立法院江啟臣副院長出席「世界臺灣商會聯合總會」第31屆第2次理監事聯席會議開幕典禮 江啟臣：僑親服務不分黨派 立法院與臺商同為一家人 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
立法院江啟臣副院長於美國時間3月22日上午9時出席假美國休士頓威斯汀蓋勒瑞酒店舉辦之「世界臺灣商會聯合總會」（以下簡稱「世總」）第31屆第2次理監事聯席會議開幕典禮。出席貴賓包括民進黨林楚茵委員、羅美玲委員、民眾黨林憶君委員、僑務委員會徐佳青委員長、駐美國代表處俞大㵢大使、德州葛林（Al Green）聯邦眾議員、AIT藍鶯（Ingrid Larson）執行理事、德州納爾森（Jane Nelson）州務卿、「世總」第31屆吳光宜總會長，以及來自全球各地臺商代表共襄盛會。開幕典禮首先由吳總會長致詞，隨後播放賴清德總統致賀影片，再由徐委員長致詞後，江副院長代表立法院致詞。
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.
江副院長表示，身為「中華民國立法院世界臺商之友會」會長，很高興能來美國參加「世總」的盛會。對他而言，參與「世總」會議不僅是公務行程，更像是回到臺商這個溫暖的大家庭。江副院長強調，這份情感源於他與臺商之間如兄弟姊妹般的深厚情誼。立法院就是各位臺商朋友的家，歡迎大家常回台團聚。雖然臺商遍布全球，但他深知大家的心始終與臺灣緊緊相連。臺商成就卓越、令人驕傲，他特別代表立法院韓國瑜院長向大家致上誠摯的問候與關懷。
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.
江副院長指出，多數臺商都是白手起家、從零開始，走遍世界各地，展現出堅韌不拔的精神。尤為難得的是，臺商在辛勤打拚之餘，仍懷抱著為國奉獻的使命感。因此，臺商常是臺灣在國際社會上拓展友誼最關鍵的橋梁與先鋒。江副院長再次向在座的臺商朋友致意，讚許他們是最優秀的國民大使。
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.
江副院長復強調，如「世總」這般大型組織，需要強而有力的領導，他特別感謝「世總」自1994年成立以來，歷屆總會長、副總會長、理監事，以及美國各州的總會長與理監事，正因他們的努力，使「世總」在全球發光發熱，並將中華民國的影響力推向國際。有臺商的地方，就有臺灣的身影。臺商不僅是國家的驕傲，更是國家的重要支柱。他也高度肯定「世總」秉持「人飢己飢、人溺己溺」的精神，臺商不僅在事業上奮力打拚，也全力回饋社會、奉獻國家。無論臺灣各地發生天災，或如近期洛杉磯野火等緊急事件，皆可見臺商挺身而出的身影。江副院長盛讚，唯有「世總」能如此凝聚全球臺商力量，發揮無私助人精神，他要向所有領導幹部致上最崇高的敬意。
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.
江副院長進一步表示，他很高興能再次造訪德州休士頓。休士頓作為全美國第四大城市、擁有全美第二大港口，早已成為臺灣企業在德州發展的重要起點，近期雙邊關係更顯著深化。去（2024）年「美國德州駐臺辦事處」正式成立，德州政府並與我國簽署「臺灣─德州經濟發展意向聲明」，使臺灣成為繼英國、法國之後，第三個德州政府主動洽簽經濟發展意向聲明的重要貿易夥伴，德州政府對臺灣及臺商朋友們的重視可見一斑。江副院長繼謂，去年8月他造訪德州時，就充分感受到德州政府對臺商及我國的重視。他期待臺灣與德州之間能夠持續深化互動，並透露除了休士頓外，未來德州與臺灣之間可能即將增加一個直飛航點。他對這些正面發展表示樂觀其成，同時也意識到未來可能面臨的各項挑戰。他指出，美國新任政府的政策走向及全球地緣政治變化劇烈，臺商朋友們應已深有所感。然而，他對臺商深具信心，相信大家絕對有能力克服困難，並化挑戰為新契機、持續創造新局。
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.
江副院長最後祝福大會圓滿成功，並強調他與所有在場的立法委員，不分黨派，對海外臺商與僑胞都是一致支持，並將全力強化對僑界的服務。他復強調，臺商朋友們站在第一線，為個人事業與國家利益努力打拚；臺灣將持續作為臺商最堅強的後盾，如同臺商是國家堅實的後盾。江副院長最後以「我們都是一家人」（We are family）作為結語。
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.”
