Leading a cross-party delegation, Legislative Yuan Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) commenced the second-day itinerary of the visit to the U.S. and Paraguay today (Nov 17). Accompanied by Consul General Dennis Yen-Feng Lei of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, Vice President Chiang attended the opening ceremony of the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America (TCCNA) Board of Directors Meeting. Hosted by President Eugenia Henry, the guests included Hsu Chia-Ching, Minister of Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), Dan Sullivan, U.S. Republican Senator of Alaska, and Michigan State Senators. The ceremony was formally initiated with the playing of national anthems of the Republic of China (R.O.C.), Canada, and the U.S.
In his speech, Vice President Chiang expressed that he was honored to attend the opening ceremony. Speaking on behalf of Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) as well as in his role as the President of the Legislative Yuan’s Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen, he paid the highest respect and gratitude to Taiwanese businesses. He acknowledged the TCCNA’s contribution in bringing together 36 local business associations and over 3,500 member enterprises, and creating numerous job opportunities since its establishment in 1988. Furthermore, its concerted efforts have managed to garner the attention of local governments in the U.S. and Canada, and have created more business momentum in these regions. He commended the humanistic spirit of empathizing with the hunger and survival of others embodied by Taiwanese businesses. Such compassion exemplifies the attitude of “Taiwan Can Help,” benevolence quintessentially Taiwanese that warms the hearts of many in the world.
Vice President Chiang further mentioned the important roles played by Taiwanese businesses in connecting communities, especially in the economic and trade sector. For the first nine months this year, Taiwan-U.S. trade amounted to as much as US$166 billion, significantly surpassing that of the last full year of US$158 billion. Such successes in bilateral economic and trade relations are evidently attributable to contributions made by Taiwanese businesses.
Vice President Chiang also pointed out that under the “America First and Made in America” policy initiated by the Trump Administration, many Taiwanese businesses, such as TSMC, Wistron, Quanta, and ASE Technology are increasing their investments in the U.S., especially TYC, which is building a factory in Detroit. Such undertakings underscore the key roles played by Taiwanese businesses in the supply chain.
Lastly, Vice President Chiang reiterated that although the parties in the Legislative Yuan often hold different opinions and visions, supporting Taiwanese businesses remains their most significant consensus. This consensus will always serve as the strongest foundation for Taiwanese businesses as they venture overseas seeking growth and development. Nevertheless, he also welcomed Taiwanese businesses to “go home” whenever they wanted to. The Legislative Yuan would always spare no effort in assisting them. He extended his best wishes to them for many more successes to come.
Vice President Chiang proceeded to a meeting with Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, where they exchanged opinions on issues covering energy, national security, stability in the Taiwan Strait, trade negotiations, budget reviews, etc., in hopes of creating win-win circumstances for steady Taiwan-U.S. relations.
After the event, the delegation headed to the airport for Paraguay, bringing their itinerary in the U.S. to a successful conclusion.
