Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland celebrated 113th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) at Kampala, Republic of Uganda together with Chairman and members of Taiwan Formosa Club, and members of Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Uganda.
Ambassador Allen Chenhwa Lou stressed that the office has hosted the Double Ten National Day reception in the Republic of Uganda for three consecutive years. He is very pleased to celebrate the 113th birthday of the Taiwan (R.O.C) with the largest Taiwanese diaspora community in East Africa. October 9th is Uganda’s Independence Day, so it is particularly meaningful to commemorate Taiwan’s National Day one day before, in conjunction with the international trade fair schedule. Thanks to the joint efforts of the overseas Taiwanese business community, the relations between Taiwan and Uganda have achieved fruitful results in the fields of economy, commerce, and NGOs, and has now even gradually benefiting neighboring countries such as Kenya. As President William Lai Ching-te mentioned in his inaugural address on May 20th: " Taiwan is a Taiwan of the world; Taiwan is a worthy and reliable force for global peace and prosperity." He believes that Taiwan-Uganda relations will be even closer in the future.
Ambassador Lou further mentioned that 2024 International Gourmet Tour of Taiwan Cuisines was held in Uganda last month, and yet he was already greeted at the UMA International Trade Fair for ribbon cutting of the exhibition booth of Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). It is ever pleasing that TAITRA booth had won “Best Country Pavilion” Award for three consecutive years; Taiwanese manufacturer Gigo Toys was also awarded "Best Foreign Exhibitor"; Our manufacturer Liberty even donated 130,000 pencils to be channeled via Taiwanese local NGO LOVE Binti to share with the local students; T2U CAFÉ, one that takes pride in using Ugandan raw materials to make Taiwanese street foods bubble milk tea and crispy chicken, has always been an event highlight of the trade show. Ambassador Luo also explained commerce diplomacy in plain: “Trade is our common language, and making money is our common goal”. Taiwan is the best guarantee of high quality, and he is pleased to see Taiwanese company’s participation in the exhibition and reaping great results.
Ambassador Lou also stated that “Taiwan Model” is a people-centered cooperation model. In addition to benefiting the people, Taiwanese citizens and the diaspora community also plays a key role in the process. During the floods in Kenya this year, Tzu Chi Foundation, Love Binti, Camillians and Kenya Red Cross launched the first wave of inter-religious campaign to distribute aid package including daily necessities, blankets and mosquito nets, benefitting over 14,400 households. This is Taiwan’s warm power that touch the hearts of the people.
Ambassador Lou stressed that Taiwan ranks 8th in economic competitiveness in 2024 according to International Institute for Management Development (IMD). To leverage Taiwan’s competitive advantages and seize opportunities as the global industrial supply chain restructures, Taiwan is becoming an international hub for smart technology, taking the lead in the advanced foundry capacity of semiconductor, sitting at the center of AI revolution, and is the critical link in the "global democratic supply chain." We look forward to leveraging our high-tech advantages to promote mutually beneficial relations with East Africa countries.
Ambassador Lou concluded that it is the Taiwanese citizens that help Taiwan engage the world, guiding the world to see Taiwan, and embrace Taiwan. They are the best cultural Ambassador for Taiwan (R.O.C.), and the real driving force behind the force of good.
Chairman of Taiwan Formosa Club, Hon. Songa expressed his honor to attend and Taiwan's 113th National Day Celebration. He emphasized that Taiwan-Uganda relations have gradually developed through trade and commerce. He was pleased to be invited to Taiwan last year to witness Taiwan’s high-level development in science, technology, medical care and agriculture. There are many things that Uganda can emulate from Taiwan, and a Taiwan office should be established in the Republic of Uganda. He looks forward to furthering the cooperation and cultural exchange between Taiwan and Uganda for mutual benefits.
Chairperson of Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Uganda, Mr. Chou thanked Ambassador Lou’s visit. emphasized that Double Ten National Day is of historical significance, representing the indomitable spirit of Taiwanese people and symbolizing the pursuit of freedom, democracy and prosperity. The Taiwanese diaspora community persists. Witnessing the transformation of the African continent and the increasing exchanges between Taiwan, Uganda and other countries. Organized by TAITRA, Taiwan’s innovative techniques and high-quality products were showcased at trade fair to facilitate Taiwan-Uganda trade and exchanges. In the era of globalization, the Taiwanese diaspora community has learnt to unite and work together. They not only shine in their respective fields, but also actively give back to their local community as upstanding members. The National Day Celebration is for commemoration, but also to harness the unity and courage of Taiwanese people. We look forward to working together for Taiwanese spirit to persist, promoting Taiwan's culture to integrate with the world and for a better future. (E)
