AmCham Taiwan marks 75th anniversary, pledges closer Taiwan-U.S. ties

Taipei, Oct. 7 (CNA) The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan) marked its 75th anniversary Tuesday, pledging to continue advocating for a better business environment and closer Taiwan-U.S. ties.

Nearly 200 guests, including more than 20 government officials, attended the celebration at Taipei's Grand Hotel, the chamber said in a statement.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) praised AmCham's role in identifying problems, proposing solutions and strengthening ties between government and the business community, while emphasizing the expanding partnership between Taiwan and the United States.

"Our relationship is strong because it is built on shared interests, shared values, and increasingly, shared investments in each other's future," Hsiao was quoted as saying.

"We are no longer simply buying or selling from each other, because we are actually building together," she said.

American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene congratulated the chamber in a prerecorded video, describing bilateral economic relations as being in a "golden age," thanks in large part to the chamber's efforts.

Greene said AmCham's advocacy and engagement had strengthened the U.S. business community in Taiwan while contributing to Taiwan's prosperity and global competitiveness.

AmCham Chairperson Anita Chen (陳幼臻) highlighted the chamber's work over the decades, including launching its annual Washington advocacy visit, known as the Doorknock, and its Taiwan White Paper in the 1990s.

She also cited AmCham's support for Taiwan's accession to the World Trade Organization in 2002 and its efforts to revive Taiwan-U.S. trade and investment talks.

"Now, even on our 75th anniversary, AmCham has no intention of slowing down," Chen said. "We will continue to advocate vigorously for a better business environment and deeper U.S.-Taiwan relations."

Held under the theme "Honoring the Legacy, Empowering the Future," the celebration featured a history wall displaying rare photographs and archival materials tracing the chamber's development since its founding in 1951.

Taipei American School's Opus Choir also performed at the event.

AmCham Taiwan serves approximately 1,150 members from more than 540 companies, providing advocacy, networking and information-sharing services, according to the chamber.

Its committees, publications and outreach efforts connect businesses with government officials in Taipei and Washington, the statement released by the chamber said.