The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami held a “Taiwan Day” reception at Miami City Hall on Tuesday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). The act is the cornerstone of Taiwan-US relations in the absence of official diplomatic ties between the two sides.
Office director David Chien expressed his gratitude to the city of Miami for its support. Chien said that Taiwan is the United States’ 11th largest trading partner. He said Taiwan is also Florida’s 6th biggest export market in Asia. Chien said he hopes his office and the Miami city government will continue to cooperate to promote bilateral trade and cultural exchanges.
Meanwhile, Miami City Manager Emilio Gonzalez and Commissioner Wifredo Gort said that Taiwan sets an excellent example for developing countries, and that its democratic values are the foundation for its relations with the US. They also expressed hope that both sides will continue to work together in the interests of freedom and human rights.