Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu Attends European Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Annual Meeting, Urging Unity and Promoting Taiwan-UK Trade
立法院長韓國瑜率團訪英，於歐洲台商年會呼籲海外台商團結並自信走向世界，強調台灣的民主成就與產業實力以深化台英經貿關係。
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- 📰 Published: May 17, 2026 at 02:36
- 🔍 Collected: May 17, 2026 at 03:01 (25 min after Published)
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(CNA, London, 16th) The European Taiwan Chamber of Commerce (ETCC) held its 32nd annual meeting in London today. Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu, leading a cross-party delegation of lawmakers on a visit to the UK, stated in his opening ceremony speech that everyone, both in Taiwan and abroad, should unite and support each other, embody the Taiwanese spirit, cherish the achievements earned through their own efforts, and confidently engage with the world.
Han Kuo-yu mentioned a phrase he often uses: "In my heart, there is only love for Taiwan; in my eyes, there are no blues, greens, or whites." He suggested that overseas, it is better to "talk less politics and more about fellowship," without dividing along party lines.
Upon taking the stage, Han first introduced each member of the visiting delegation to the Taiwanese business community and British guests, stating, "The spotlight cannot be on me alone; every legislator has worked hard." He noted that during their recent visits to France and the UK, he deeply felt that legislators are still the most effective in dealing and engaging with parliamentarians.
Han went on to say that Taiwanese businesspeople always remind him of the phoenix from Greek mythology, rising from the ashes through trials and struggles, which is truly remarkable. He proudly called them "the sun-never-sets Taiwanese businesses."
Han pointed out that Taiwanese businesses' hard work around the world strengthens Taiwan's foundation. Taiwan's manufacturing industry accounts for 3% of the global manufacturing value-added. Besides the highly acclaimed TSMC and the semiconductor industry, there are also world-class "hidden champions" among small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors. Additionally, Taiwan's medical services and equipment, which hold a significant place in the world, are a source of pride.
However, Han reiterated that Taiwan's most important achievement remains its 100% democratic society, accomplished through decades of effort, which serves as a crucial calling card in its interactions with the world.
The last time the ETCC annual meeting was held in London was 11 years ago. The UK government was represented today by Daniel Rossell-Evans, Regional Director for Northeast Asia at the Office for Investment (OfI). The OfI is a joint cross-departmental office combining resources from the Department for Business and Trade, the Treasury, and the Prime Minister's Office.
Rossell-Evans began his speech with a greeting in Mandarin, "Dàjiā hǎo" (Hello everyone), and concluded by saying in Mandarin, "I hope we can work together for mutual benefit and a win-win situation," receiving an enthusiastic response and applause.
Taiwan and the UK established an "Enhanced Trade Partnership" (ETP) in 2023 and signed three sub-agreements under the ETP framework last year. Rossell-Evans stated today that this demonstrates the UK's commitment to developing its trade relationship with Taiwan. Furthermore, during his visit to Taiwan last year, then-Minister for Trade Douglas Alexander was excited about the progress in Taiwan-UK investment cooperation, including investments in startups.
Rossell-Evans noted that in today's world of uncertainty, "finding the right business partners" has become even more important. Taiwan was mentioned several times in the UK government's "Trade Strategy" published last June. In the same month, the government also released its "Industrial Strategy," which identified eight priority areas for development, providing policy certainty for related investments.
Rossell-Evans called on Taiwan to make greater use of the UK's market access advantages worldwide, as well as its transparency, rule of law, and innovation capabilities.
The ETCC annual meeting brought together representatives of Taiwanese businesses from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and Oceania, as well as figures from the UK's industrial, investment, and startup circles. Written congratulatory messages were sent by President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Premier Cho Jung-tai, Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, Economics Minister J.W. Kuo, and National Development Council Minister Paul T.Y. Yeh.
Sarah Champion, co-chair of the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group, stated in a pre-recorded video that in this uncertain world, it is crucial for democracies to unite and support each other. The UK has an open business environment, seeks genuine partnerships, is happy to share experiences, and is willing to build a prosperous future with its partners.
