TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tainan Deputy Mayor Yeh Tse-shan (葉澤山) met Leuven City Councilor Liao Yu-chun (廖祐均) on Wednesday to discuss closer cooperation in culture, education, research, technology, and sustainability.
Accompanied by Belgian Office Taipei Director Matthieu Branders and Flanders Investment and Trade official Doris Wu (吳良鈺), Liao met Tainan officials responsible for international relations and cultural heritage. The two sides exchanged ideas on the arts, scientific research, tourism promotion, and possible joint projects.
Yeh said Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest cultural center and a major technology hub in southern Taiwan, CNA reported. He said the city is developing its semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, green energy, smart city, and net-zero industries.
Leuven is home to KU Leuven and is known for scientific research and innovation. Yeh said the two cities could expand cultural cooperation as Leuven seeks the European Capital of Culture title for 2030.
Liao said Tainan and Leuven share historic sites, distinctive cultural identities, and well-known local cuisine. She said Tainan’s historical links with the Netherlands and Leuven’s location in Belgium’s Dutch-speaking region could provide a foundation for future exchanges.
Yeh praised Liao’s experience in sustainable development, science policy, and international cooperation. He said he hoped she would help deepen ties between the two cities in culture, education, technology, and sustainability.
Leuven is a major university and innovation center with strengths in life sciences, semiconductors, AI, and startups. Tainan and Leuven established sister-city relations on March 5, 1993.
