Tsai awards state honor to USTBC Chairman Emeritus Wolfowitz

2023/02/10

President Tsai Ing-wen awarded Paul Wolfowitz, chairman emeritus of the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council, the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon Feb. 8 for advancing Taiwan-U.S. relations.

According to Tsai, Wolfowitz has made innumerable contributions to the two countries’ economic ties and is a staunch supporter of Taiwan’s democracy.
 
Taiwan and the U.S. have made significant progress in bilateral trade and investment, Tsai said. Two-way trade has increased by 50 percent since 2018, making Taiwan the U.S.’ ninth-largest trading partner, she added.
 
Tsai made the remarks while receiving Wolfowitz and his delegation, which included current USBTC President Rupert Hammond-Chambers, at the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
 
In the face of authoritarian expansionism, Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, Tsai said, adding that the country will also enhance cooperation with the U.S. and other like-minded partners to build resilient supply chains underpinned by democratic values.
 
Tsai also took the opportunity to thank the USTBC for its longstanding support for and confidence in Taiwan.
 
In response, Wolfowitz expressed his deep pride in accepting the honor. The award represents many years of effort working closely with the people and government of Taiwan, despite sometimes being hindered by political circumstances, he added.
 
U.S. business confidence in Taiwan has been increasing during a period when the sentiment has been on the decline in most parts of the world, Wolfowitz said, citing the results of a USTBC survey. Taiwan’s strength and survival depend on a prosperous economy and resilient people, Wolfowitz added, further saying that the USTBC aims to facilitate both. 


Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)