Vice President Chiang: Taiwan will always be home to overseas Taiwanese businesses, and the Legislative Yuan will serve as their strongest support.
On the afternoon of February 9, Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by KMT Legislator Adm. Chen Yeong-Kang, TPP Legislator Hung Yu-Shiang, and Deputy Minister Lee Yen-Hui of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), received a delegation from the Council of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Europe (ETCC) on a homecoming visit to Taiwan.
Vice President Chiang first extended a warm welcome to the delegation on behalf of Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜) and the Legislative Yuan. He noted that Taiwan-Europe relations have continued to deepen in recent years. The European Union is Taiwan’s fourth-largest trading partner and its largest source of foreign investment, with total bilateral trade approaching US$70 billion. As Chair of the Legislative Yuan Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen, Vice President Chiang said he fully understands the challenges faced by Taiwanese entrepreneurs striving abroad. He expressed particular appreciation for Taiwanese business leaders in Europe who, while building their enterprises overseas, always step forward to support their homeland—contributing resources and speaking up for Taiwan whenever needed. Taiwan will always be the home of overseas Taiwanese businesses, and the Legislative Yuan, as their “home base,” will carefully listen to their views and incorporate them into policymaking as valuable references.
Vice President Chiang further noted that the international situation is evolving rapidly. Taiwanese businesses operating on the front lines overseas often have especially keen insights into global developments and make swift decisions regarding their investment strategies. He said he looks forward to exchanging first-hand information with Taiwanese business leaders and hopes to facilitate stronger cooperation between Taiwan and Europe by matching their respective strengths across different sectors. Through expanded collaborations in diverse markets, such partnerships can help upgrade industries and enhance Taiwan’s overall competitiveness. He also reiterated a remark often made by President Han—that Taiwan has few natural resources and faces frequent natural disasters, yet has built the world’s 20th largest economy, plays a critical role in global supply chains, and is home to many “hidden champions.” The contributions of Taiwanese businesses have been indispensable to these achievements.
Vice President Chiang also mentioned that he hosted an AI Robotics Industry Forum in Taichung the previous week, bringing together associations from central Taiwan’s precision machinery, machine tool, and woodworking industries. Director Raymond F. Greene of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) was also invited to participate. Considering the complementary nature of Taiwan-U.S. industrial supply chains, Vice President Chiang expressed hope that international cooperation could further promote industrial upgrading. He had also invited former Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová to visit Taichung the previous month, where she experienced the city’s culture and cuisine while gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s industrial capabilities. Vice President Chiang added that he hopes Taiwan and Europe can identify mutually complementary opportunities within global supply chains. He warmly welcomed Taiwanese business leaders to visit Taichung and said he would be delighted to extend his hospitality as host.
President Evelyn Lee of the ETCC thanked Vice President Chiang and the legislators for taking time to receive the delegation. She noted that the ETCC currently spans 21 countries and 21 Taiwanese chambers of commerce, and that members from more than half of these countries had returned to Taiwan for this visit. She also sincerely invited the Legislative Yuan to attend the 32nd ETCC Annual Convention, which will be held in London, United Kingdom, from May 15 to May 17 this year. Other participants also shared insights on the industrial strengths and advantages of the countries where they operate and offered suggestions for deepening bilateral cooperation.
During the exchanges, Legislator Hung, whose expertise lies in the technology sector, noted that this was his first time meeting overseas Taiwanese communities since assuming office as a representative of the Taiwan People’s Party. He stated that Taiwan has a strong advantage in semiconductor manufacturing and could further develop AI-driven smart manufacturing and smart healthcare on that foundation. He also suggested exploring how Taiwan can connect with Europe in software and services to strengthen AI applications. Legislator Hung added that the European Union and Taiwan face similar geopolitical circumstances, positioned between the United States and China, and that both sides could consider developing cooperative relationships among middle-power economies. He also expressed particular interest in carbon taxation issues, and hoped that Taiwan could align with European systems in the future to avoid the risk of double taxation for businesses.
Legislator Chen stated that he had served in the Republic of China Armed Forces for forty years and had long worked with institutions such as the U.S. Department of War and the U.S. Department of State, specializing in national defense and foreign affairs. He remarked that in negotiations—whether on tariffs or military matters—there is rarely a perfect solution; rather, there are only appropriate and workable solutions. He also noted that Taiwan currently lacks a comprehensive national security strategy and that he has been working on this issue. He also expressed his hope that he will have the opportunity to visit Europe again in the future.
The two sides also exchanged views on a wide range of topics, including tourism, education, supply-chain finance, the emerging space industry, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the development of Taiwanese businesses in Eastern Europe. Vice President Chiang concluded by thanking the ETCC for organizing the delegation’s homecoming visit. He emphasized that the Legislative Yuan will spare no effort to assist whenever needed. With the Lunar New Year approaching, he also wished the delegation a smooth and successful visit and expressed his hope that Taiwanese businesses will continue to prosper in the upcoming Year of the Horse.
The meeting lasted approximately one hour and was conducted in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The visit concluded successfully after the two sides exchanged souvenirs and took a group photograph. (2026/02/09)
