Han Kuo-yu meets global Taiwanese business leader to deepen economic and cultural cooperation

Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu today officially received the delegation led by World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC) President Wen Lan-chu at the Legislative Yuan. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on substantive issues such as promoting economic and trade connections, cultural heritage, and direct flights between overseas Taiwanese businesspeople and Taiwan. During the meeting, Han highly praised the achievements of global Taiwanese businesspeople in their endeavors worldwide over the years and thanked overseas compatriots for always keeping Taiwan in their hearts no matter where they are. He expressed hope that through the joint efforts of the private sector and the parliament in the future, Taiwan's profound cultural heritage can be promoted onto the international stage while further expanding Taiwan's economic and trade footprint, allowing the world to see Taiwan's soft power and economic resilience.

The WTCC has long been one of the largest and most influential Taiwanese business organizations in the world, uniting elite Taiwanese businesspeople from five continents. The visit to the Legislative Yuan led by newly appointed President Wen Lan-chu and key executives symbolizes the close interaction and deep friendship between the overseas compatriot community and Taiwan's highest legislative body. Under the current international political and economic landscape, Taiwanese businesspeople are not only important tentacles extending Taiwan's economy overseas, but also a substantive backing for Taiwan to participate in the international community and consolidate diplomatic and economic trade relations. During the reception, Han particularly emphasized that Taiwan's economic development and foreign trade are highly dependent on global deployment. Taiwanese businesspeople have deeply cultivated roots in various countries around the world for many years, establishing dense business networks and local connections, which are precious strategic assets for Taiwan.

During the talks, both sides paid special attention to specific issues such as direct transportation flights and overseas cultural promotion. With the easing of the global pandemic and the gradual recovery of international flights, how to facilitate overseas compatriots returning home, promote business exchanges, and deepen tourism exchanges by increasing direct flight destinations has always been a focus of concern for Taiwanese businesspeople. Direct flights not only shorten geographical distance, but are also key arteries for invigorating bilateral economic and trade and accelerating the flow of capital and talent. In addition, Wen and WTCC executives also mentioned the vision of promoting Taiwanese culture overseas, hoping to use the local influence of Taiwanese businesspeople to hold various cultural and art activities so that the international community can understand Taiwan more comprehensively, which coincides with Han's long-standing philosophy of building the nation through culture and soft diplomacy.

As Taiwan's highest organ of public opinion, the Legislative Yuan is not only responsible for reviewing bills and supervising government administration, but also shoulders the important responsibility of parliamentary diplomacy. Since taking office as President of the Legislative Yuan, Han has actively received dignitaries from various countries and representatives of important overseas organizations, demonstrating a high degree of inclusivity and an active parliamentary diplomacy attitude. This reception of WTCC President Wen is not merely a courtesy call, but carries substantive policy dialogue significance. By listening to the front-line practical experience and advice of Taiwanese businesspeople, the Legislative Yuan can more accurately grasp the actual needs of overseas Taiwanese businesspeople in investment, taxation, and regulatory adaptation, and, when necessary, urge the executive branch through legislative and supervisory mechanisms to provide more comprehensive policy support, creating a friendly environment for investment and returning development to Taiwan.

Looking ahead, as Taiwan faces severe geopolitical challenges and a critical moment in the restructuring of global supply chains, economic security and international connectivity appear particularly important. The movements of overseas Taiwanese business organizations such as the WTCC often affect Taiwan's overall external economic and trade development. Han's meeting with the newly appointed WTCC president this time not only consolidated the partnership between the government and the compatriot community, but also injected new momentum into Taiwan's international economic, trade, and cultural promotion. With the government and the private sector as one, and efforts concerted both domestically and internationally, Taiwan looks forward to breaking through diplomatic dilemmas and deepening connections with the world through the vast global network of Taiwanese businesspeople, allowing Taiwan's economy and culture to continue to shine brightly on the international stage.