Vice President Johnny C. Chiang of the Legislative Yuan attends the opening ceremony of the 2nd board meeting of the 31st World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce; Vice President Chiang: Support for overseas compatriots goes beyond politics, and the Legislative Yuan and Taiwanese businesspeople stand together as a family
On the morning of March 22 at 9 AM, Vice President Johnny C. Chiang of the Legislative Yuan attended the opening ceremony of the second board meeting of the 31st World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC), held at the Westin Galleria Houston Hotel in the United States. The event welcomed numerous distinguished guests, including DPP legislators Lin Chu-Yin and Loh Mei-Ling, TPP legislator Lin Yi-Chun, Overseas Community Affairs Council Minister Hsu Chia-Ching, Ambassador Alexander Tah-Ray Yui from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S., U.S. Congressman Al Green from Texas, AIT Managing Director Ingrid Larson, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson, 31st WTCC President Kenneth Wu, and many Taiwanese business representatives from across the world. The ceremony kicked off with an opening speech by President Wu, followed by a congratulatory video from President Lai Ching-Te. Subsequently, Minister Hsu delivered remarks, after which Vice President Chiang spoke on behalf of the Legislative Yuan.
Vice President Chiang expressed his pleasure at attending this grand event of the WTCC in the U.S. as the president of the Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan). He described his participation in the WTCC meeting as not just a formal duty but also akin to a heartfelt reunion with the overseas Taiwanese business community. Vice President Chiang emphasized that this connection stems from the profound brotherly and sisterly bonds he shares with them. “The Legislative Yuan is your home, and you are always welcome to come back to Taiwan,” he warmly stated. He recognized that while Taiwanese businesspeople are dispersed globally, their hearts remain tightly connected to Taiwan. Acknowledging their significant achievements and the pride they inspire, he extended heartfelt greetings and care on behalf of Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han.
Vice President Chiang noted that most Taiwanese businesspeople are self-made, starting from scratch and showing remarkable resilience as they expanded globally. Despite their demanding work, they continue to carry a deep sense of national duty. As a result, Taiwanese businesspeople often act as essential bridges and pioneers in fostering Taiwan’s international relations. Vice President Chiang once again expressed his appreciation to the Taiwanese business community present, praising them as exemplary national ambassadors.
Vice President Chiang also stressed the importance of robust leadership within large organizations such as the WTCC. He extended his gratitude to all former and current leaders, including the presidents, vice presidents, directors, and supervisors of the WTCC and its state chapters across the U.S., acknowledging their crucial role since its inception in 1994. Their dedication has not only enhanced the WTCC’s global visibility but also significantly boosted the Republic of China’s international influence. Vice President Chiang further noted that wherever Taiwanese businesspeople operate, Taiwan’s presence is felt. Therefore, Taiwanese businesses are not just a source of national pride but also foundational pillars of the country. Furthermore, he also praised the WTCC for embodying the spirit of empathy and mutual support, highlighting that Taiwanese businesspeople not only strive in their ventures but also give back generously to society and the nation. In times of crises, such as natural disasters in Taiwan or emergencies like the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, Taiwanese businesspeople have consistently been at the forefront of response efforts. Vice President Chiang praised the WTCC’s ability to unite Taiwanese businesspeople worldwide and promote a spirit of altruism, offering his highest respect to all its leaders.
Vice President Chiang continued by expressing his pleasure at revisiting Houston, Texas. As the fourth largest city in the U.S. and home to the second largest port, Houston has long served as a pivotal launch point for Taiwanese businesses in Texas, with bilateral relations notably deepening recently. Last year, the State of Texas Taiwan Office was officially established, and the Texas government signed the “Taiwan-Texas Economic Development Statement of Intent” making Taiwan the third important trade partner, after the UK and France, with whom Texas has proactively signed such agreements. This underscores the Texas government’s high regard for Taiwan and Taiwanese businesspeople. Vice President Chiang recalled his visit to Texas last August, where he strongly felt the Texas government’s significant attention to Taiwanese businesses and Taiwan itself. He looks forward to further deepening interactions between Taiwan and Texas and revealed that, in addition to Houston, there might soon be another direct flight added between Taiwan and Texas. He expressed optimism about these positive developments but also recognized the potential challenges ahead. He noted the shifts in policies of the new U.S. administration and the dramatic changes in global geopolitics, which are keenly felt by Taiwanese businesspeople. Nevertheless, he has great confidence in Taiwanese businesspeople, believing in their capacity to overcome difficulties, turn challenges into opportunities, and continue to forge new paths.
Vice President Chiang concluded by wishing the event great success and emphasized that he and all attending legislators, regardless of party affiliation, uniformly support overseas Taiwanese businesspeople and expatriates, and are committed to strengthening services for the expatriate community. He reiterated that Taiwanese businesspeople, who stand on the front lines working hard for both their personal ventures and national interests, will always have Taiwan as their staunchest supporter, just as they are solid pillars for the nation. Vice President Chiang ended his remarks with the phrase “We are family.”
