2025 Hsieh Nien Fan Remarks by Chairperson Dan Silver

President Lai, Director Greene, Governor Dunleavy, Distinguished Guests, and Chamber Members:

Good evening. Welcome to AmCham’s 57th Hsieh Nien Fan.

It’s an honor to be with you tonight as we celebrate another successful year as Taiwan’s most influential international business organization.

On behalf of the Board of Governors and our more than 1,100 members, I want to thank everyone involved in organizing this flagship event. Hsieh Nien Fan is the result of months of arrangements – if you think trade negotiations are tough, try planning the seating chart for this event. Let’s give a round of applause to our incredible staff for making this evening possible.

We’ve held this event for 57 years. Every year brings new milestones. Taiwan continues to be one of the best places in the world to do business, and our members’ confidence proves it.

According to our latest Business Climate Survey, 90% of our members plan to maintain or expand their investments in 2025. That means more offices, more R&D, and more jobs—but, unfortunately, no more seats at this dinner. We’re at full capacity.

Economic ties between Taiwan and the United States have never been stronger. In 2024, a record 40% of Taiwan’s total foreign investment went to the U.S., surpassing investments in China. Taiwan has now become the United States’ seventh-largest trading partner. This is a huge feat for a country the size of Maryland.

More is to come. A key driver of this relationship is our members’ commitment to growth, exemplified by TSMC’s recent $100 billion investment pledge in the U.S. This brings its total commitment to $165 billion. With it comes a potentially vast ecosystem in TSMC’s highly specialized supply chain that will reinforce the U.S.-Taiwan commercial relationship.

But Taiwan’s contributions to global industry don’t stop at semiconductors. This island is the backbone of industries ranging from fasteners to precision machinery, optical components, and display technology. And let’s not forget golf—an area that’s dear to the U.S. President and, I’m sure, many of you. Impressively, Taiwan produces around 80% of the world’s golf clubs.

The past year has also brought major policy wins. In December, we saw the implementation of the first agreement under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. And there’s real momentum to resolve double taxation—a long-standing AmCham advocacy priority. There is light at the end of this tunnel, and we’ll continue urging the U.S. and Taiwan to reach an agreement that strengthens business ties.

We’ve also seen a surge in high-level U.S. engagement. Congress members, governors, and think tank representatives continue to visit Taiwan at an unprecedented rate. Today, 24 U.S. states have offices in Taiwan—and that number keeps rising.

This deepening partnership underscores a fundamental truth: the U.S.-Taiwan relationship is built on trust. It’s a relationship grounded in shared values, mutual economic benefit, and long-term cooperation.

Another fundamental truth: Taiwan consistently punches above its weight in trade. On a per capita basis, Taiwan’s imports from the U.S. are significantly higher than many larger economies. With partners like Governor Mike Dunleavy here tonight, that trend will continue. Alaska plays a crucial role in Taiwan’s energy security while keeping our tables well-stocked with world-class seafood. Governor, thank you for helping us keep warm and well-fed!

At AmCham, we’ve always believed that trust is the foundation of strong relationships. Taiwan embodies this principle—not just in business but in global partnerships. Taiwan has moved from the periphery of the democratic world to the center of it. It is up to all of us to ensure it stays there. By standing together in support of Taiwan’s continued success, we reaffirm our commitment to the values that make such partnerships thrive.

As we look ahead, we are encouraged by the strong engagement from both the Taiwan and the U.S. government. Taiwan has shown commitment to good regulatory practices, working toward a more consultative, innovation-friendly, and agile business environment. This approach will help Taiwan cement its place on the world stage.

I want to take this moment to express our deep appreciation for the constructive relationship we share with the government. Among us tonight are approximately 150 government officials and representatives from a wide range of agencies. Their presence here is a testament to the broad support the Chamber enjoys. To each of you, we extend our sincere thanks.

A special thank you to the National Development Council and Minister Paul Liu for their efforts in coordinating meetings on our White Paper issues. Speaking of White Papers, our members have already submitted their 2025 drafts—so I hope you’ve cleared space on your summer reading list!

Of course, our Chamber would not be what it is today without the partnership of our good friends at AIT. Director Greene, this is your first Hsieh Nien Fan, and we are grateful for the leadership and drive you bring to this role. We look forward to working with you and AIT to further deepen this important relationship.

Finally, I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to His Excellency President Lai Ching-te for joining us tonight and delivering keynote remarks. President Lai, your administration has already shown a strong commitment to collaboration, particularly through your key committees on whole-of-society resilience, healthy Taiwan, and climate change. These issues are critical. AmCham members stand ready to support your initiatives and contribute to Taiwan’s continued success.

President Lai—your administration has already been a tremendous friend to AmCham, and for that, I extend my sincere thanks. We look forward to strengthening this bond even further in the years ahead.

While we might debate certain bureaucratic issues, one thing unites us all. That is, our unwavering dedication to Taiwan, its prosperity and a strong, enduring, trusting economic and overall relationship with the United States. The more we engage in productive conversations and work toward solutions together, the stronger Taiwan becomes.

Once again, on behalf of AmCham, thank you all for being here tonight and for your continued support. We look forward to another year of progress and partnership.

Thank you.