On March 28, 2024, on behalf of President Daniel K.Y. Han, Deputy Secretary-General Chang Yu-jung of the Legislative Yuan attended at 11:00 a.m. the inauguration of The Republic of China and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Amity Association, convened by KMT Caucus Convener Fu Kun-chi. Also in attendance were Legislators Chen Yeong-kang, Lin Te-fu, Su Ching-chuan, Lai Shyh-bao, Ko Ju-chun, Liao Wei-hsiang, Ting Hsueh-chung, Hsu Yu-chen, Lin Chien-chi, Mai Yu-chen, Wan Mei-ling, and Lo Ting-wei; Vice Foreign Minister Remus Chen Li-kuo; Chief Secretary Yang Chih-ching of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Deputy Resident Representative Alice Q. Visperas of Manila Economic and Cultural Office; Deputy Representative Ngo Phuong Thao of Vietnam Economic and Culture Office in Taipei.

The inauguration commenced under the addresses from KMT Caucus Convener Fu, followed by a remark by Deputy Secretary-General Chang. Deputy Secretary-General Chang expressed that it was an honor to attend the grand event on behalf of President Han. Taiwan is the 21st largest economy in the world, and RCEP member states have always been Taiwan’s main export markets and regions for investment. As the New Southbound Policy has been Taiwan’s long-term focus for international outreach, Taiwan sits in an essential strategic location in global economy and trade, judging from a geopolitical perspective. For this reason, it is of great importance to strengthen economic and trade ties with countries in the region, especially with Southeast Asian countries. Taiwan aims for continuous participation in various regional economic frameworks and partnerships and for increasing economic and trade collaborations with like-minded countries such as the New Southbound nations; these are definitely the goals that require efforts across the country regardless of party affiliation. In this way, Taiwan will not only ready itself for global integration, but also boost domestic industries in their competitiveness on the world stage. Deputy Secretary-General Chang extended his gratitude to Convener Fu for his efforts in forming the Association, which shows the vision of Taiwan playing its part in the collaborations with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is hoped that with cross-party efforts, Taiwan will soon be able to join RCEP, where Taiwan could contribute to regional economic prosperity. In closing, Deputy Secretary-General Chang pointed out that should there be any support required for the Association, the Legislative Yuan will spare no effort to assist.

Later on, remarks were given by Vice Foreign Minister Chen and Chief Secretary Yang of the MOEA, followed by the passing of the organizational charter of the Association and the election of its president and vice presidents. The event concluded after 40 minutes with remarks by the newly-elected vice presidents, Legislators Ko Ju-chun and Hsu Yu-chen, and with group photos of the attending guests taken.