At noon on February 3, Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) of the Legislative Yuan hosted a luncheon for a homecoming delegation from the Japan Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JTCC). He was accompanied by KMT Legislator Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, DPP Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching, TPP Legislator Chen Gau-Tzu, Secretary Chen Ching-Fang of the Department of International Affairs, and Deputy Minister Lee Yen-Hui of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC).
Vice President Chiang first joined the attending legislators and delegation members for a group photo. In his remarks, he warmly welcomed the delegation and affirmed that the Legislative Yuan will always serve as the strongest home base for Taiwanese businesspeople overseas. Noting that the gathering took place on the eve of the Lunar New Year, he said that despite his busy schedule, he had made a special effort to meet with the delegation and extend his New Year’s greetings. He wished everyone success in all endeavors, prosperity in business, and continued growth and advancement in JTCC affairs.
Vice President Chiang expressed his gratitude to the JTCC for its long-standing and generous support in times of need. He specifically highlighted the JTCC's immediate assistance following the recent floods and earthquake in Hualien, which demonstrated the profound sentiment of “being abroad yet keeping Taiwan close at heart.” Deeply moved by this devotion, Vice President Chiang offered his most sincere thanks to overseas Taiwanese business leaders on behalf of the people of Taiwan.
Vice President Chiang further noted that Taiwan and Japan, sharing close geographical proximity, have developed a strong and enduring foundation for bilateral relations, adding that cooperation remains robust not only in industrial and economic sectors, but also in tourism and people-to-people exchanges. With TSMC establishing operations in Kumamoto, industrial supply chains between Taiwan and Japan have become even more closely integrated. In 2025, total bilateral trade reached US$84.8 billion, making Japan Taiwan’s third-largest trading partner, while Taiwan ranked as Japan’s fourth-largest trading partner—underscoring the depth and importance of Taiwan-Japan economic ties.
Turning to tourism exchanges, Vice President Chiang observed that more than 6.76 million Taiwanese traveled to Japan last year, while 1.48 million Japanese visitors traveled to Taiwan, bringing total two-way tourism exchanges to over eight million visits. Taiwanese travelers spent approximately ¥1.211 trillion in Japan, reflecting the vibrant growth of people-to-people interaction and economic engagement between the two sides. Taiwanese business leaders, he noted, have played an indispensable role in fostering this vibrant exchange.
Vice President Chiang also mentioned that the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) will kick off in Tokyo in March. He emphasized that Taiwan and Japan are important partners across economic, cultural, and sporting domains, and expressed confidence that both sides will continue to create win-win—and even multi-win—outcomes both on and off the field. He concluded by wishing the delegation members prosperity, thriving businesses, and a year of the horse filled with wealth, success, and happiness.
In her remarks, President Hung Yi-Fen of the JTCC thanked Vice President Chiang and legislators from all parties for their warm reception. She expressed hope that the delegation would make the most of their limited time in Taiwan to further strengthen exchanges with various sectors. President Hung noted that two-way tourism between Taiwan and Japan is expected to reach new highs again in 2026. She also expressed appreciation for TSMC’s investment in Kyushu, which has increased international awareness of the region and created new opportunities for cooperation between local communities and Taiwanese enterprises. Looking ahead, she expressed hope that additional business opportunities can be developed in other regions and requested the continued support of the Legislative Yuan for Taiwanese businesses overseas.
The two sides then exchanged commemorative gifts before the luncheon formally commenced. The banquet lasted approximately one hour and thirty minutes and took place in a cordial atmosphere, with both hosts and guests enjoying the occasion to the fullest, bringing the event to a successful close on a warm and cheerful note. (2026/02/03)
