On September 23, Director General Steven Tai addressed the Columbia World Affairs Council as part of their Distinguished Speaker Series. DG Tai and Director Peter Chiou went to Columbia, SC for the event, which was attended by more than 30 people. Guests included Sergio Aparicio, Economic Development Business Development Manager, Office of Economic Development; Paul Livingston, a member of the Richland County Council; Dr. Robert Cox, Director of the Walker Institute, University of South Carolina; Dr. Karl Wright, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Claflin University; and Joe Pearson of BB&T International Service.
DG Tai's presentation, “Taiwan and the USA: Partners in Prosperity, Allies for Democracy,” emphasized the longstanding history of friendship, cultural exchange, and trade between Taiwan and the US. He noted that trade between the two nations reached $66.6 billion last year, with Taiwan becoming the United States' ninth-largest trading partner.
The Director General noted that last May, Taiwan inaugurated its first woman president, Tsai Ing-wen, and that under her leadership, Taiwan will continue its role as a responsible global citizen. He noted that Taiwan will continue to seek international support for its membership in UN specialized agencies including the International Civil Aviation Organization.
DG Tai told the audience that TECO promotes friendship, trade and cultural exchange between Taiwan and the six Southeastern states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. He encouraged them to contact the office if it could be of service to them.