First i-Compatriot Card 'Taiwan Market' in Toronto Promotes Cooperation Among Taiwanese Businesses

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Toronto was bustling yesterday as the first i-Compatriot Card event, 'Taiwan Market,' was held. Forty-five Taiwanese-background businesses and organizations gathered, creating a cluster effect that allowed the public to purchase everything they needed at once while giving businesses an opportunity to connect and collaborate. The first 'Taiwan Market' i-Compatriot Card event was co-hosted by the Taiwan Merchants Association of Toronto (TMAT) and the Toronto Chinese (Taiwan) Community Credit Union (TCTCU). Participating businesses spanned industries such as food, catering, handicrafts, services, and healthcare. The cultural center provided the venue for free, and businesses registered for booths at no cost. This allowed residents to discover and understand Taiwanese businesses hidden in various corners of the Greater Toronto Area through a single visit. Lu Li-hsin, CEO of the Toronto Chinese (Taiwan) Community Credit Union, told Central News Agency that the new generation of Taiwanese immigrants in Toronto is no longer primarily focused on labor-intensive industries but possesses mature skills in diverse fields. The credit union co-organized this event based on a shared philosophy of serving Taiwanese community groups behind the scenes. 'Their success is our success,' Lu said, believing the event could help more Taiwanese entrepreneurs take root overseas, using the power of organizations to help new immigrants grow and avoid detours. Lan Po-ching, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Toronto, noted that the 'Compatriot Card' promoted by the Overseas Community Affairs Council was upgraded to the smart 'i-Compatriot Card' in 2022. This first i-Compatriot Card event organized by the center aimed to expand the number of contracted stores and provide more products and services, while also giving the local diverse ethnic communities a chance to better understand and support Taiwanese businesses. Many Taiwanese businesses that normally promote products online set up booths. Chen Yen-lin, owner of 'Chang Ren Renovation' who started his business in Toronto 10 years ago, said the interest from visitors was 'beyond expectations.' His business had not previously joined the i-Compatriot Card program but decided to join on the spot yesterday. Attendees at the opening ceremony included Markham Regional Councillor Alan Ho, Toronto City Councillor Jamaal Myers' representative Wendy Law, and Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto, Liang Yi-peng. In his speech, Liang said, 'Taiwanese people are creative, hardworking, reliable, and honest in business. We have always believed that we are Canada's most trustworthy partner in the Asia-Pacific region.' On that day, he also visited the booths to encourage the vendors.