Introduction to the Taipei Representative Office in Denmark
In 1980 the ”Free China Information Office” was established in Copenhagen by the Government Information Office of Taiwan. The same year also saw the establishment of the ”Far East Trade Office” in Copenhagen by the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan. The two offices dealt with information and trade exchange separately. In 1991, in order to strengthen relations with Denmark, Taiwan’s government combined the two Offices and set up the ”Taipei Representative Office in Denmark”. The new office was originally known as the ”Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denmark”, but in 1995 it changed its name to ”Taipei Representative Office in Denmark”. This office also covers relations with Iceland.
The office is divided into three sections: The Public Affairs Division, the Economic Division and the Information Division.
The Public Affairs Division is in charge of contact with relevant Danish ministries, the Danish parliament and other institutions. It also handles consular affairs, such as passports, visas, certifications, and emergency assistance to Taiwanese citizens traveling abroad. It also takes charge of academic exchange and provides various services to overseas Taiwanese in Denmark.
The Economic Division is charged with contact with the Danish ministries of economic and trade affairs, as well as commercial associations, etc. to promote mutual trade and investments. It also provides various services to Taiwanese businessmen here.
The Information Division liaises with the media and provides the latest information about Taiwan’s economic, political, cultural and educational developments, thus deepening the understanding of Taiwan among the Danish people.
The previous representatives of the office were Dr. Stephan C. W. Hsu (1991 - May 1994), Yu-chu Chen (May 1994 – November 2000), Fu-chang Ku (November 2000 – February 2003), Frederic P. N. Chang (February 2003 – July 2007), His-chuan Charles Liu (January 2008 – September 2009), Clark K. H. Chen (September 2009 – August 2012), Lily Li-Wen Hsu (August 2012 – January 2016), Heng-sheng Chuang (January 2016-December 2018). The current representative is Shying-jow Lee.
