Vice President Johnny C. Chiang of the Legislative Yuan attends the opening ceremony of the 3rd session of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC) 30th board of directors and supervisors meeting
On the morning of September 27, Vice President Johnny C. Chiang of the Legislative Yuan attended the opening ceremony of the 3rd session of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC) 30th board of directors and supervisors meeting at the Kaohsiung Marriott Hotel. Distinguished guests included President Lai Ching-Te, President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau, Legislators Wang Ting-Yu, Chiu Chih-Wei, Daihua Lin, Hsu Chih-Chieh, Minister Hsu Chia-Ching of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Lin Chia-Lung, Kaohsiung City Mayor Chen Chi-Mai, Acting Hsinchu City Mayor Chiu Chen-Yuan, as well as representatives from various ministries and foreign diplomats in Taiwan. 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, along with over 600 representatives of Taiwanese businesses from five continents, creating a grand and lively atmosphere befitting the occasion.
The conference commenced with opening remarks delivered in succession by President Steven Lee, Minister Hsu Chia-Ching, Mayor Chen Chi-Mai, and President Lai Ching-Te. Following their addresses, in the presence of President Lai and President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Palau to the Republic of China (Taiwan) David Adams Orrukem exchanged a signed joint statement with President Lee. A commemorative photo was subsequently taken with all distinguished guests present.
Next, Vice President Chiang delivered remarks on behalf of the Legislative Yuan, expressing his delight in attending today’s opening ceremony. He began by extending birthday wishes for the 30th anniversary of the WTCC on behalf of President Han and all members of the Legislative Yuan. He looks forward to the WTCC embarking on its next 30 years and wishes all Taiwanese businesspeople continued success and prosperity in their endeavors.
Vice President Chiang continued by stating that in March of this year (2024), he led a cross-party delegation from the Legislative Yuan to Japan to attend the Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union (APPU). During this visit, they held a trilateral parliamentary exchange meeting with representatives from Japan and Palau, where they discussed cooperation on issues such as economic and tourism development and responses to climate change challenges. He expressed his honor in witnessing the signing of the joint statement between the Republic of Palau and the WTCC today, which further expands and deepens the friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and Palau. The Republic of Palau is a sincere partner of the Republic of China (Taiwan), providing long-term support to Taiwan and advocating strongly for our international participation in global forums. Vice President Chiang went on to mention that in late May, while leading the Legislative Yuan’s delegation to the World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, he was deeply moved by the Republic of Palau’s representatives who voiced their support for Taiwan. He extended special gratitude and expressed hope for future collaboration between the WTCC and Palau, working together towards mutual prosperity.
Vice President Chiang emphasized that overseas Taiwanese businesses are the most important asset of the Republic of China (Taiwan) abroad. They not only represent Taiwan but also serve as a crucial link between our nation and the world, using their influence to expand Taiwan's external relations. The significance of Taiwanese businesses to the country is as vital as the key role they play in the global supply chain. He expressed confidence that as the global industrial supply chain undergoes restructuring, Taiwanese businesses and enterprises will continue to play an indispensable role in the international supply chain.
Vice President Chiang further noted that during the Legislative Yuan's recess, he undertook three diplomatic visits. At the end of July, he led a delegation to the Czech Republic, Spain, and Italy. Upon his return, he immediately led a cross-party group of legislators to Japan, marking the first-ever "soccer parliamentary diplomacy" in the history of the Legislative Yuan. Following that, he also visited Texas in the United States. During these trips, he met with speakers and deputy speakers of parliaments, legislators, city mayors, government officials, and think tank scholars. These international counterparts consistently raised two key issues: Taiwan's security and investment cooperation in the high-tech industries of semiconductors and AI. The focus of these discussions stemmed from the strong foundation Taiwanese businesses have built in the global supply chain. As Taiwan's significance grows, the stability of the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan’s security have become topics of increasing global attention. Future cooperation between international companies and Taiwanese businesses in various industries is also a matter of significant interest. Vice President Chiang concluded by stating that in the face of rapidly changing international dynamics, the more Taiwanese businesses expand their influence worldwide, the more secure Taiwan's position will become, leading to greater peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the world.
He went on to commend President Steven Lee for his leadership of the WTCC team over the past year, which has led to remarkable progress and achievements in the association’s affairs. On behalf of the Legislative Yuan, he extended the sincerest congratulations to President-elect Kenneth Wu, who is about to assume office as the 31st WTCC President.
Vice President Chiang further mentioned that both he and President Han are deeply concerned about domestic education issues. Given Taiwan's declining birth rate, which has already forced 15 universities to cease enrollment, they hope to turn this crisis into an opportunity. He urged Taiwanese businesspeople in attendance to leverage their extensive overseas networks to facilitate the establishment of branch campuses by top universities from Europe, the U.S., and Japan in Taiwan. This initiative would not only revitalize existing campus facilities and benefit local students but also attract students from neighboring countries, thereby strengthening Taiwan's higher education and enhancing its international visibility.
