On the morning of July 15, Vice President Dr. Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣) of the Legislative Yuan attended, by invitation, the opening ceremony of the 33rd Annual Meeting and the 3rd Joint Meeting of the Board of Directors and Supervisors of the Asia Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (ASTCC), held at The Lin Hotel Taichung. Guests in attendance included Premier Cho Jung-Tai of the Executive Yuan, Minister Hsu Chia-Ching of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), Minister Hung Sun-Han of the Ministry of Labor, Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen of Taichung City, President Chen Shu-Chin and Founding President Yu Seng-Ching of the ASTCC, Chairperson Cheng Mei-Man of the ASTCC’s Board of Supervisors, President Johnson Hsiung of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, and Taiwanese business representatives from around the world, making the event a grand occasion.
The opening ceremony began with the procession of flags of the member chambers from various countries, a drum and lion dance performance, and the singing of the national anthem of the Republic of China. ASTCC President Chen, who served as Chair of the meeting, delivered the opening remarks, followed by remarks from attending distinguished guests.
In his remarks, Vice President Chiang first welcomed Taiwanese businesspeople from around the world home on behalf of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China and its President Daniel K.Y. Han (韓國瑜). Vice President Chiang stated that, as Chair of the Legislative Yuan’s Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen, he had traveled abroad many times over the past two years to attend events held by Taiwanese chambers of commerce in various locations, and had often received visiting Taiwanese businesspeople at the Legislative Yuan. Being able to gather with everyone today in his hometown of Taichung, he said, was especially meaningful and heartwarming.
Vice President Chiang noted that, no matter where Taiwanese businesspeople are, they always keep Taiwan close to their hearts. While putting down deep roots in their local businesses, he said, they are also the Republic of China’s most powerful economic and trade ambassadors, as well as its strongest diplomatic support. He especially commended the ASTCC for its extensive presence in 20 countries and regions across Asia. This presence, he said, not only strengthens the bond among overseas compatriot communities and solidifies Taiwan’s important position in industries across Asia, but also helps the government expand external relations, allowing Taiwan’s ties with other countries to go beyond formal diplomatic relations.
Vice President Chiang thanked the ASTCC for choosing to hold this meeting in Taichung, and took the opportunity to introduce his hometown to Taiwanese business friends. He explained that Taichung has a comprehensive transportation network by sea, land, and air. In recent years, he noted, Taichung has gradually established international flight routes with major countries and cities across Asia, making travel more convenient for Taiwanese businesspeople. In particular, he said, Taichung City and central Taiwan have comprehensive manufacturing clusters, abundant capital resources, and livable conditions. These advantages make Taichung an important strategic city for Taiwanese businesspeople to deepen their presence in Taiwan, connect with international markets, and expand future business opportunities.
Vice President Chiang concluded by once again emphasizing that, although the political parties of the 11th Legislative Yuan may at times hold differing views on many issues, support for overseas Taiwanese businesspeople is their greatest consensus. He also commended President Chen’s outstanding leadership during the ASTCC’s 33rd term, once again expressed his gratitude to Taiwanese businesspeople for their contributions to Taiwan, and wished the meeting great success.
The opening ceremony continued with remarks by Premier Cho and other attending guests, followed by a group photo, before concluding successfully in a grand and cordial atmosphere. (2026/07/15)
