On March 22, 2024, Consultant Kao Ming-chiu of the Legislative Yuan attended at 11 a.m. the inauguration of Taiwan-Myanmar Congressional Association, convened by Legislator Chung Chia-pin. Also in attendance were Legislators Wu Szu-yao, Huang Shiou-fang, Wang Mei-hui, Wu Li-hua, Loh Mei-ling, Cheng Cheng-chien, Lee Kuen-cheng, Wu Pei-yi, Lin Yueh-chin, Ngalim Tiunn, and Kuo Yu-ching; Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang, Director General Peter Lan Sha-li of the Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Director General Ivan Y. J. Lee of the Office of Parliamentarian Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

The inauguration commenced with group photos with all the legislators and guests present, followed by a remark by Convener Chung, as well as an address by Consultant Kao on behalf of the Legislative Yuan. Consultant Kao expressed that it was an honor to congratulate, on behalf of President Daniel K.Y. Han, the establishment of the Association. At present, there are over hundreds of thousands of residents in Taiwan that are overseas Chinese from Myanmar and also the second generation of new residents. These people make a life here in our neighborhoods, which not only enriches Taiwan’s diverse culture, but also represents Myanmar’s traditional culture and their way of life here in Taiwan. These bring new vitality into Taiwan and add to our open and democratic society.
Kao continued to state that Myanmar is one of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In the face of globalization, Southeast Asian countries have always been Taiwan’s essential partners for industrial development. As of today, Taiwan’s total investment in exchanges and development partnered with Myanmar has exceeded US$1 billion. In the future, it is hoped that both sides can have closer exchanges and collaboration in all aspects where we welcome prosperity together. Consultant Kao also pointed out that since 2021, Myanmar has been on a bumpy road for its domestic politics, resulting in challenges for bilateral parliamentary exchanges with Taiwan. That being the case, Convener Chung still faced the difficulties with positivity. For tasks more challenging and issues that few people address, the more willing Convener Chung is to step forward and make unremitting efforts to promote bilateral relations, which is truly admirable. In closing, Consultant Kao expressed his belief in the full administrative support from the MOFA and our Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Myanmar for the Association, before he wished smooth operation of the Association in the future and good health and great fortune to the legislators and guests present.

Later on, remarks were also given by Deputy Foreign Minister Tien; the event concluded after 30 minutes, with the organizational charter of the Association passed and its president and vice presidents elected.