Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were delighted to celebrate Taiwan’s Night Lunar New Year with the Australian Taiwanese Friendship Association (ATFA), joined by VIPs including Federal MP Paul Fletcher, NSW MPs Hugh McDermott, Tim James, and Matt Cross, as well as Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor and Councilors, all coming together to show their strong support for TW-AU friendship and the Taiwanese community。
In his remarks, DG Wu highlighted:
- As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at Ryde Lunar New Year Festival, the Lunar New Year is a wonderful time of year—one that has become such a cherished fixture on the Australian calendar, with families, friends, and communities coming together in joy and celebration to share in centuries of tradition.
- Indeed, the Taiwanese community brings energy and vibrancy to Australia’s economy while embodying its spirit of diversity and inclusivity. Overseas Taiwanese play a key role in connecting TW with AU and the world, strengthening Taiwan’s international image and influence.
- Taiwan is Australia’s only top-10 export market without an FTA. We urge the launch of FTA negotiations and look forward to Australia’s support, as the 2025 rotating chair, for Taiwan’s accession to CPTPP.
During the speeches, Federal MP Paul Fletcher expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Taiwanese community’s longstanding support and looked forward to Gisele continuing to advocate for the community. NSW MPs echoed DG Wu’s calls for a TW-AU FTA and Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP. Mayor Tanya acknowledged the contributions of the Taiwanese community and highlighted that 10 out of 13 city councillors—nearly all—were present in support of the community.
