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.