Mankind has been pursuing the lofty goal of a global
village  where people can enjoy reciprocal  love,  mutual
help,  and peaceful co-existence.  Such a  goal  in  fact
coincides  with  the  ideal  of  "The  World is a family"
long upheld by the Chinese people. The  Internet, through
international  computer  networking, has helped bring the
real  and  immense  world  right  in front of us. Indeed,
transcending  national  boundaries  as  well  as  racial,
religious and cultural differences, the Internet  enables
all individuals in the world to freely exchange messages,
share thoughts,  and make friends with one another,  thus
further  promoting the  ideal of  a global  village.  The
Republic of China  is therefore pleased to participate in
the Internet 1996 World Exposition.

     After  decades  of  well-planned  development,   the
Republic  of  China  on  Taiwan  is  proud of what it has
achieved  in the political, economic,  social fields.  At
present, our  GNP is the  18th largest  in the world, our
per capita national income stands at  US$12,000,  and our
foreign   trade   volume   ranks   13th  worldwide.    By
participating  in  this  exposition,  we  very  much look
forward   to   sharing   with   other   members   of  the
international community  our developmental experience and
the  rich  traditional  Chinese  culture.  As  an  active
member of the  international  society,  the  Republic  of
China  has  been  playing  a constructive  role  in world
affairs.  The  21 million  people in the  Taiwan area are
willing  to  work  hand  in  hand with their brothers and
sisters in the rest of the world to further contribute to
the progress and prosperity of the global village.

In closing, may I wish the Exposition a great success!