Lawmakers yesterday launched the Legislative Yuan Association for the Promotion of International Investment to strengthen Taiwan’s cooperation with allies in technology and trade.
The group was announced at a news conference in the legislature, where members said Taiwan could leverage its technological strengths to work with partners in coordinated efforts to expand strategic industries and deepen economic ties.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Ngalim Tiunn (張雅琳) was named chair of the association, while Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Ko Ju-chun (葛如鈞) and DPP Legislator Michelle Lin (林楚茵) will serve as deputy chairs.
Photo: George Tsorng, Taipei Times
Ko said technology and investment transcend party lines, adding that both the pan-green and pan-blue camps share a common goal of strengthening Taiwan’s economic power and resilience.
He noted that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC)—now widely regarded as Taiwan’s most important economic and national security asset—was originally established through cooperation between the Taiwanese government, Dutch-based Philips and other investors.
Through that partnership, Ko said, Taiwan combined its manufacturing capacity, talent and democratic system to produce chips that now underpin global industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), energy and unmanned systems.
Koh Sangwook, acting representative of the South Korean mission to Taiwan, praised Taiwan’s strong economic performance, noting its record 14.5 percent growth rate and its position as the world’s fifth-largest equity market by value.
He said the restructuring of global supply chains and the rise of the AI industry are driving Taiwan and South Korea toward closer partnership rather than competition.
Citing trade data, Koh added that Taiwan is South Korea’s third-largest trading partner, while South Korea ranks fifth for Taiwan, underscoring the importance of bilateral economic cooperation.
He said the two economies are deeply integrated and mutually dependent in semiconductors, electronic components and information technology.
Legislative Yuan Deputy Secretary-General Chang Yu-jung (張裕榮), attending on behalf of Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), said Taiwan’s tech industry plays a critical role in global supply chains.
He added that the legislature has an important role as a platform for dialogue between international investors and the government, and in ensuring that laws and regulations keep pace with economic needs.
DPP Legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇) said the launch of the association reflects a confident Taiwan that is also a highly attractive partner for international cooperation.
He said Taiwan’s key advantages lie in its democratic system governed by the rule of law, technological sophistication and trustworthiness.
International cooperation with Taiwan, Wang added, will contribute to global prosperity and make the world better.
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