President Daniel K.Y. Han: “Taiwan boasts strong vitality and momentum. It is hoped that Taiwan could be the first choice of the U.K. for an investment partner.”

On Mach 21, 2024, President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan attended at 11:00 a.m. the inauguration of ROC-UK Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association, convened by Legislator Chang Chia-chun. Also in attendance were Legislators Hsieh Yi-fong, Wan Mei-ling, Lin Chien-chi, Chen Kuan-ting, Chen Ching-hui, Lu Yu-ling, Wang Hung-wei, Yang Chiung-ying, Cheng Cheng-chien, Liao Wei-hsiang, Lin Te-fu; Deputy Secretary-General Chang Yu-jung of the Legislative Yuan; Representative John Dennis of British Office Taipei; Deputy Foreign Minister Kelly Hsieh Wu-chiao; Deputy Minister Ruan Jhao-syong of Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC); Secretary-General Day Wan-jung of the International Trade Administration, under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

The inauguration commenced with the addresses by Convener Chang Chia-chun and Representative John Dennis of British Office Taipei, followed by a remark by President Han. President Han expressed his joy in attending the inauguration of the association convened by Legislator Chang, and it was also delightful to see the support of legislators from multiple parties. Convener Chang grew up in the U.K., but also has a strong affection for Taiwan. In addition, she has served as a bridge between the Republic of China and the U.K. for years; it is believed that having Convener Chang as the president of the Association will definitely deepen collaborations between the two nations in several aspects.

President Han continued to state that Taiwan is located on the periphery of the Greater China Economic Circle. Although its land area is small, accounting for only three-thousandths of the world’s total surface area, and its population also only accounts for three-thousandths of the world’s population, Taiwan’s industries contribute a value of three percent of that around the globe. This shows that Taiwan boasts strong vitality and momentum. It is hoped that Taiwan could be the first choice of the U.K. for an investment partner. President Han also pointed out that Taiwan looks forward to having partnerships with the U.K. in more fields. For instance, due to the impact of declining birthrate in recent years, many colleges and universities in Taiwan have closed. Should a world-renowned British university be willing to set up branch campuses in Taiwan, students from Asian countries will be able to receive higher education under the British system while enjoying geographical proximity. This will not only provide an extra option for students in Asia, but also create a win-win situation that benefits both Taiwan and the UK. In closing, President Han expressed his hope that Taiwan-UK relations will advance to a higher level with the efforts of Taiwan’s legislators and the assistance from British Office Taipei and Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

After the address by President Han, group photos were taken with all the attending legislators and guests in warmth and joy, and addresses were also given by Deputy Foreign Minister Hsieh and OCAC Deputy Minister Ruan. The event concluded after 1 hour, with the organizational charter of the Association passed and its president and vice presidents elected.