TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan showcased its economic strength at the Asian Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce meeting on Monday (Dec. 2). 

The organization, supported by former Vice President Vincent Siew (蕭萬長), was founded in Taipei in 1993. It promotes cooperation among Taiwanese businesses in Asia, protects their rights, and develops international markets.

The annual meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur from Friday to Monday, with nearly 1,000 Taiwanese businesspeople in attendance. Legislative Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣), Overseas Community Affairs Council Deputy Minister Ruan Jhao-syong (阮昭雄), Economic Affairs Deputy Minister Chen Cheng-chi (陳正祺), and Straits Exchange Foundation Secretary-General Lo Wen-jia (羅文嘉) attended the meeting, per CNA. 

Asian Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Chair Lin Kai-min (林凱民) said the organization is a bridge for deepening trade ties between Taiwan and Asia. Taiwan's trade with 19 Asian countries reached NT$10.1 trillion (US$312.3 billion) in 2023. 

According to Taiwan’s envoy in Malaysia Phoebe Yeh (葉非比), Taiwan and Malaysia's bilateral trade hit NT$850.5 billion last year. Taiwan is Malaysia's fifth-largest trading partner.

“In response to the nation’s New Southbound Policy, the commerce chamber can assist Taiwan enterprises in expanding their business in Southeast Asian markets,” Lin said. 

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has previously praised Taiwan's New Southbound Policy and pledged further promotion.