Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny C. Chiang receives delegation from the 33rd President and officers of the Asia Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce
On the morning of August 13, Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny C. Chiang, accompanied by KMT Legislator Dr. Ko Chih-En, DPP Legislator Kuo Yu-Ching, and Deputy Director Yang Fang-Ling of the Department of International Affairs, received a five-member delegation from the 33rd President and officers of the Asia Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (ASTCC).
Vice President Chiang extended a warm welcome to the delegation and the accompanying legislators, and joined them for a group photo. He congratulated President Chen Shu-Chin on assuming the presidency of the 33rd ASTCC, remarking that although Typhoon Podul was striking Taiwan that very day, the visit exemplified the saying, “old friends come despite the storm.” Vice President Chiang expressed his great pleasure in meeting with overseas Taiwanese business leaders, who represent the continued reach and strength of Taiwan’s economy.
Vice President Chiang emphasized that in today’s rapidly changing and challenging international environment, Taiwan must rely on the connections and support of overseas Taiwanese businesses, which play a vital role in expanding the Republic of China’s international presence. He also said that since assuming the chairmanship of the Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen of the Legislative Yuan, he has attended numerous joint meetings of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce worldwide, witnessing firsthand the resilience of overseas Taiwanese entrepreneurs and their significant contributions to the nation.
Vice President Chiang further noted that President Chen resides in Singapore, a country with close and enduring ties to Taiwan. During his tenure as President of the R.O.C (Taiwan)-Singapore Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association, he made several visits to Singapore, where bilateral relations have consistently remained strong. In addition to economic cooperation and security training, the two sides signed the Agreement between Singapore and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu on Economic Partnership (ASTEP) in 2014. This accord not only facilitated the expansion of Taiwanese businesses across Asia but also highlighted the complementary strengths and close exchanges between the two economies.
Vice President Chiang went on to note that with the recent turbulence in the global landscape—particularly the U.S. announcement of reciprocal tariffs—Asian countries are facing challenges to varying degrees. For Taiwan, he said, pooling resources to respond has become an urgent responsibility of the government. He also mentioned that while Singapore maintains a 10% tariff level, its role as a hub for re-export trade with supply chains extending across multiple neighboring countries means that the relevant challenges and impacts cannot be ignored. Vice President Chiang added that in a recent meeting with scholars from the Brookings Institution, he engaged in in-depth discussions on how Taiwan and the United States could work toward a mutually beneficial tariff policy. He expressed hope for securing more equitable tariff rates to enhance the international investment environment and facilitate the global deployment of industrial supply chains.
Vice President Chiang praised the ASTCC for its longstanding role in uniting overseas Taiwanese communities and supporting the government’s external relations since its establishment. He expressed confidence that under President Chen’s leadership and the guidance of the new officers, the ASTCC will achieve even greater success in the year ahead, strengthening the unity and prosperity of Taiwanese businesses across Asia. He further stressed that although no single party holds a majority in the current legislature, all parties remain united in their stance regarding Taiwanese entrepreneurs abroad. Vice President Chiang reaffirmed that the Legislative Yuan will always serve as the home base for Taiwanese businesses worldwide and pledged its full support whenever needed.
President Chen of the ASTCC first conveyed her gratitude to Vice President Chiang and the legislators present for taking the time to receive the delegation. She noted that by participating in the “Special Relief Program by the Overseas Credit Guarantee Fund to Assist Overseas Taiwanese Enterprises Impacted by U.S. Reciprocal Tariffs” event hosted by the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) the day before, she was deeply moved by the government’s care and support for overseas Taiwanese enterprises. President Chen extended a sincere invitation to Vice President Chiang, in his capacity as Chairman of the “Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen of the Legislative Yuan,” to attend the 2nd Joint Meeting of Directors and Supervisors of the 33rd ASTCC, to be convened this December in Singapore. She underscored that Taiwan and Singapore enjoy close economic and trade relations, and that in the face of the formidable challenges posed by America’s reciprocal tariffs, the ASTCC will spare no effort in mobilizing resources across Asia to assist Taiwanese businesses in responding with flexibility.
President Chen further emphasized that, guided by the spirit of “truth, goodness, and beauty,” she will lead the ASTCC in advancing two overarching objectives: first, to establish a “green corridor” that facilitates the return of Taiwanese enterprises to Taiwan, enabling them to contribute their valuable experience, industry knowledge, and resources, and second, to build a community among Taiwanese entrepreneurs worldwide, strengthening exchanges and cooperation both domestically and internationally to achieve prosperity for all Taiwanese businesses. President Chen once again expressed her appreciation to the Legislative Yuan for its steadfast support of Taiwanese businesses, and affirmed that overseas Taiwanese entrepreneurs and compatriots will continue to strive diligently, turning crises into opportunities and playing a vital role in supporting Taiwan at critical junctures.
Legislator Ko first extended a heartfelt welcome and warmly congratulated President Chen on her assumption of office as the 33rd President of the ASTCC. She commended President Chen’s “green corridor” initiative, expressed appreciation for the ASTCC’s longstanding commitment to supporting Taiwanese businesses and assisting Taiwan, and encouraged overseas Taiwanese entrepreneurs to return for development, particularly through investment in Kaohsiung.
Legislator Kuo also expressed her appreciation in seeing that, despite years of dedicated effort and remarkable success abroad, Taiwanese entrepreneurs remain deeply attached to their homeland and aspire to return. She stressed that the Legislative Yuan, regardless of party affiliation, stands united in its support of Taiwanese businesses, and warmly welcomed Taiwanese businessmen to visit Taiwan frequently, to share the latest global perspectives, while expressing hope for another reunion in Singapore in the near future.
