After twelve years of efforts in this direction, the R. O. C. finally became a formal member of the World Trade Organization on January 1, 2002. January 1, 2003 is the first anniversary of this great event, and in commemoration, the Directorate General of Posts is issuing a stamp on this day. The stamp will have a denomination of NT$17. The main design of the stamp cleverly integrates the logo for the W.T.O. and a candle to symbolize the celebration of the first anniversary. The background of the stamp is a combination of the simple outline of Taiwan, as well as the Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu Islands and the World Trade Center Building. The color green and a fade-out effect are used to make the W.T.O. theme stand out. There is a golden band at the bottom of the stamp to create a refreshing, vigorous and happy atmosphere. This stamp was designed by Mr. Hung-to Ko and has been printed in color deep-etch offset by Cardon Enterprise Co., Ltd.The World Trade Organization is currently the most important international trade organization, and trade among its member nations comprises 90% of all global trade. Through close cooperation with the United Nations and various international organizations, the W.T.O. has become the hub of the international trading system and is thus known as the “United Nations of Trade.” Although accessing to the W.T.O. will inevitably put pressure on some segments of local industry to adjust as a result of the market becoming more open to foreign competition, it will also stimulate growth in our exports and allow us to share in the benefits of growing world trade. This in turn will promote the upgrading of industry and help to lay down a firm foundation for its continued development.