On the morning of March 29, 2024, on behalf of President Daniel K.Y. Han, Consultant Wang Chuan-chong of the Legislative Yuan attended the inauguration of Republic of China-India Parliamentary Amity Association, convened by Legislator Lo Ting-wei and Taiwan New Immigrants Rights Advocacy Committee by Legislator Mai Yu-chen. Also in attendance were Legislators Chung Chia-pin, Lo Chih-chiang, Cheng Cheng-chien, Hsieh Yi-fong, Huang Kuo-chang, Wu Chun-cheng, Lin Kuo-chen, Weng Hsiao-ling, Hsu Yu-chen, Ko Ju-chun, Chang Chi-kai, Chang Chih-lun, and Chen Gau-tzu

; Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang; Director General Peter Sha-li Lan 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); Deputy Director General Dhananjay Singh Yadav of India Taipei Association; members of National Federation of Employment Service Association (NESA), ROC, as county and city representatives across Taiwan; over 20 new residents who have been in Taiwan for more than 20 years.

The inauguration commenced with remarks by Conveners Lo Ting-wei and Mai Yu-chen, followed by group photos of all the legislators and guests present and a remark by Consultant Wang. Consultant Wang pointed out that the world is faced with great changes, both at the international and the regional level, and the Indo-Pacific region has only become more influential to the global situations. As a key stakeholder in the stability of the Indo-Pacific region, India not only boasts the largest population in the world but also its growing economy. There are currently over 1.4 billion people in India, over 50% of whom are under the age of 25; it shows that India is a big country of vitality. Its economic growth is also quite impressive, as the Indian Government programs- Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, and the Smart Cities Project have attracted investment and technological collaborations from many countries, including Taiwan. Since 2023, India has become Taiwan’s 16th largest trading partner and our 12th largest export market; the total bilateral trade between the two nations has reached US$8.224 billion.

Consultant Wang continued to state that despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Taiwan and India, bilateral relations have only continued to strengthen in recent years, and there has been an increase of dynamic exchanges in economic and trade initiatives, business investments, education programs, technical interchange, and cultural exchanges. On February 16, 2024, the two nations even completed the signing of an MOU on labor affairs cooperation. Under this partnership, as another successful case of collaboration, citizens from the two nations will continue to have deepened exchanges, and there could be more advantages fueled to Taiwan’s industries. Consultant Wang extended his gratitude to Convener Lo for his efforts in forming the Association, which could serve as a platform to strengthen the partnership between Taiwan and India as well as to increase bilateral personnel exchanges and commercial partnerships, so that both nations can head towards ties that bring mutual benefit and prosperity.

On the other hand, Consultant Wang stated that in the era of the global village where international exchanges are increasing, Taiwan, the treasure island, also welcomes many friends from Southeast Asia and countries around the world to settle in and build their homes. These new friends from different cultural backgrounds enrich the diversity of Taiwanese society, making it more prosperous. From a historical perspective, Taiwan has always witnessed the hard work of immigrants, with people with different cultural identities traveling across oceans to come to Taiwan; whether they came in the early days or arrived later on, all of them are new residents who love this island.

The Legislative Yuan attaches great importance to the rights and interests of new residents, the second generation of these residents, migrant workers, and foreign professionals living in Taiwan. According to statistics from the National Immigration Agency under the Ministry of the Interior, the number of new residents in Taiwan has exceeded 580,000 and their second generation is estimated to exceed 400,000. These people have become the main labor force in our society and the new driving force for national development. That being the case, there is still room for continuous improvement to protect the rights and interests of new residents and immigrants. For all these factors taken into account, Consultant Wang also extended his gratitude to Convener Mai for her efforts in forming the Committee, which facilitates the Legislative Yuan to also make efforts in issues related to new immigrants. In closing, Consultant Wang wished good health and great fortune to the legislators and distinguished guests present, as well as a success to the inauguration.

Later on, remarks were given by Deputy Foreign Minister Tien and Deputy Director General Dhananjay Singh Yadav of India Taipei Association. The event concluded in warmth and joy after 1 hour with the organizational charter of the Association and the Committee passed and their president and vice presidents elected.