In her speech, Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Minister Hsu Chia-ching affirmed the achievements of Taiwanese businesses and reiterated that the OCAC will continue to be their staunchest supporter. She also mentioned Taiwan's recent economic successes, including an 8.68% economic growth rate last year and a surge of over 13.6% in the first quarter of this year.
Furthermore, Taiwan's investment in China as a percentage of its total outbound investment dropped to a historic low of 3.75% last year. In contrast, investments in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia all saw double-digit percentage growth, demonstrating the expanding international influence of Taiwan's business mechanisms and providing confidence to Taiwanese businesses.
TAITRA Chairman James C. F. Huang said that in this era of rapid AI development and geopolitical turmoil, the common mission of TAITRA and Taiwanese businesses worldwide is to bring Taiwan's economic, trade, and technological strengths to the world, taking Taiwan to the next level. Huang later delivered a speech at the ETCC's Taiwan-Europe "Economic and Trade Forum" on the topic "Taiwan's Competitive Advantage in the Field of AI."
At today's ETCC opening ceremony, speeches were also delivered by ETCC President Hsin-Tien Li, Representative to the UK Vincent Chin-Hsiang Yao, Representative to the EU and Belgium Roy Chun Lee, and World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC) President Johnson Chiang.
Yao mentioned that the visit of the cross-party legislative delegation to the UK and their attendance at the ETCC annual meeting made the opening ceremony even more significant. The convergence of parliamentary diplomacy and private-sector economic networks in London symbolizes the joint effort of the government, parliament, and overseas Taiwanese community to expand Taiwan's international connections.
Roy Chun Lee, with his distinctively humorous style using English puns and deconstructed Chinese characters, brought smiles to the faces of the Taiwanese businesspeople and guests. For instance, he noted that decades ago, the international community was concerned with "what's the matter with Taiwan," whereas now the focus is on "why Taiwan matters." He concluded with enthusiastic remarks to the Taiwanese businesses using Taiwanese proverbs like "die-hard and sworn brothers."
Following the opening ceremony was an economic and trade forum featuring speakers including Wan-Ju Yu, General Manager of Industrial Technology Investment Corporation (ITIC); Dr. Pei-Hao Su, co-founder of the UK company PolyAI; as well as Roy Chun Lee and James C. F. Huang. ITIC is the investment platform of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI).
Several Taiwanese and Taiwan-UK joint venture companies operating in the UK also set up booths at the venue to promote their businesses. (Editor: Hsu Tsung-che) 1150517
Han Kuo-yu mentioned a phrase he often uses: "In my heart, there is only love for Taiwan; in my eyes, there are no blues, greens, or whites." He suggested that overseas, it is better to "talk less politics and more about fellowship," without dividing along party lines.
Upon taking the stage, Han first introduced each member of the visiting delegation to the Taiwanese business community and British guests, stating, "The spotlight cannot be on me alone; every legislator has worked hard." He noted that during their recent visits to France and the UK, he deeply felt that legislators are still the most effective in dealing and engaging with parliamentarians.
Han went on to say that Taiwanese businesspeople always remind him of the phoenix from Greek mythology, rising from the ashes through trials and struggles, which is truly remarkable. He proudly called them "the sun-never-sets Taiwanese businesses."
Han pointed out that Taiwanese businesses' hard work around the world strengthens Taiwan's foundation. Taiwan's manufacturing industry accounts for 3% of the global manufacturing value-added. Besides the highly acclaimed TSMC and the semiconductor industry, there are also world-class "hidden champions" among small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors. Additionally, Taiwan's medical services and equipment, which hold a significant place in the world, are a source of pride.
However, Han reiterated that Taiwan's most important achievement remains its 100% democratic society, accomplished through decades of effort, which serves as a crucial calling card in its interactions with the world.
The last time the ETCC annual meeting was held in London was 11 years ago. The UK government was represented today by Daniel Rossell-Evans, Regional Director for Northeast Asia at the Office for Investment (OfI). The OfI is a joint cross-departmental office combining resources from the Department for Business and Trade, the Treasury, and the Prime Minister's Office.