江副院長致詞結束後，在場外賓亦陸續上台致詞。其中，休士頓惠特麥（John Whitmire）市長雖未親自出席，但由市府官員代表致詞，並宣布該市將3月22日訂為「世界臺灣商會聯合總會日」（World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Day）。語畢，現場掌聲雷動、氣氛熱烈。江副院長最後與全體貴賓上台合影留念，開幕典禮歷約1小時，在熱絡友好氣氛中圓滿結束。
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.
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.
江副院長表示，身為「中華民國立法院世界臺商之友會」會長，很高興能來美國參加「世總」的盛會。對他而言，參與「世總」會議不僅是公務行程，更像是回到臺商這個溫暖的大家庭。江副院長強調，這份情感源於他與臺商之間如兄弟姊妹般的深厚情誼。立法院就是各位臺商朋友的家，歡迎大家常回台團聚。雖然臺商遍布全球，但他深知大家的心始終與臺灣緊緊相連。臺商成就卓越、令人驕傲，他特別代表立法院韓國瑜院長向大家致上誠摯的問候與關懷。
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.
江副院長指出，多數臺商都是白手起家、從零開始，走遍世界各地，展現出堅韌不拔的精神。尤為難得的是，臺商在辛勤打拚之餘，仍懷抱著為國奉獻的使命感。因此，臺商常是臺灣在國際社會上拓展友誼最關鍵的橋梁與先鋒。江副院長再次向在座的臺商朋友致意，讚許他們是最優秀的國民大使。
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.
江副院長復強調，如「世總」這般大型組織，需要強而有力的領導，他特別感謝「世總」自1994年成立以來，歷屆總會長、副總會長、理監事，以及美國各州的總會長與理監事，正因他們的努力，使「世總」在全球發光發熱，並將中華民國的影響力推向國際。有臺商的地方，就有臺灣的身影。臺商不僅是國家的驕傲，更是國家的重要支柱。他也高度肯定「世總」秉持「人飢己飢、人溺己溺」的精神，臺商不僅在事業上奮力打拚，也全力回饋社會、奉獻國家。無論臺灣各地發生天災，或如近期洛杉磯野火等緊急事件，皆可見臺商挺身而出的身影。江副院長盛讚，唯有「世總」能如此凝聚全球臺商力量，發揮無私助人精神，他要向所有領導幹部致上最崇高的敬意。
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.
江副院長進一步表示，他很高興能再次造訪德州休士頓。休士頓作為全美國第四大城市、擁有全美第二大港口，早已成為臺灣企業在德州發展的重要起點，近期雙邊關係更顯著深化。去（2024）年「美國德州駐臺辦事處」正式成立，德州政府並與我國簽署「臺灣─德州經濟發展意向聲明」，使臺灣成為繼英國、法國之後，第三個德州政府主動洽簽經濟發展意向聲明的重要貿易夥伴，德州政府對臺灣及臺商朋友們的重視可見一斑。江副院長繼謂，去年8月他造訪德州時，就充分感受到德州政府對臺商及我國的重視。他期待臺灣與德州之間能夠持續深化互動，並透露除了休士頓外，未來德州與臺灣之間可能即將增加一個直飛航點。他對這些正面發展表示樂觀其成，同時也意識到未來可能面臨的各項挑戰。他指出，美國新任政府的政策走向及全球地緣政治變化劇烈，臺商朋友們應已深有所感。然而，他對臺商深具信心，相信大家絕對有能力克服困難，並化挑戰為新契機、持續創造新局。
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.
江副院長最後祝福大會圓滿成功，並強調他與所有在場的立法委員，不分黨派，對海外臺商與僑胞都是一致支持，並將全力強化對僑界的服務。他復強調，臺商朋友們站在第一線，為個人事業與國家利益努力打拚；臺灣將持續作為臺商最堅強的後盾，如同臺商是國家堅實的後盾。江副院長最後以「我們都是一家人」（We are family）作為結語。
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.”
江副院長致詞結束後，在場外賓亦陸續上台致詞。其中，休士頓惠特麥（John Whitmire）市長雖未親自出席，但由市府官員代表致詞，並宣布該市將3月22日訂為「世界臺灣商會聯合總會日」（World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Day）。語畢，現場掌聲雷動、氣氛熱烈。江副院長最後與全體貴賓上台合影留念，開幕典禮歷約1小時，在熱絡友好氣氛中圓滿結束。
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.