In the evening of September 27, Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Johnny C. Chiang attended the “Dinner Banquet for the 3rd Session of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC) 30th Board of Directors and Supervisors Meeting” held at the Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel. In attendance were Legislators Ko Chih-En, Chiu Yi-Ying, Huang Jie, Mai Yu-Chen, Chen Ying, Hsu Chih-Chieh, Lin Chien-Chi, Su Ching-Chuan, Huang Chien-Pin, Cheng Cheng-Chien, and Liu Chien-Kuo, as well as Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Hsu Chia-Ching, Chiayi County Mayor Weng Chang-Liang, and representatives from relevant ministries. Also in attendance were President Steven Lee of the 30th WTCC, Chairperson Tony Liu of the Board of Supervisors, and President-elect Kenneth Wu of the 31st WTCC, as well as representatives of Taiwanese businesses from the five continents. The event was grand and lively, with a hundred tables sitting a prominent gathering of guests.

The dinner banquet kicked off with the beautiful singing of the indigenous children’s choir, and Vice President Chiang, on behalf of the Legislative Yuan, gave his welcoming remarks. Vice President Chiang first introduced legislators in attendance to the guests and expressed he was delighted to be able to hold a dinner banquet to thank the hardworking Taiwanese businessmen. He welcomed all of them to come back to the warm, cozy home that is Taiwan and looked forward to seeing them return to the Legislative Yuan, whose doors are always open to the Taiwanese businessmen working abroad. As the President of Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen of the Legislative Yuan of Republic of China (Taiwan), he heartily welcomed all Taiwanese businessmen to come back often and remain in close contact on behalf of President Daniel K.Y. Han and all legislators.

Vice President Chiang further noted that he would like to convey his sincere gratitude to Taiwanese businessmen for deeply caring about Taiwan despite their busy careers abroad. Many of Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts, national diplomacy, or even parliamentary diplomacy, have greatly benefited from the strong support of Taiwanese businessmen. In addition, they are always the first to step in to lend a helping hand when Taiwan is confronted with difficulties or challenges. After the earthquake in Hualien on April 3, 2024, the WTCC immediately set an example by launching global fundraising activities, donating NT$10 million in disaster relief. Vice President Chiang, on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and the people in Taiwan, extended the sincerest appreciation for all Taiwanese businessmen, whose hearts are with Taiwan.

Vice President Chiang stressed that when Taiwan struggles to connect with the international community, it is very fortunate to have Taiwanese businessmen overseas generously assisting Taiwan liaise with public and private sectors, as well as democratic bodies and works of various nations around the world. This is a great help to Taiwan to enhance its international visibility and engage with other countries. Vice President Chiang continued to say that in the current (11th) Legislative Yuan, none of the three major political parties hold the majority; this is the very first time anything like this has taken place since the legislators' seats were reduced by half in 2008. Though legislators have heated debates over domestic issues from time to time, supporting Taiwanese businessmen is a unanimous consensus across party lines. The Legislative Yuan will serve as the strongest support and backup for Taiwanese businessmen whenever needed. When deliberating budgetary bills in the future, the Legislative Yuan will also fully support budgets related to Taiwanese businessmen, giving them the most substantial support regardless of party affiliation.

Vice President Chiang thanked President Steven Lee for his commitment and contribution in leading the team over the past year, and expected that he will continue to serve Taiwanese businessmen when he assumes the role of advisory president. He also congratulated President-elect Kenneth Wu of the 31st WTCC for his upcoming appointment.

Vice President Chiang concluded by emphasizing that the doors of the Legislative Yuan will always be open to Taiwanese businessmen, and all legislators are more than willing to assist them in any way they can. He then invited legislators in attendance to go on stage to toast in honor of all distinguished guests, whishing them a successful career, happy family, and peace for all with “great profits,” “big fortunes,” and “long-lasting prosperity.”

The banquet carried on with a speech by WTCC President Steven Lee, followed by the presentation of an appreciation plaque to Vice President Chiang, and the start of the dinner. The banquet lasted two hours and half and came to a successful end in a warm and pleasant atmosphere.