Ambassador Paul Chang toasts to the ROC Taiwan National Day.
Taipei Representative Office in Greece held a reception in celebration of the 103rd National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) at Hotel Grand Bretagne on October 8. Greek government officials, parliament members, ambassadors of foreign missions, VIP guests from the business, academic, cultural and media sectors were present at the event.
In his remarks, Taiwan Representative, Ambassador Paul Chang, stated that this is a fruitful year in terms of Taiwan-Greek relationship. To name just a few, three Greek journalists, all from very prominent mainstream media, traveled to Taiwan and have done some first-hand reports on Taiwan. Three delegations of central- and local-level officials also visited Taiwan, attending conferences, expos, and conducting engaging exchanges with their counterparts. On the other hand, the number of Taiwan tourists visiting Greece has tripled from the previous years, a result of visa-waiver to the ROC nationals since 2011 and more flights connecting Athens and Taipei.
Ambassador Chang encouraged Greece to set up a representative office in Taiwan to market Greek products, tourist destinations and promote bilateral exchanges. 19 EU countries have already done so. “Greece should not be without representation at a country which is the world’s 18th importer, the world’s 17th largest exporter and one of the world’s most powerful players in the information and communications technology industry,” he urged.
Dr. Michael Kothris, president of the Taiwan-Greek Friendship Association, was present to offer congratulations. He wished that the two countries can further strengthen substantive relations and engage in more and more people-to-people exchanges.
A huge billboard with a Taiwan hot-air balloon fiesta photo was erected as the main decoration of the site. Old Town Band, a local quartet, was on site to give life performance.
