On the afternoon of April 22, Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han hosted a banquet at the Kang-Yuan Restaurant of the Legislative Yuan for the 37th returning delegation of the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America (TCCNA). He was accompanied by Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Dr. Johnny C. Chiang, who also serves as President of the Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen of the Legislative Yuan, Republic of China; TPP Legislator and Vice President of the Association Huang Kuo-Chang; DPP Legislator Dr. Su Chiao-Hui; Director of the Department of International Affairs Kevin C.F. Lin; and Vice Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council Chang Liang-Ming.
President Han warmly welcomed the delegation to the Legislative Yuan, noting that Taiwan is a land full of kindness and enthusiasm—an impression not only shared by Taiwanese businesspeople but also widely recognized by international friends. He shared that during a recent meeting with New Zealand parliamentarians, the guests highly praised the friendliness and warmth of the Taiwanese people, which filled him with pride and honor. He believed that all compatriots abroad could also deeply relate to Taiwan’s uniquely heartfelt hospitality.
President Han further stated that overseas Taiwanese businesspeople are like seeds—carried by the wind, taking root, flourishing, and bearing fruit around the world. Many of them started from scratch, establishing their businesses through hard work and perseverance, and have achieved remarkable success. He noted that while Taiwan’s land area makes up only 0.03% of the world’s total and its population just 0.3%, Taiwan’s industrial products account for an impressive 3% of global output. In light of current challenges, including U.S. tariff barriers and shifting geopolitical dynamics, President Han emphasized that Taiwan must forge ahead with resolve, with Taiwanese businesspeople serving as its most reliable sails. He encouraged the delegation to continue returning to Taiwan—their home—to maintain close ties and exchanges. He also called on them to help cultivate the next generation of Taiwanese youth to sustain Taiwan’s economic vitality and global outreach.
TCCNA President Arthur Chen expressed his sincere gratitude to President Han, Vice President Chiang, and the attending legislators for taking the time to host the banquet. He recalled Vice President Chiang’s remarks during his 2024 visit to the United States where he emphasized that, “support for Taiwanese businesspeople is a bipartisan consensus across the three major parties in the Legislative Yuan”—a message that left a deep impression and was a great honor. President Chen also shared that in March, he led a delegation of 45 Taiwanese business representatives from various North American states to Washington, D.C., for a “door-knocking” visit. The delegation successfully met with 74 U.S. senators and representatives, effectively conveying Taiwan’s voice to the U.S. Congress and receiving a warm response—an achievement that underscored the vital role of Taiwanese businesspeople in citizen diplomacy. President Chen also took the opportunity to invite President Han, Vice President Chiang, and the attending legislators to attend the upcoming annual meeting of the TCCNA, scheduled for June in Dallas, Texas. He expressed hope that the event would foster increased engagement from U.S. congressional members and further strengthen Taiwan-U.S. relations.
Following the remarks, both sides exchanged commemorative gifts. President Han, together with the legislators and delegation members, posed for group photos to mark the occasion before officially commencing the banquet. During the event, KMT Legislators Chang Chih-Lun and Dr. Ko Ju-Chun made special appearances and extended a warm welcome to the delegation. The banquet lasted approximately one hour and forty minutes, unfolding in a lively and cordial atmosphere, and concluding on a warm and celebratory note.
