TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) met Monday with Nobel Prize–winning economist James Robinson and his delegation in Taipei, discussing Taiwan’s political and economic development and the role of social inclusion in national prosperity, according to a press release.
Hsiao said Taiwan has made steady progress in politics and economics and expressed hope that continued exchanges with international scholars could help refine public policy so that society continues to move toward shared success for all citizens.
She noted Robinson’s global reputation for analyzing the economic success and failure of nations, adding that Taiwan places a high value on national development because of its close connection to the country’s survival.
Citing Robinson’s theory that social inclusion is a key element of national success, Hsiao pointed to the Presidential Office, where the meeting was held, as an example of Taiwan’s transformation from colonial rule and 38 years of martial law into what she described as a vibrant, competitive, democratic society.
Hsiao said Taiwanese are empowered to take part in major decisions affecting their lives, including electing political leaders and working together to create opportunities and promote economic prosperity.
She said Taiwan continues to face internal and external challenges and voiced hope that policy refinement through dialogue and exchange would allow the nation and society to keep evolving and developing, ensuring that the achievements of the Taiwanese are sustained.
Hsiao emphasized the need to pool wisdom through transnational and interdisciplinary professional dialogue. She said the government hopes to deepen international academic exchanges through platforms such as the Taiwan Bridges Program to better respond to global changes and policy challenges.
From a political leadership perspective, Hsiao said the government’s current priorities include economic prosperity, the stability of the democratic system, and broader geopolitical and national security concerns. Hsiao added that growing complexity in the policy environment underscores the importance of international exchange and professional dialogue.
