2026 Hsieh Nien Fan Remarks by Anita Chen, Chairperson of AmCham Taiwan

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

Good evening, and welcome to AmCham Taiwan’s 58th Hsieh Nien Fan.

For nearly six decades, this gathering has been more than a tradition — it has been a celebration of Taiwan’s evolution and its increasingly indispensable role in the world.

Tonight, this room is filled with the people driving that progress. On behalf of our 1,100 members, I thank you for being our partners in shaping Taiwan’s future. (pause, applaud)

Progress tends to happen in rooms like this — where the decisions you make, and the partnerships you build, shape Taiwan’s role in the global economy. Today, Taiwan is not just navigating global change. It is helping define it.

Some will still describe Taiwan as a geopolitical flashpoint. But that framing does not reflect reality. What our members see — what they are investing in — is a Global Trust Hub. Taiwan is a place where advanced technologies are developed, secured, and scaled with confidence — and where resilient supply chains and collaborations are formed.

Our members recognize Taiwan’s strengths. Our Business Climate Survey shows that 92 percent,(pause) 92 percent of our respondents plan to maintain or expand their investment in Taiwan this year.

In a time of global uncertainty, that number is a clear statement of long-term faith and commitment.

But confidence alone is not enough. It must be matched by direction and partnership.

For us, that direction is guided by three pillars.

First, the AI Value Chain.

We all know that Taiwan dominates the production of the world’s most advanced semiconductors. Now, it’s up to us to make sure that foundation is extended into AI-driven healthcare, next-generation energy solutions, and secure digital infrastructure.

We have the chance to set the standards and enable fast, responsible, and trusted innovation.

Second, a Trans-Pacific Resource Corridor.

Sustained innovation requires a stable and diversified energy foundation. And today, rising costs and tighter supply are putting real pressure on businesses. AmCham is committed to doing its part contributing to Taiwan’s energy resilience efforts.

Last year, we were honored to welcome Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska to this very event. During his visit, Taiwan and Alaska signed a milestone LNG cooperation agreement — a clear example of how dialogue can translate into progress that powers this Global Trust Hub.

Which brings me to the third pillar, a Digital-Century Economic Framework.

The scale of U.S.–Taiwan economic engagement has reached new heights, with Taiwan now being the United States’ fourth-largest trading partner. But scale alone does not guarantee success.

What matters is whether regulations keep pace with innovation.

This is where AmCham Taiwan plays a clear role as an architect of a transparent, forward-looking, and globally competitive business environment, in close collaboration with the government.

We deeply appreciate the continued collaboration of the National Development Council and Minister Yeh Chun-Hsien in turning dialogue into actionable policy.

We are also pleased to be joined this evening by so many ministers and government representatives — more than 120 in total — reflecting the depth of engagement and partnership that defines this relationship.

Among them, we have Taiwan’s first-ever Minister of Sports, Lee Yang. And after Team Taiwan’s world-class performance at the World Baseball Classic, I think we can all agree — the standard for teamwork is now exceptionally high. I trust we can meet it here tonight.

We are grateful for the close cooperation with our friends at the American Institute in Taiwan. Director Greene, since your return to Taiwan, we have greatly appreciated your active engagement with the business community. Your genuine dedication has made a meaningful difference for our members.

While partnerships are built through policy, they are strengthened through connection.

In that spirit, AmCham was happy to support the launch of direct flights between Taipei and Washington, D.C., bringing our economies and people closer.

For those of us who go to Washington in June for AmCham’s Doorknock, that is a welcome development. While I can’t promise shorter meetings, at least we can arrive a bit more rested.

And as these connections grow stronger, so does the foundation for long-term resilience, an enduring priority for this administration under the leadership of President Lai.

President Lai, I first had the opportunity to meet you in 2020, when you joined a Google Taiwan event as Vice President. What stood out was not only your presence but your command of detail. Without notes, you delivered remarks that reflected a deep understanding of industry. It left a strong impression on everyone in the room. I was impressed. Everyone in the room was impressed.

President Lai, we commend your administration’s commitment to the Whole-of-Society Resilience program and the Healthy Taiwan initiative. These efforts reflect a broader vision, recognizing that resilience is a shared responsibility.

At AmCham Taiwan, we are committed to our share. Through our Strategic Resilience Council, we work with members to strengthen business continuity. Together with AIT, we also host public-private healthcare forums addressing healthy aging, vaccination, cancer, and other key priorities.

For 75 years, AmCham has turned dialogue into action and partnership into progress. That spirit continues tonight — and in the work each of us carries forward. Like Team Taiwan’s performance at the World Baseball Classic, it is built on discipline, trust, and a shared commitment to succeed.

It is also a reminder that the U.S.–Taiwan relationship remains strong, that the business community stands ready to invest, innovate, and collaborate, and that together, we will continue building a future that is prosperous, resilient, and grounded in trust.

Thank you for your partnership. Thank you President Lai, Director Greene. Thank you to all the member companies with us tonight. I wish you all a wonderful evening.