TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) expressed deep gratitude to Taiwanese businessmen on Monday (July 15), highlighting their role in promoting Taiwan globally.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 31st Joint Meeting of Directors and Supervisors of the Asia Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (ASTCC, 亞洲台灣商會聯合總會) in Taichung (台中), Hsiao praised Taiwanese businessmen as Taiwan's most exemplary and significant diplomatic force worldwide.
Hsiao emphasized the importance of Asia as a key investment region for Taiwanese businesses and lauded the ASTCC's vision to connect Asia and improve Taiwan. She further underscored the necessity for Taiwan to solve problems and transition smoothly to enhance national competitiveness and resilience.
Hsiao noted the signing of cooperation MOUs with various domestic industry associations as a vital opportunity for integrated development. Despite global uncertainties such as inflation and geopolitical changes, she stressed Taiwan's leading position in democracy, economic indicators, global competitiveness, and freedom.
She reiterated that Taiwanese businessmen's efforts extend Taiwan's strength globally and anticipated that, under President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) leadership, Taiwan would gain more global recognition.
Notable figures attended the ceremony, including Overseas Community Affairs Council Minister Hsu Chia-ching (徐佳青), Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕), Legislative Yuan Vice Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣), and Democratic Progressive Party legislators Ho Hsin-chu (何欣純) and Chiu Chih-wei (邱志偉).