In response to the challenges posed by the increased tariffs on Taiwanese products by the United States, Chairperson of the Overseas Community Affairs Council, Hsu Chia-ching, held a seminar titled “Listening Tour for Overseas Taiwanese Business Industries (Golden Mountain Bay Area)” at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center on Monday, June 16. The event aimed to engage in in-depth discussions and strategizing with local overseas Taiwanese business representatives and technology associations to strengthen cooperation and enhance competitiveness. Deputy Director Zhu Yongchang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco and Director Chuang Yashu of the Overseas Chinese Education Center were also present at the event.
Hsu Chia-ching pointed out that Taiwan is the seventh-largest trading partner of the United States, with a bilateral trade volume of $157.9 billion, of which exports account for $111.4 billion. In the face of the recent tariff measures taken by the U.S., which may have a significant impact on the global economic and trade landscape, it presents a serious challenge for Taiwan, which is export-oriented. She emphasized that only through concerted efforts between the government and the private sector, can effective measures be planned to mitigate the impact.
Furthermore, she elaborated on the five response strategies proposed by President Tsai Ing-wen, which include negotiating for improved tariff treatment, devising support plans for affected industries, promoting medium to long-term industrial strategies, enhancing Taiwan-U.S. cooperation through the “Taiwan Plus One” strategy, and launching the “Listening Tour for Industries,” which was the central objective of the seminar held that day.
Hsu Chia-ching stated that the Overseas Community Affairs Council, as the primary platform for communication between overseas Taiwanese businesses and the government, will continue to listen to industry opinions and communicate them to the Executive Yuan and relevant ministries as the basis for policy adjustments and industry support. She affirmed, “We will voice concerns, solve problems, and fully support Taiwanese businesses, standing shoulder to shoulder with everyone.”
Representatives present at the event included the Northern California Taiwan Chamber of Commerce, the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, the Chinese-American Federation of Industry and Commerce Women’s Executive Management Association of Northern California Chapter, the Silicon Valley Taiwan-American Industry Technology Association, the North America Taiwanese Engineers’ Association, the Global Jade Mountain Technology Association, and the Silicon Valley Chinese-American Technology Business Association, among other organizations. They offered specific recommendations concerning the challenges and needs faced by their respective industries.
Attendees generally believe that Taiwanese businesses overseas possess extensive international market experience and resources, and should leverage their bridging role to assist Taiwanese enterprises in expanding their global presence and enhancing competitiveness. They also suggested that the government strengthen collaboration with overseas Taiwanese businesses, provide tangible resources and policy assistance, expedite corporate transformation and upgrading to adapt to the rapidly changing global trade environment.
Hsu Chia-ching expressed her gratitude to overseas Taiwanese businesses for their longstanding support to Taiwan’s economy, and emphasized that Taiwan “cannot fight alone.” Only by joining forces with overseas Taiwanese businesses can a more resilient and competitive industrial future be forged for Taiwan.