Vice President Chiang concluded by once again expressing the Legislative Yuan’s respect and gratitude to Taiwanese businesspeople around the world. He hoped that the WTCC and all Taiwanese entrepreneurs will continue to assist the government in expanding the international space of the Republic of China (Taiwan). He also extended his best wishes to all the distinguished guests, wishing them success in their ventures, no matter where they are in the world—with "Big profits! Huge gains! Great fortune!" Lastly, he wished the WTCC a happy 30th anniversary and for the event's resounding success.
The opening ceremony continued with speeches by President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Lin Chia-Lung. The ceremony, which lasted approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, was marked by a warm and lively atmosphere, concluding successfully.
The conference commenced with opening remarks delivered in succession by President Steven Lee, Minister Hsu Chia-Ching, Mayor Chen Chi-Mai, and President Lai Ching-Te. Following their addresses, in the presence of President Lai and President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Palau to the Republic of China (Taiwan) David Adams Orrukem exchanged a signed joint statement with President Lee. A commemorative photo was subsequently taken with all distinguished guests present.
Next, Vice President Chiang delivered remarks on behalf of the Legislative Yuan, expressing his delight in attending today’s opening ceremony. He began by extending birthday wishes for the 30th anniversary of the WTCC on behalf of President Han and all members of the Legislative Yuan. He looks forward to the WTCC embarking on its next 30 years and wishes all Taiwanese businesspeople continued success and prosperity in their endeavors.
Vice President Chiang continued by stating that in March of this year (2024), he led a cross-party delegation from the Legislative Yuan to Japan to attend the Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union (APPU). During this visit, they held a trilateral parliamentary exchange meeting with representatives from Japan and Palau, where they discussed cooperation on issues such as economic and tourism development and responses to climate change challenges. He expressed his honor in witnessing the signing of the joint statement between the Republic of Palau and the WTCC today, which further expands and deepens the friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and Palau. The Republic of Palau is a sincere partner of the Republic of China (Taiwan), providing long-term support to Taiwan and advocating strongly for our international participation in global forums. Vice President Chiang went on to mention that in late May, while leading the Legislative Yuan’s delegation to the World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, he was deeply moved by the Republic of Palau’s representatives who voiced their support for Taiwan. He extended special gratitude and expressed hope for future collaboration between the WTCC and Palau, working together towards mutual prosperity.
Vice President Chiang emphasized that overseas Taiwanese businesses are the most important asset of the Republic of China (Taiwan) abroad. They not only represent Taiwan but also serve as a crucial link between our nation and the world, using their influence to expand Taiwan's external relations. The significance of Taiwanese businesses to the country is as vital as the key role they play in the global supply chain. He expressed confidence that as the global industrial supply chain undergoes restructuring, Taiwanese businesses and enterprises will continue to play an indispensable role in the international supply chain.
Vice President Chiang further noted that during the Legislative Yuan's recess, he undertook three diplomatic visits. At the end of July, he led a delegation to the Czech Republic, Spain, and Italy. Upon his return, he immediately led a cross-party group of legislators to Japan, marking the first-ever "soccer parliamentary diplomacy" in the history of the Legislative Yuan. Following that, he also visited Texas in the United States. During these trips, he met with speakers and deputy speakers of parliaments, legislators, city mayors, government officials, and think tank scholars. These international counterparts consistently raised two key issues: Taiwan's security and investment cooperation in the high-tech industries of semiconductors and AI. The focus of these discussions stemmed from the strong foundation Taiwanese businesses have built in the global supply chain. As Taiwan's significance grows, the stability of the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan’s security have become topics of increasing global attention. Future cooperation between international companies and Taiwanese businesses in various industries is also a matter of significant interest. Vice President Chiang concluded by stating that in the face of rapidly changing international dynamics, the more Taiwanese businesses expand their influence worldwide, the more secure Taiwan's position will become, leading to greater peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the world.
He went on to commend President Steven Lee for his leadership of the WTCC team over the past year, which has led to remarkable progress and achievements in the association’s affairs. On behalf of the Legislative Yuan, he extended the sincerest congratulations to President-elect Kenneth Wu, who is about to assume office as the 31st WTCC President.
Vice President Chiang further mentioned that both he and President Han are deeply concerned about domestic education issues. Given Taiwan's declining birth rate, which has already forced 15 universities to cease enrollment, they hope to turn this crisis into an opportunity. He urged Taiwanese businesspeople in attendance to leverage their extensive overseas networks to facilitate the establishment of branch campuses by top universities from Europe, the U.S., and Japan in Taiwan. This initiative would not only revitalize existing campus facilities and benefit local students but also attract students from neighboring countries, thereby strengthening Taiwan's higher education and enhancing its international visibility.
Vice President Chiang concluded by once again expressing the Legislative Yuan’s respect and gratitude to Taiwanese businesspeople around the world. He hoped that the WTCC and all Taiwanese entrepreneurs will continue to assist the government in expanding the international space of the Republic of China (Taiwan). He also extended his best wishes to all the distinguished guests, wishing them success in their ventures, no matter where they are in the world—with "Big profits! Huge gains! Great fortune!" Lastly, he wished the WTCC a happy 30th anniversary and for the event's resounding success.
The opening ceremony continued with speeches by President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Lin Chia-Lung. The ceremony, which lasted approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, was marked by a warm and lively atmosphere, concluding successfully.