In celebration of the 105th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Toronto (Toronto TECO) hosted a reception on October 7 at The Ritz-Carleton Toronto. Some 500 distinguished guests, including Canadian politicians, members of diplomatic corps, and leaders from academia, media, business, and Taiwanese communities joined the celebration. The atmosphere was warm and exciting.

In her welcome remarks, Catherine Y. M. Hsu, Director General of Toronto TECO pointed out that the people of Taiwan this year elected the first female President in the ROC history peacefully, and completed a third peaceful transfer of political power, symbolizing Taiwan’s mature democracy. Taiwan in the future will continue upholding freedom, democracy, rule of law, human rights and other common values, and maintain close cooperation with Canada on the basis of mutual benefit and interest. Moreover, Taiwan will also promote “Steadfast Diplomacy” to overcome challenges and continue seeking participation in international organizations or mechanisms, such as TPP, RCEP, WHA, ICAO, APEC and INTERPOL.

In her remarks, DG Hsu also mentioned that the new government would actively promote the New Southbound Policy, and enhance relations with members of ASEAN, South Asian countries, New Zealand, and Australia to build up close cooperation and create common prosperity. Moreover, building on the existing basis, Taiwan government will actively cooperate with other members of the international community to solve the emergent global issues. Taiwan’s efforts will include sharing democratic experience, supporting humanitarian and medical aids, promoting disease prevention and research, participating in joint endeavors to fight against transnational crimes. More importantly, Taiwan will also advance peace and stability in the international arena so as to become an indispensable and respectable member of the international community.

DG Hsu emphasized that Taiwan’s new government would adopt a development strategy of “bringing together local regions, linking up with the world, and connecting with the future” to build Taiwan as an island of innovation and to drive Taiwan’s next wave of industrial growth, helping realize the vision of a digital nation and smart island. Building on this basis, the government will further promote five major innovative industries—an Asian silicon valley (IT), smart machinery, green energy, biomedicine, and national defense.

DG Hsu also told the audience that Taiwan is Canada’s fifth largest trading partner in Asia. The Taiwan government will continue to promote exchanges and cooperation in the fields of trade, academia, culture and tourism to further strengthen bilateral relations between Taiwan and Canada.

The banquet hall was decorated with poster stands and photos promoting the main themes of this year’s National Day celebration: “free democracy,” “international participation” and “five major innovative industries.” In addition, colourful and well-printed pamphlets “The Republic of China at a Glance” were also displayed and distributed. Moreover, special arrangement was made to introduce to the guests Taiwan’s award-winning KA VA Lan whisky. Besides gourmet food and fine wine, the reception also featured a live concert performed by the Toronto Taiwanese Chamber Orchestra. The celebration lasted for 3 hours and ended on a high note.

National Day reception attracts some 500 distinguished guests. Some of them are on the stage, toasting with DG Hsu.

The reception features a live concert performed by the Toronto Taiwanese Chamber Orchestra.

The attendees include leaders of the Taiwanese communities in the Greater Toronto Area.

Leaders of the Taiwanese communities in Waterloo, Ontario also join the celebration.

Retired actress Ling Po (3rd from the left) and her husband Chin Han (2nd from the right) show up and pose with DG Hsu (3rd from the right).

Young entrepreneurs from the local Taiwanese communities attend the event and pose with DG Hsu (centre).

Staff members of Toronto TECO join together in a group photo.