TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President Lai Ching-te welcomed the 2023 Taiwan Centers from North America delegation at the Presidential Office on Wednesday (Dec. 6) morning, greeting the representatives with handshakes and warm gestures of recognition.
President Tsai expressed gratitude for the expatriates' longstanding support of Taiwan, highlighting their assistance in Taiwan's efforts to join international organizations and expand its global presence.
She also noted their vital role in heritage preservation and promotion of Taiwanese culture abroad.
Tsai welcomed the expatriates back to their homeland, recalling the last organized return visit in 2017.
Accompanying President Tsai, Vice President Lai thanked the delegates, praising their commitment to traveling overseas to support Taiwan.
The delegation has been instrumental in fostering exchanges between Taiwan and countries like the United States and Canada. Through rallies and petitions, they've championed Taiwan's international participation.
Cultural events such as the "Taiwanese American Heritage Week" are organized to engage young Taiwanese Americans and perpetuate Taiwanese culture.
Despite facing challenges from the pandemic and international tensions, Tsai remarked that Taiwan's steady policies have fortified its strength, with the island ranking sixth in global competitiveness and third for its entrepreneurial environment.
Tsai said that the government remains committed to propelling industrial transformation and pursuing a net-zero transition to augment national competitiveness.
The visiting group's agenda includes tours in Taipei, Changhua, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
The president hoped they would share the progress and achievements observed in Taiwan with their communities overseas.
Among the invitees are Simon Lin, President of the Taiwan Center Foundation/Greater Los Angeles, Su Chun-hwai, President of the Taiwan Center NY, and Huang Mei-hsing, chief of staff of the Taiwanese American Center of Northern California.