Taipei Marriott Hotel was bustling on March 28 as 800 members, guests, and government officials gathered to celebrate AmCham Taiwan’s 56th annual Hsieh Nien Fan banquet.
The Hsieh Nien Fan serves as a way for the Chamber to thank its partners in the Taiwan government for their cooperation and support. It’s also a prime demonstration of AmCham’s influence, vitality, and commitment to the U.S.-Taiwan economic and trade relationship. A key message that echoed across the evening’s three speeches was that this year will be one of substantial action to further the bilateral relationship.
AmCham Chairperson Dan Silver at the 2024 Hsieh Nien Fan.
Delivering the opening remarks, AmCham Taiwan Chairperson Dan Silver urged Taiwan to take full advantage of the spotlight currently shining on it, emphasizing the need for regulatory reform to create a more open, investment-friendly, and agile business environment that solidifies Taiwan’s global economic position.
“Taiwan has positioned itself as a leader willing and able to foster closer relationships with like-minded partners, ensuring strength through prosperity,” he said. “We hope that Taiwan continues to innovate and expand its industries, propelling its economy toward the future its people deserve.”
As this year’s Hsieh Nien Fan was the last for both President Tsai Ing-wen and Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Sandra Oudkirk in their current capacities, Silver took the opportunity to thank them for their outstanding contributions. He commended Oudkirk for promoting diversity and inclusion, women in business, and U.S.-Taiwan cybersecurity collaboration. Silver also expressed the Chamber’s deep appreciation for President Tsai, acknowledging her as a distinguished global leader.
“Through active engagement and with an open mind, your administration has been a tremendous friend to AmCham,” said Silver. “You have continuously demonstrated your commitment to our members. For that, and for your outstanding leadership, we extend our sincere thanks.”
AmCham prompted the AI-generated gift by combining parts indicating
President Tsai’s accomplishments over her two terms in office,
including human rights, energy, and strengthened U.S.-Taiwan relations,
with more personal aspects such as cats and drip coffee.
Upholding a two-decades-long tradition, President Tsai provided the evening’s keynote remarks. She praised Silver’s efforts during his previous tenure as Chairperson in 2016, noting his substantial contributions to improving Taiwan’s regulatory environment. “I am sure that his leadership and action will help make the business environment here in Taiwan even more friendly,” she said.
Tsai further recognized AmCham President Patrick P. Lin’s impressive record in international business, adding that she looks forward to seeing Lin draw on his experience to push U.S.-Taiwan relations even further.
“While no one can tell what the future has in store, I am confident that Taiwan will continue to stay on the right path and keep the political and economic landscape stable and secure,” Tsai said. “We will advance steadily onwards, thanks to the solid foundations that you all helped to lay.”
President Tsai also took the opportunity to express her gratitude and say goodbye to AmCham members at the event. “I look forward to seeing the efforts we have made together in resolving the issue of double taxation between Taiwan and the U.S., producing concrete results,” she said. “For that, I remain optimistic and must give a special thanks to AmCham for its consistent advocacy through such channels as the White Paper.”
As President-elect Lai Ching-te assumes the presidency in May, he takes on a national project of making Taiwan more democratic, ambitious, innovative, prosperous, just, and sustainable, Tsai noted.
“Through that project, he hopes to continue the story of Taiwan’s democratic success and make it a source of pride to the world,” said Tsai. “I’m sure that as we continue down the road of freedom and democracy, Taiwan and AmCham will continue to reach new achievements and set even higher goals.”
AmCham borrowed themes from AIT Director Oudkirk’s home state of Florida as well as Taiwanese elements, featuring icons of the U.S-Taiwan relationship, such as semiconductor chips, international trade, and innovation. Director Oudkirk’s favorite American treat, pecan pie, can be found on the right.
Taking the stage next, Director Oudkirk highlighted numerous milestones in U.S.-Taiwan collaboration over the past year. She mentioned accomplishments such as the inaugural U.S.-Taiwan Science and Technology Cooperation Dialogue, the signing of the first agreement under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade, significant delegations from Taiwan to the United States during the APEC summit, and a record 39 visits by members of Congress to Taiwan.
U.S. companies continue to showcase their dedication to the Taiwan market. As examples, Oudkirk named long-term investors like Micron and FedEx Express, as well as newcomers making their mark, such as U.S. e-commerce platform Coupang and energy storage provider Fluence.
AIT Director Oudkirk, President Tsai, and AmCham Chairperson Silver
toast to health and prosperity in the coming year.
“Each of these companies has demonstrated through their expanded presence here in the past few months that they increasingly find value in Taiwan as an investment destination,” Oudkirk said. “Of course, investment flows both ways, and we similarly welcome Taiwan’s investments in the United States.”
AIT has great plans for 2024, Oudkirk said, noting that it will continue to collaborate with AmCham and other partners to bolster Taiwan’s cyber and energy resilience. “We hope that through building these industry partnerships, we will lay the foundation for commercial and research collaboration that will lift both economies and further link our industries and the number of next-generation technologies.”
Joining President Tsai were a number of high-ranking Taiwanese central and local government officials, including Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim, Secretary-General to the President Lin Chia-lung, Legislative Yuan Vice President Chiang Chi-chen, Secretary-General of the National Security Council Wellington Koo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu, Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan, Minister of the Interior Lin Yu-chang, Minister of Justice Tsai Ching-hsiang, Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun, Minister of Environment Shieu Fuh-sheng, Minister without Portfolio John Deng, and National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin. Representation from local governments included Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih, and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen.
AmCham Taiwan appreciates the support from the following member companies:
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