Secretary, Taipei Economic and Trade Office in Surabaya

On August 24, the Council of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Vietnam Junior Chapter held a roundtable titled "Meet the Director-General" at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Ho Chi Minh City. The event, aimed at facilitating a face-to-face exchange with young entrepreneurs, was chaired by Chapter President Yang-yi Lin and joined by TECO Director-General Kuo-yao Han, Director Chun-fei Wen of the Overseas Community Affairs Section, Secretary Pei-yu Chen, Director Wei-chih Lin of the Education Section, Director Pi-chun Yuan and Deputy Director Kuan-ting Chen of the Consular Affairs Section, Deputy Director Yu-chien Ko of the Emergency Assistance Section, and Economic Secretary Yi-feng Chang, along with other TECO officials.

Director-General Kuo-yao Han noted that since Taiwan and Vietnam mutually established representative offices in 1992, TECO in Ho Chi Minh City has long been responsible for providing services across southern Vietnam and Cambodia. With over 90,000 Taiwanese now living and investing in Vietnam, the Office's work is not only complex but also increasingly challenging. He added that colleagues from seven government ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are currently stationed at the Office, each overseeing areas such as overseas community affairs, education, economy, consular services, and emergency assistance, to support the Taiwanese businesses and expatriates in Vietnam.

Chapter President Yang-yi Lin expressed her sincere gratitude to Director-General Han and the TECO officials for taking the time to participate, giving young entrepreneurs the opportunity for face-to-face exchanges with the government. She emphasized the importance of helping young entrepreneurs gain a better understanding of OCAC policies and related resources, which helps to foster vitality in the development of Taiwan-Vietnam economic ties and the overseas Taiwanese community.

TECO Overseas Community Affairs Section Director Chun-fei Wen noted that Taiwan is currently facing a declining birth rate, with many schools struggling to maintain sufficient enrollment. In response, the OCAC has been actively promoting programs for overseas compatriot students to study in Taiwan. She hoped that with the support of young entrepreneurs and the Taiwanese business community in Vietnam, Taiwanese high schools and higher education institutions could expand their student pool, enabling more Vietnamese youth to pursue their studies in Taiwan.

Director Wei-chih Lin stressed that the Education Section is responsible for assisting Vietnamese students to come to Taiwan to study, providing consultation from the application phase to credit recognition. Lin also encouraged young entrepreneurs to support educational cooperation and language promotion between Taiwan and Vietnam. Director Bi-chun Yuan of the Consular Affairs Section pointed out that the TECO office provides services such as passports, visas, document authentication, and marriage registration. She reminded young entrepreneurs to seek assistance at any time. Economic Secretary Yi-feng Chang shared investment cases to help participants better understand Vietnam's investment environment.  Young entrepreneurs also expressed hopes that the office could provide clearer guidance on investment procedures and legal counseling. Deputy Director Yu-chien Ko of the Emergency Assistance Section emphasized that in the event of sudden illness or accidents, the office will provide immediate support and care.  

In the seminar, the young entrepreneurs gained a better understanding of the roles of each TECO section and utilized the direct channel to voice their opinions. The event, with over 30 enthusiastic participants, helped lay a solid foundation for future Taiwan-Vietnam cooperation in areas including trade, education, and culture.