The ministry has reportedly held talks with several investment groups, including Wachovia Corp, with the aim of raising funds for the jet venture, but its efforts have born no fruit so far. The ministry was looking for a US buyer to acquire a 50 percent stake in SSAC, Shih said earlier this year.
Kuo said it was his understanding the ministry had received an independent and fair offer in mid-April. He said negotiations started early last month but that the deal was suddenly called off without an explanation.
The AIDC delegation is expected to submit a final assessment to the ministry by the end of this month following the inspection trip. The delegation, however, may first have to deal with SSAC's low morale and its immediate financial situation caused by the lack of investment.
Later in a telephone interview on Sunday night, Kuo said he would stay around to smooth the transition before traveling to visit his family in California.
"Now I feel relieved," he said.
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