On the afternoon of September 30, President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan, accompanied by Vice President of the Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen Legislator Chung Chia-Pin, Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Huang Jen, Deputy Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Joshua Jhao-Syong Ruan, and Director of the International Affairs Department Kevin C.F. Lin, met with the homecoming delegation of the 31st Africa Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (ATCC), led by ATCC President Chen Chih-Min.
President Han first extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation and posed for a group photo with attending members of the Legislative Yuan and the guests. He further noted that Vice President Johnny C. Chiang and legislators from the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) had originally planned to meet with the delegation but were called back to their respective constituencies to assist with disaster preparedness due to an approaching typhoon. In his remarks, President Han stated that Africa, with its 1.4 billion people, over 30 million square kilometers of land, and 54 countries, is brimming with business opportunities at every turn. Although risks and opportunities go hand in hand, President Han expressed his pleasure in seeing Taiwanese businessmen seize opportunities worldwide, leveraging their strengths and adapting to local environments. By overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship, they ultimately reap the rewards of success. President Han expressed his delight in welcoming all our friends from Africa's Taiwanese business community who have traveled from afar. The Legislative Yuan serves as a "home" for Taiwanese businesses around the world, and he extended a sincere welcome to all the Taiwanese business people present today.
President Han continued by stating that the current (11th) Legislative Yuan brings about new changes. Although none of the three parties has a majority, the KMT, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) all share a genuine commitment to supporting overseas Taiwanese businesses and compatriots. All of our compatriots work hard overseas, overcoming various challenges. Not only do they achieve personal success, but they also bring honor to Taiwan. The Legislative Yuan will coordinate with the OCAC to provide high-quality services for compatriots, continuously serving as a strong support for Taiwanese businessmen overseas. In conclusion, President Han emphasized that "regardless of party affiliation, Taiwan is our sole focus." He noted that unity is more powerful than division and expressed his hope that all Taiwanese in Africa will join hands to collaborate and mutually prosper in their development. He added that overseas compatriots are encouraged to reach out to the Legislative Yuan through the OCAC whenever they experience difficulties or seek support and overseas Taiwanese business people are always welcome to "come home" often.
The head of the delegation, ATCC President Chen Chih-Min, expressed his gratitude to President Han and the legislators for taking the time to meet with them and stated that it is a great honor to visit the Legislative Yuan. He added that the leadership of the current (31st) ATCC is gradually being passed on to the younger generation, and many members present are the second generation of overseas Taiwanese business people and have already begun to take on the crucial responsibility of uniting the Taiwanese business community in Africa. He said the government's consistent attention to the development of overseas Taiwanese businesses and its efforts to create policies that benefit both Taiwanese businesses and compatriots abroad were deeply appreciated. In the future, the ATCC will timely provide the necessary assistance and contribute to policies such as the government's "Africa Project 2.0."
During the bilateral exchanges, Legislator Huang Jen praised the Taiwanese business people for their hard work overseas, stating that they have created personal success and brought about miracles for Taiwan. Legislator Huang also stated that the Legislative Yuan has always paid close attention to overseas affairs and diplomatic matters. He has participated in the Foreign and National Defense Committee, which manages overseas compatriots' business affairs, and he will certainly do his utmost to support all the Taiwanese businesses, the Pride of Taiwan!
Wu Sung-Pei, Honorary President of the ATCC and former Legislator, expressed his gratitude for the long-term support provided by the Legislative Yuan to overseas Taiwanese business community through the Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen. He noted that Taiwanese businesses are appreciative of the government's care and assistance and hoped that legislators from all parties will continue to support them. Furthermore, overseas Taiwanese businessmen in Africa will remain united and work together. Honorary President Wu expressed his sincere gratitude for President Han's reception today and also hoped for the opportunity to host President Han and his delegation for a visit to Africa in the future.
Former Legislator and Honorary President of the ATCC, Wendy Yu-Hsia Wen, continued by expressing her gratitude for the warm reception from the Legislative Yuan just before the arrival of the typhoon. The also said that the ATCC has now completed its generational transition, with the new generation of Taiwanese business people stepping up to take on significant responsibilities. She hoped that the Legislative Yuan will continue to provide support. She emphasized that the African market presents vast business opportunities and encouraged Taiwanese youths to seize these opportunities and look globally, as they will surely find better and larger development prospects overseas.
Honorary President Daniel Wu of the ATCC shared that Nigeria, where he resides, has a population of 200 million and is the eighth-largest oil-producing country in the world, rich in natural resources and full of business opportunities. Africa's population is currently 1.4 billion and is expected to exceed 3 billion by 2050. With an average age of just 24, the continent offers immense potential in both labor force and purchasing power. In the past, Taiwan was relatively unfamiliar with Africa. However, in recent years, the government has actively expanded connections with the continent through the implementation of the "Africa Project." It aims to achieve the policy goal of fostering closer ties and engagement between Taiwan and Africa. As the last underdeveloped gem in the world, Africa is poised to become a significant production hub for the manufacturing industry. He hoped that the government will encourage Taiwanese businesses to venture into Africa and seize this rare opportunity for development.
OCAC Council Member Isabelle Chu highlighted that, due to the diligent efforts of the overseas community, Taiwanese citizens traveling to Mauritius have enjoyed visa-free access since 2018. Mauritius, which was once a colony of both Britain and France, has now become a popular tourist destination in Africa, attracting a significant number of visitors. She hoped to welcome more Taiwanese tourists in the future.
President Han concluded by stating that whenever he hears of Taiwanese people facing difficulties abroad, he always relies on the selfless support of overseas compatriots, who are quick to provide various forms of assistance. President Han expressed his gratitude to all the Taiwanese business friends for their steadfast support. He also encouraged them to inform the Legislative Yuan whenever assistance is needed in the future. President Han expressed his delight in meeting everyone today and looked forward to the opportunity to gather again with all the Taiwanese businessmen present in the future.
The visit lasted about 30 minutes and was characterized by a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. After exchanging souvenirs and taking photos, both sides concluded the meeting on a positive note.
