Taiwan Vice President Xiao Meiqin met today with the “31st delegation of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Union” at the Presidential Office. She mentioned that the new tariff policies announced by the United States have impacted many Taiwanese businesses around the world. The government’s position is to hope that Taiwan-US economic and trade relations can achieve cooperation and mutual benefit, while also safeguarding Taiwan’s industries. She looks forward to reaching an agreement with the United States as soon as possible to deepen Taiwan-US relations.
Vice President Xiao Meiqin met with the 31st delegation of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Union this morning, led by President Wu Guangyi. They were accompanied by the Minister of Overseas Community Affairs Commission, Xu Jiaqing, and visited the Presidential Office to meet with Vice President Xiao. Other guests included Chairwoman Hsieh Meixiang, Honorary President Lin Jiansong, Vice President Lin Kaimin, and Advisor Zhuang Zhenhui.
During her speech, Xiao Meiqin first welcomed the delegation to the Presidential Office and thanked the World Taiwanese Business Association for their long-standing contributions internationally. She praised their successful businesses and their numerous charitable activities that have extended Taiwan’s economic power and goodwill worldwide.
“In the current complex global situation, facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic in previous years, the conflict in Ukraine, and recent tensions in places like the Middle East, India, Pakistan, and Iran. Taiwan is located in the Indo-Pacific region, continuously facing various gray zone intrusions and military threats, necessitating a strengthening of self-defense, as well as the determination to safeguard regional peace and stability,” Xiao Meiqin said.
She noted that apart from geopolitical influences, Taiwan also faces many economic challenges, including the impact of the new tariff policies announced by the United States on Taiwanese businesses globally. The government’s stance is to hope that Taiwan-US economic and trade relations can achieve cooperation and mutual benefit while safeguarding Taiwan’s industries. She hopes to reach an agreement with the United States promptly to deepen Taiwan-US relations.
Xiao Meiqin mentioned that technology is a crucial force driving global progress and promoting sustained human development. Taiwan’s industries in the global development process require access to the U.S. market and technology. Conversely, with the U.S. promoting reindustrialization, it also needs Taiwan’s abundant experience and productivity. Therefore, Taiwan will continue to communicate with various sectors and maintain its influence in the world.
Xiao Meiqin expressed gratitude to the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Union for making every Taiwanese business a key link connecting Taiwan with the world under the leadership of past presidents. She emphasized that in the current rapidly changing global landscape, unity is more crucial than ever to enhance Taiwan’s international visibility and consolidate its strength in national security and economic development.