The 2016 Workshop for Elites of Overseas Compatriot Chambers of Commerce was held between September 18 and 23 in Taipei, and attended by 27 members the junior chambers of commerce under the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce. The opening ceremony hosted on September 19 was chaired by OCAC Vice Minister Yuan-Rong Leu, at the accompaniment of Shu-Hwa Wong, Director-General of Department of Overseas Compatriot Business Service. On behalf of OCAC Minister, Hsin-Hsing Wu, Leu expressed his heartfelt gratitude to members of the COC for their contributions to the world for Taiwan, and encouraged them to find new professional takeaway during the seminar. 
Leu said that other than professional successes, COC members have worked tirelessly for Taiwan's greater visibility in the international community, and given generously to the expat communities to champion "true grit" - the identifier of being Taiwanese. Leu also credited World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce for the rapid development of junior chambers of commerce. He said he looked forward to greater alliance between the local COC's and OCAC to bolster chamber services, facilitate business information exchange, and strengthen a safety coordination network for overseas Taiwanese businesspeople. Meanwhile, he urged members to upgrade their professional knowhow during the seminar and wished them a wonderful experience. 
Lien-sheng Tsai, secretary-general of the Chinese National Federation of Industries - organizer of the seminar - noted that CNFI looks forward to being a facilitator of exchange activities between overseas businesses and their Taiwanese counterparts. He encouraged attendees to pick up what they can from the seminar and build new connections with fellow participants. 
Shen Yi Chang with the Taiwanese-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles said he hoped to build new friendships with business elites from every continent during the seminar, and pickup new business insights. 
OCAC Minister, Hsin-Hsing Wu, at the accompaniment of Shu-Hwa Wong, Director-General of Department of Overseas Compatriot Business Service, visited attendees on the evening of the 20th. He encouraged members to make new business discoveries in the workshop, and learn about Taiwan from a new perspective through on-site visits. 
Wu quoted the assertion of Samuel P. Huntington to reaffirm Taiwan's status as a true democracy, after the baptisms of three peaceful political party transitions. Overseas Taiwanese communities should band together to support Taiwan - the moorings and home for every Taiwanese.  
Minister Wu also gave a talk on the government's Cross-Straits policies and a backgrounder on the 1992 talks to reaffirm the government's respect for the public will, and the resolution of Taiwanese expats, that the government would address Cross-Straits relations based on the greatest good of the Taiwanese people. His talk was warmly received. 
Wu wished every attendee a successful time at the workshop, and witness Taiwan's miraculous economic development through on-site visits included in the itinerary; meanwhile, he encouraged attendees to enjoy what the City of Taipei has to offer, and continue to support Taiwan upon their return to the places of their residence, acting as the greatest backup of Taiwan's 23 million people.

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