other countries around the globe.

However, while economic and infrastructural development are indications of a country's material strength, it is cultural development that makes a country great, he said.

In a democratic and liberal environment, Ma said, Taiwan has developed a culture that integrates Chinese heritage and home-grown Taiwanese characteristics.

At ceremony on Oct. 10 to mark the 98th National Day, Ma announced the formation of a preparatory committee for the 100th National Day celebrations.

No National Day celebrations were held this year as the nation was mourning the loss of more than 700 lives during Typhoon Morakot in August.

Ma has appointed Vice President Vincent Siew as chairman of the 100th National Day Organizing preparatory committee, and Premier Wu Den-yih and Legislative Yuan speaker Wang Jin-pyng were named vice chairmen.

The 111 members of the committee were drawn from the government, industrial, business, charity, arts and culture, show business, academic and sports sectors.

The committee will pool resources from the central and local governments and the private sector to design celebratory programs for the whole year.

Siew said a private foundation will be formally set up in December to raise funds and help with the planning of festivities.

In addition, Siew said, the foundation will solicit donations from the private sector to help finance the centenary National Day celebrations.

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