Rossell-Evans began his speech with a greeting in Mandarin, "Dàjiā hǎo" (Hello everyone), and concluded by saying in Mandarin, "I hope we can work together for mutual benefit and a win-win situation," receiving an enthusiastic response and applause.
Taiwan and the UK established an "Enhanced Trade Partnership" (ETP) in 2023 and signed three sub-agreements under the ETP framework last year. Rossell-Evans stated today that this demonstrates the UK's commitment to developing its trade relationship with Taiwan. Furthermore, during his visit to Taiwan last year, then-Minister for Trade Douglas Alexander was excited about the progress in Taiwan-UK investment cooperation, including investments in startups.
Rossell-Evans noted that in today's world of uncertainty, "finding the right business partners" has become even more important. Taiwan was mentioned several times in the UK government's "Trade Strategy" published last June. In the same month, the government also released its "Industrial Strategy," which identified eight priority areas for development, providing policy certainty for related investments.
Rossell-Evans called on Taiwan to make greater use of the UK's market access advantages worldwide, as well as its transparency, rule of law, and innovation capabilities.
The ETCC annual meeting brought together representatives of Taiwanese businesses from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and Oceania, as well as figures from the UK's industrial, investment, and startup circles. Written congratulatory messages were sent by President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Premier Cho Jung-tai, Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, Economics Minister J.W. Kuo, and National Development Council Minister Paul T.Y. Yeh.
Sarah Champion, co-chair of the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group, stated in a pre-recorded video that in this uncertain world, it is crucial for democracies to unite and support each other. The UK has an open business environment, seeks genuine partnerships, is happy to share experiences, and is willing to build a prosperous future with its partners.
In her speech, Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Minister Hsu Chia-ching affirmed the achievements of Taiwanese businesses and reiterated that the OCAC will continue to be their staunchest supporter. She also mentioned Taiwan's recent economic successes, including an 8.68% economic growth rate last year and a surge of over 13.6% in the first quarter of this year.
Furthermore, Taiwan's investment in China as a percentage of its total outbound investment dropped to a historic low of 3.75% last year. In contrast, investments in Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia all saw double-digit percentage growth, demonstrating the expanding international influence of Taiwan's business mechanisms and providing confidence to Taiwanese businesses.
TAITRA Chairman James C. F. Huang said that in this era of rapid AI development and geopolitical turmoil, the common mission of TAITRA and Taiwanese businesses worldwide is to bring Taiwan's economic, trade, and technological strengths to the world, taking Taiwan to the next level. Huang later delivered a speech at the ETCC's Taiwan-Europe "Economic and Trade Forum" on the topic "Taiwan's Competitive Advantage in the Field of AI."
At today's ETCC opening ceremony, speeches were also delivered by ETCC President Hsin-Tien Li, Representative to the UK Vincent Chin-Hsiang Yao, Representative to the EU and Belgium Roy Chun Lee, and World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC) President Johnson Chiang.
Yao mentioned that the visit of the cross-party legislative delegation to the UK and their attendance at the ETCC annual meeting made the opening ceremony even more significant. The convergence of parliamentary diplomacy and private-sector economic networks in London symbolizes the joint effort of the government, parliament, and overseas Taiwanese community to expand Taiwan's international connections.
Roy Chun Lee, with his distinctively humorous style using English puns and deconstructed Chinese characters, brought smiles to the faces of the Taiwanese businesspeople and guests. For instance, he noted that decades ago, the international community was concerned with "what's the matter with Taiwan," whereas now the focus is on "why Taiwan matters." He concluded with enthusiastic remarks to the Taiwanese businesses using Taiwanese proverbs like "die-hard and sworn brothers."
Following the opening ceremony was an economic and trade forum featuring speakers including Wan-Ju Yu, General Manager of Industrial Technology Investment Corporation (ITIC); Dr. Pei-Hao Su, co-founder of the UK company PolyAI; as well as Roy Chun Lee and James C. F. Huang. ITIC is the investment platform of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI).
Several Taiwanese and Taiwan-UK joint venture companies operating in the UK also set up booths at the venue to promote their businesses. (Editor: Hsu Tsung-che) 1150517