Both sides engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views on political and economic relations in the Asia-Pacific region, overseas community affairs, U.S. tariffs, and international trade. The meeting lasted approximately one hour in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, and concluded successfully with the
Vice President Chiang extended a warm welcome to the delegation and the accompanying legislators, and joined them for a group photo. He congratulated President Chen Shu-Chin on assuming the presidency of the 33rd ASTCC, remarking that although Typhoon Podul was striking Taiwan that very day, the visit exemplified the saying, “old friends come despite the storm.” Vice President Chiang expressed his great pleasure in meeting with overseas Taiwanese business leaders, who represent the continued reach and strength of Taiwan’s economy.
Vice President Chiang emphasized that in today’s rapidly changing and challenging international environment, Taiwan must rely on the connections and support of overseas Taiwanese businesses, which play a vital role in expanding the Republic of China’s international presence. He also said that since assuming the chairmanship of the Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen of the Legislative Yuan, he has attended numerous joint meetings of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce worldwide, witnessing firsthand the resilience of overseas Taiwanese entrepreneurs and their significant contributions to the nation.
Vice President Chiang further noted that President Chen resides in Singapore, a country with close and enduring ties to Taiwan. During his tenure as President of the R.O.C (Taiwan)-Singapore Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association, he made several visits to Singapore, where bilateral relations have consistently remained strong. In addition to economic cooperation and security training, the two sides signed the Agreement between Singapore and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu on Economic Partnership (ASTEP) in 2014. This accord not only facilitated the expansion of Taiwanese businesses across Asia but also highlighted the complementary strengths and close exchanges between the two economies.
Vice President Chiang went on to note that with the recent turbulence in the global landscape—particularly the U.S. announcement of reciprocal tariffs—Asian countries are facing challenges to varying degrees. For Taiwan, he said, pooling resources to respond has become an urgent responsibility of the government. He also mentioned that while Singapore maintains a 10% tariff level, its role as a hub for re-export trade with supply chains extending across multiple neighboring countries means that the relevant challenges and impacts cannot be ignored. Vice President Chiang added that in a recent meeting with scholars from the Brookings Institution, he engaged in in-depth discussions on how Taiwan and the United States could work toward a mutually beneficial tariff policy. He expressed hope for securing more equitable tariff rates to enhance the international investment environment and facilitate the global deployment of industrial supply chains.
Vice President Chiang praised the ASTCC for its longstanding role in uniting overseas Taiwanese communities and supporting the government’s external relations since its establishment. He expressed confidence that under President Chen’s leadership and the guidance of the new officers, the ASTCC will achieve even greater success in the year ahead, strengthening the unity and prosperity of Taiwanese businesses across Asia. He further stressed that although no single party holds a majority in the current legislature, all parties remain united in their stance regarding Taiwanese entrepreneurs abroad. Vice President Chiang reaffirmed that the Legislative Yuan will always serve as the home base for Taiwanese businesses worldwide and pledged its full support whenever needed.
President Chen of the ASTCC first conveyed her gratitude to Vice President Chiang and the legislators present for taking the time to receive the delegation. She noted that by participating in the “Special Relief Program by the Overseas Credit Guarantee Fund to Assist Overseas Taiwanese Enterprises Impacted by U.S. Reciprocal Tariffs” event hosted by the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) the day before, she was deeply moved by the government’s care and support for overseas Taiwanese enterprises. President Chen extended a sincere invitation to Vice President Chiang, in his capacity as Chairman of the “Association of Overseas Taiwanese Businessmen of the Legislative Yuan,” to attend the 2nd Joint Meeting of Directors and Supervisors of the 33rd ASTCC, to be convened this December in Singapore. She underscored that Taiwan and Singapore enjoy close economic and trade relations, and that in the face of the formidable challenges posed by America’s reciprocal tariffs, the ASTCC will spare no effort in mobilizing resources across Asia to assist Taiwanese businesses in responding with flexibility.
President Chen further emphasized that, guided by the spirit of “truth, goodness, and beauty,” she will lead the ASTCC in advancing two overarching objectives: first, to establish a “green corridor” that facilitates the return of Taiwanese enterprises to Taiwan, enabling them to contribute their valuable experience, industry knowledge, and resources, and second, to build a community among Taiwanese entrepreneurs worldwide, strengthening exchanges and cooperation both domestically and internationally to achieve prosperity for all Taiwanese businesses. President Chen once again expressed her appreciation to the Legislative Yuan for its steadfast support of Taiwanese businesses, and affirmed that overseas Taiwanese entrepreneurs and compatriots will continue to strive diligently, turning crises into opportunities and playing a vital role in supporting Taiwan at critical junctures.
Legislator Ko first extended a heartfelt welcome and warmly congratulated President Chen on her assumption of office as the 33rd President of the ASTCC. She commended President Chen’s “green corridor” initiative, expressed appreciation for the ASTCC’s longstanding commitment to supporting Taiwanese businesses and assisting Taiwan, and encouraged overseas Taiwanese entrepreneurs to return for development, particularly through investment in Kaohsiung.
Legislator Kuo also expressed her appreciation in seeing that, despite years of dedicated effort and remarkable success abroad, Taiwanese entrepreneurs remain deeply attached to their homeland and aspire to return. She stressed that the Legislative Yuan, regardless of party affiliation, stands united in its support of Taiwanese businesses, and warmly welcomed Taiwanese businessmen to visit Taiwan frequently, to share the latest global perspectives, while expressing hope for another reunion in Singapore in the near future.
Both sides engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views on political and economic relations in the Asia-Pacific region, overseas community affairs, U.S. tariffs, and international trade. The meeting lasted approximately one hour in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, and concluded successfully with the