Following Vice President Chiang’s address, other foreign dignitaries took the stage to make their remarks. Although the Mayor of Houston, John Whitmire, could not attend personally, a city official spoke on his behalf and announced that March 22 would be designated as “World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Day.” The announcement received enthusiastic applause and added to the event's lively atmosphere. Vice President Chiang wrapped up the ceremony by joining all the dignitaries for a group photo, bringing the one-hour opening ceremony to a warm and congenial conclusion.
Vice President Chiang expressed his pleasure at attending this grand event of the WTCC in the U.S. as the president of the Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan). He described his participation in the WTCC meeting as not just a formal duty but also akin to a heartfelt reunion with the overseas Taiwanese business community. Vice President Chiang emphasized that this connection stems from the profound brotherly and sisterly bonds he shares with them. “The Legislative Yuan is your home, and you are always welcome to come back to Taiwan,” he warmly stated. He recognized that while Taiwanese businesspeople are dispersed globally, their hearts remain tightly connected to Taiwan. Acknowledging their significant achievements and the pride they inspire, he extended heartfelt greetings and care on behalf of Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han.
Vice President Chiang noted that most Taiwanese businesspeople are self-made, starting from scratch and showing remarkable resilience as they expanded globally. Despite their demanding work, they continue to carry a deep sense of national duty. As a result, Taiwanese businesspeople often act as essential bridges and pioneers in fostering Taiwan’s international relations. Vice President Chiang once again expressed his appreciation to the Taiwanese business community present, praising them as exemplary national ambassadors.
Vice President Chiang also stressed the importance of robust leadership within large organizations such as the WTCC. He extended his gratitude to all former and current leaders, including the presidents, vice presidents, directors, and supervisors of the WTCC and its state chapters across the U.S., acknowledging their crucial role since its inception in 1994. Their dedication has not only enhanced the WTCC’s global visibility but also significantly boosted the Republic of China’s international influence. Vice President Chiang further noted that wherever Taiwanese businesspeople operate, Taiwan’s presence is felt. Therefore, Taiwanese businesses are not just a source of national pride but also foundational pillars of the country. Furthermore, he also praised the WTCC for embodying the spirit of empathy and mutual support, highlighting that Taiwanese businesspeople not only strive in their ventures but also give back generously to society and the nation. In times of crises, such as natural disasters in Taiwan or emergencies like the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, Taiwanese businesspeople have consistently been at the forefront of response efforts. Vice President Chiang praised the WTCC’s ability to unite Taiwanese businesspeople worldwide and promote a spirit of altruism, offering his highest respect to all its leaders.
Vice President Chiang continued by expressing his pleasure at revisiting Houston, Texas. As the fourth largest city in the U.S. and home to the second largest port, Houston has long served as a pivotal launch point for Taiwanese businesses in Texas, with bilateral relations notably deepening recently. Last year, the State of Texas Taiwan Office was officially established, and the Texas government signed the “Taiwan-Texas Economic Development Statement of Intent” making Taiwan the third important trade partner, after the UK and France, with whom Texas has proactively signed such agreements. This underscores the Texas government’s high regard for Taiwan and Taiwanese businesspeople. Vice President Chiang recalled his visit to Texas last August, where he strongly felt the Texas government’s significant attention to Taiwanese businesses and Taiwan itself. He looks forward to further deepening interactions between Taiwan and Texas and revealed that, in addition to Houston, there might soon be another direct flight added between Taiwan and Texas. He expressed optimism about these positive developments but also recognized the potential challenges ahead. He noted the shifts in policies of the new U.S. administration and the dramatic changes in global geopolitics, which are keenly felt by Taiwanese businesspeople. Nevertheless, he has great confidence in Taiwanese businesspeople, believing in their capacity to overcome difficulties, turn challenges into opportunities, and continue to forge new paths.
Vice President Chiang concluded by wishing the event great success and emphasized that he and all attending legislators, regardless of party affiliation, uniformly support overseas Taiwanese businesspeople and expatriates, and are committed to strengthening services for the expatriate community. He reiterated that Taiwanese businesspeople, who stand on the front lines working hard for both their personal ventures and national interests, will always have Taiwan as their staunchest supporter, just as they are solid pillars for the nation. Vice President Chiang ended his remarks with the phrase “We are family.”
Following Vice President Chiang’s address, other foreign dignitaries took the stage to make their remarks. Although the Mayor of Houston, John Whitmire, could not attend personally, a city official spoke on his behalf and announced that March 22 would be designated as “World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Day.” The announcement received enthusiastic applause and added to the event's lively atmosphere. Vice President Chiang wrapped up the ceremony by joining all the dignitaries for a group photo, bringing the one-hour opening ceremony to a warm and congenial conclusion.