PRESIDENT ’ S VIEW
Commerce is the Language That Connects CIANJ and Taiwan
By Anthony Russo President , CIANJ
Recently , I had the good fortune of attending a celebration in New York City of Taiwan ’ s National Day , which is celebrated every October 10th . This year marks the 110th year of this celebration .
Taiwan is an island of 23 million people where free enterprise and democracy are celebrated . The importance of Taiwan ’ s impact on the world economy cannot be overstated . In fact , Taiwan launched a series of roadshows called “ InvesTaiwan ” to demonstrate its importance to a world economy and to showcase many of the initiatives underway with the hopes of attracting new investment .
CIANJ and its members were invited to hear about these initiatives on September 15th at an event held at the APA Hotel in Woodbridge with representatives from the Taipei Cultural & Economic Office of NYC and representatives of the New Jersey Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce . The event was broadcast live from Taipei and was kicked off by comments from the Taiwanese Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs , Mr . Chern-Chyi “ C . C .” Chen . Mr . Chen highlighted the strategic location of Taiwan in the Asia Pacific corridor , its highly educated
6 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com workforce and its innovation economy .
The first presentation highlighted efforts underway in “ smart medicine ” such as using a resilient supply chain , artificial intelligence , data , and new research and development in medicines to improve people ’ s health . In fact , Taiwan ’ s handling of the pandemic was touted throughout the world as an example of how to respond to a public health emergency . The second presentation focused on new innovations in the electric vehicle market and the use of technology to improve the development of smart cars . It should be noted that Taiwan is a leader in the production of microchips in the automotive industry .
The event on September 15 , and the celebration in NYC of Taiwan ’ s National Day , mark a continuation of the building of a strong relationship between CIANJ and Taiwan . It should be noted that , during the pandemic , the Importers & Exporters Association of Taipei donated more than 5,000 facial masks to CIANJ , which were then donated to local charities in Bergen County in need of personal protective equipment .
CIANJ was founded in 1927 based on the importance of a free market and on the impact that private sector jobs have on a robust economy . Given this foundation , it makes eminent sense that we partner with countries and chambers like Taiwan and the New Jersey Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce as we promote free enterprise in New Jersey and around the world .
Commerce is truly the international language that brings together people from around
Taiwan ’ s President , Tsai Ing-wen , spoke with pride on Taiwan ’ s National Day about her nation ’ s democratic and free market values , which have built a strong economy and business sector .
the world . We know that a free-market economy spurs innovation and the development of goods and services which improve the quality of life for all people . We look forward to working with our new friends in the months and years to come .
CIANJ President Anthony Russo ( center ) attended the “ InvesTaiwan ” event on Sept . 15 , 2021 , held at the APA Hotel in Woodbridge .
Photo : Voice of America Photo : Taipei Cultural & Economic Office of NYC