Central Bank of China

PRESS RELEASE Release Date: January 6, 2004



COMMEMORATIVE SILVER COIN FOR THE THIRD NATIONAL EXPRESSWAY¡XFULL COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION AND OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE CONNECTION


The Central Bank of China will issue the Commemorative Silver Coin for the Third National Expressway"Full Completion of Construction and Official Opening of the Connection on January 9, 2004. A total of 20,000 coins will be issued. The Bank of Taiwan is appointed as the delegate of the Central Bank of China to deal with the sale of the coins. Each coin costs NT$700. Each person may purchase one coin at one time.

The Third National Expressway, passing through Taiwan island from north to south, was fully completed at the end of 2003. From Keelung to Pingtung, the dedication of construction workers and workmanship marks every stretch of the 518-mile Expressway. It links up the existing highway system and is a significant step in improving public infrastructure and investment environment. The members of NEEB(National Expressway Engineering Bureau)are credited with this special achievement. To celebrate this milestone and the official opening and inauguration, the Central Bank of China will issue the Commemorative Silver Coin.

We are grateful to NEEB, Ministry of Transportation and Communication, for providing the designs used in the preparation for this Coin.