Director-General and Mrs. Scott Lai of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston hosted the Celebration of the 106th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) at the Fairmont Copley Plaza on October 4, 2017. More than 700 people attended the reception, including New England State Senators, Representatives, local dignitaries, members of the Consular Corps of Boston, Boston Taiwanese community leaders, scholars and students. The cities of Boston, Newton, Central Falls, Cranston and Worcester all declared or congratulated the celebration of “Republic of China Day.”
The National Day Reception Ceremony opened with singing the National Anthems of the United States and the Republic of China. Mr. Lai led guests to observe a moment of silence for the Las Vegas shooting victims. He mentioned that 38 State Senators and Representatives, 19 government officials, 5 Congressional state or district directors, and 114 scholars visited Taiwan since he took office in 2014. He also received 174 delegations from Taiwan to Boston, totaling more than 1,000 members.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the Founding Father of the Republic of China, led a revolution 106 years ago that resulted in the first-ever democratic republic in Asia. Today, Taiwan continues to serve as a beacon of hope and a model for Chinese people around the world. In 2016, the people of Taiwan elected its first female president Dr. Tsai Ing-wen. As president, Dr. Tsai is committed to upholding Taiwan’s democracy, economic development, and our longstanding friendship with the United States. In May 2017, Taiwan’s top court made a landmark decision by ruling in favor of same-sex marriage, paving the way for Taiwan to become the first in Asia to do so. Progress in Taiwan’s vibrant democracy sets a world class example at many levels.
Mr. Lai also mentioned that Taiwan is the 10th largest trading partner of the U.S., and the U.S. is the 2nd largest trading partner of Taiwan. In 2016, bilateral trade between Taiwan and the U.S. amounted to about $66 billion, which translates to approximately 329,800 jobs across the United States. The U.S. is the second largest investor in Taiwan with an accumulated value of $24 billion.
In March 2016, Taiwan and Massachusetts entered into a Driver’s License Reciprocal Conversion Agreement. As of September, 2017, more than 900 Taiwan driver’s license holders converted to a Massachusetts license. In Taiwan, over 2,000 U.S. drivers converted to a Taiwan driver’s license.
Mr. Lai concluded by expressing his appreciation for guests attending the National Day Reception, and wished that the Republic of China and the United States continue to enjoy an even stronger friendship and close partnership well in the future.
