Taiwanese Businesspeople Gather in São Paulo to Deepen Economic Ties Between Taiwan and Latin America

(CNA) The 30th meeting of the board of directors and supervisors and general assembly of the World Federation of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Latin America was held in São Paulo, Brazil, from June 19 to 21. The theme of the assembly was "Thirty Years of Glory, Starting a New Journey." Approximately 200 Taiwanese businesspeople, overseas Chinese leaders, and young business representatives from 19 countries in Latin America gathered to discuss economic cooperation and the future development of Taiwanese businesses.

The opening ceremony today began with the national anthems of Brazil and the Republic of China. In his speech, Chairman Lin Hsing-chao expressed gratitude for the long-term support of the Taiwanese government for overseas Taiwanese businesses, allowing them to feel a strong backing while striving in foreign lands. He emphasized that Taiwanese businesses in Latin America are an important civilian force for Taiwan in the region, and they will continue to support the government's policy direction, encouraging young businesspeople to actively participate and showcase the vitality of the Taiwanese people.

Xu Chia-ching, Chairperson of the Overseas Community Affairs Council, pointed out that Taiwan's economy has performed brilliantly in recent years, with a projected GDP growth rate exceeding 8% in 2025. This year, benefiting from the demand for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, the growth rate is estimated to be between 5.2% and 10.1%. She mentioned that Taiwan's investment in China has declined rapidly in recent years, with capital gradually shifting to the United States, Europe, and other regions. She hopes that more Taiwanese businesses will advance into Latin America and serve as bridges for economic cooperation between Taiwan and the local areas.

Hsiung Chiang-sheng, President of the World Federation of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, reminded attendees that although the global political and economic landscape is full of variables, Taiwan still demonstrates strong resilience, with a first-quarter GDP growth rate of 13.69% this year, a nearly 39-year high. He called on Taiwanese businesses to leverage Taiwan's advantages in the AI supply chain and combine them with the resources of their host countries to jointly develop new business opportunities in areas such as smart cities, smart manufacturing, and smart healthcare.

Liao Chih-hsien, Representative to Brazil, stated in his speech that although the global situation is affected by geopolitical and economic challenges, Taiwanese businesses, with their flexible and resilient spirit, have not only established a firm foothold overseas but have also become important drivers for Taiwan to deepen its international economic and trade connections. He emphasized that the government will continue to be a strong support for Taiwanese businesses, and the network established by Taiwanese businesses in Latin America is also an extension of Taiwan's national strength and the best partner for promoting diplomacy.

Chu Yi-ching, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in São Paulo, pointed out that Taiwan's position in the global semiconductor supply chain is irreplaceable and is an important symbol of the strength of the "Technology Island." She emphasized that Taiwanese businesses are the best representatives of Taiwan's "sharp power" overseas, and it is crucial to gain international support through economic diplomacy. Chu Yi-ching also mentioned that São Paulo state is a major industrial and commercial center in Brazil, and the attendance of representatives from four cities this time demonstrates the potential for deepening cooperation with Taiwan.

Mayor Kleber Lopes de Sousa of Bastos stated that Bastos is renowned nationwide for its agriculture and animal husbandry and is the largest egg-producing region in Brazil. He expressed hope for more cooperation with Taiwan in agricultural technology, food processing, and market expansion in the future.

Mayor Ildo Gusmão of Francisco Morato thanked the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Brazil Liaison Office for donating land to build a school, considering it an excellent example of goodwill and cooperation. He also expressed hope for establishing deeper connections with Taiwanese and Latin American communities in the future to jointly promote educational, economic, and social development.

Eduardo Akira Edamitsu, a council member of Tupa and Vice President of the Taiwan-Brazil Association, emphasized that Taiwan holds a leading global position in semiconductors and smart healthcare. He believes that introducing Taiwanese technology can not only improve healthcare accessibility in remote areas but also promote smart city and industrial cooperation. He called for building a bridge for medical technology between Brazil and Taiwan through investment, technical exchange, and partnerships.

Graziela Milani, Director of Technology and Innovation for Indaiatuba, pointed out that the city has a high-quality investment environment and a solid industrial base, making it a preferred location for multinational corporations. She expressed hope for more cooperation with Taiwan in smart manufacturing, technological innovation, and education in the future.

The speeches from the representatives of these four cities demonstrate the unlimited potential for deepening economic and trade ties between local governments in Brazil and Taiwan. Chu Yi-ching emphasized that Taiwan is not only a vibrant technology island but also possesses the strength of a medium-sized country. It will continue to shoulder its responsibilities as a global citizen by leveraging technological innovation, its democratic system, and economic resilience.

She expressed hope that Taiwanese businesses will continue to exert their influence, allowing the world to see Taiwan's value and strength. This assembly not only consolidated the centripetal force of Taiwanese businesses in Latin America but also created more opportunities for cooperation between Taiwan and the region, hoping for win-win outcomes through enhanced collaboration between Taiwanese businesses and local communities. (Editor: Tian Rui-hua) 2024/06/21)

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