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Understanding Taiwan: Tiny Island, Big Economy

The World Affairs Council began the new year by welcoming Director General Daniel T.C. Liao to speak at their January 10th event. As the current Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston, Mr. Liao spoke about Taiwan's current role in the global community.

Liao also talked about how the United States provided for the country’s youth to create an “economic miracle”, a technological boom that is responsible for making the tiny country the 19th largest economy in the world.

Taiwan (officially the Republic of China) is an island that plays a role in the world far greater than its tiny size would indicate. With the Asia Pacific region now making headlines daily and with the United States choosing a policy “pivot” toward Asia, this program comes at a time when Taiwan’s relevance in world affairs has never been greater.

Taiwan and the U.S. have long had a strong friendship and close partnership. Last November, Taiwan was granted entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, making the country the 37th passport to enjoy visa-free status – a move which is expected to increase tourism to the U.S. from Taiwan.

Director General Liao will speak about the current position of Taiwan with an eye to the future, focusing on relevant political, economic, strategic, and cultural considerations.

The World Affairs Council of San Antonio is a not-for-profit, non-partisan, citizen’s educational forum that meets monthly to discuss important foreign policy issues. The mission of the World Affairs Council is to promote public understanding of world affairs and United States foreign policy and to enhance the ability of its citizens and future leaders to participate in a global community. We accomplish our mission by presenting a Distinguished Speaker lecture series, holding receptions, organizing discussion groups, sponsoring educational outreach programs to area high schools and universities, and hosting deliberative sessions for young professionals. Meet ambassadors, authors, government officials, scholars, and entrepreneurs from around the world, and mingle with other global citizens like you, who are part of San Antonio’s growing international community.