PR-2414
May 15, 2024

 

AIT Announces Delegation
Representing the American People to Inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te

  The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) is pleased to announce a bipartisan delegation ?representing the American people will attend the May 20, 2024 inauguration of Taiwan President-elect Dr. Lai Ching-te.  In keeping with past precedent, the delegation is comprised of two former U.S. officials, a Taiwan expert, the current AIT Chair, and the AIT Director.   The delegation includes former Assistant to the President and Director of the National Economic Council Brian Deese, former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, and former AIT Chair Richard Bush.  They will be accompanied by AIT Chair Laura Rosenberger and joined by AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk.   During their visit, the delegation will attend the May 20 inauguration ceremony and meet with a range of leading figures.  They will convey congratulations from the American people to Dr. Lai Ching-te on his inauguration as Taiwan’s fifth democratically elected president, and to the Taiwan people for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust democratic system.  The delegation will also emphasize the United Statesâ€?longstanding commitment in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.  

Remarks by AIT Chair Rosenberger  

at the California Chamber of Commerce International Trade Forum�/span> 

1215 K Street Esquire Plaza Building, California Room, 14th Floor, Sacramento 

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 

(as prepared for delivery)  

 

Remarks Title:  The Importance of U.S.-Taiwan Economic Ties

 

�/span>Introduction �/span> 

�/span> 

Good afternoon and thank you to The California Chamber of ?Commerce for inviting me to speak with you all today at the International F?orum.�/span> 

�/span> 

I am speaking to you as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the American Institute in Taiwan, or AIT.  AIT is a non-profit corporation established in 1979 to maintain the Unit??ed States�unofficial relationship with Taiwan.  AIT work??s with partners across the U.S. government to facilitate the United States�“commercial, cultural and other relations�with Taiwan, which are carried out under the auspices of AIT. 

�/span> 

As Chair of the organization, I’m based in Washington, D.C. and travel regularly to Taiwan to engage with Taiwan’s leaders, elected representatives, think tanks, civil society, and business community.â€?I also host senior Taiwan officials when they transit the United States—in fact, my last trips to California were to accompany Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, and later, Vice President and current Taiwan President-elect William Lai on their transits through Los Angeles and San Fr?ancisco.  On these trips, I was inspired to meet a wide range of leaders in California’s gover?nment and industry who are passionate about strengthening ties with Taiwan. â€?/span> 

�/span> 

That’s why it’s wonderful to be here with you today in Sacramento.�The members and leaders of the ?California trade and business community gathered here form the backbone of U.S. economic, cultural, and commercial ties abroad—including with Taiwan �making you key players in the flourishing U.S.-Taiwan economic relationship. �/span> 

�/span> 

We can all appreciate that the business and community ties linking California and Taiwan are longstanding, rich, and highly productive.�From the foundations of Silicon Valley to today’s cutting-edge indu?stries and research, California and Taiwan cont?inue to lead the way in business and tech.�About 90,000 U.S. jobs supported by the trade and investment of Taiwan-affiliated companies are in California, one-third of the nationwide total.  California has the second highest value of exports to Taiwan among U.S. states, is the sixth-largest importer of California goods and services, and the fourth-largest overall importer in Asia.�Taiwan is the eleventh largest source of FDI in California through foreign-owned enterprises.� �/span> 

 

In my conversations here in Sacramento with California industry leaders, political leaders such as Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, and California State Senators and Assembly Members, I’ve been inspired by your depth of engagement with and expertise on Taiwan.  �/span>?? 

�/span> 

Today, I? will first share a bit about the U.S.-Taiwan partnership and U.S. policy toward Taiwan.  I’ll highlight recent wavetops in the U.S.-Taiwan partnership at the federal level, and then delve into the contours of the U.S.-Taiwan economic par??tnership as an area of particular opportunity and momentum.  And lastly, I’ll discuss the broader significance of these growing economic ties for the resilience, stability, and prosperity of Taiwan, the United States, the region, and the world. �/span> 

�/span> 

�/span>Taiwan’s Recent Election and Democratic Strength�/span> 

�/span> 

I ask your indulgence to begin with a quick dose of history.�For more than four decades, the U.S. approach to Taiwan has remained consistent.  We have a longstanding one China policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, Three Joint Communiques, and Six Assurances.  For 45 years, this framework has enabled U.S. engagement with Taiwan to support Taiwan’s growth as a beacon of democracy in the Indo-Pacific and the world; as a thriving vibrant economy;?? as a key destination for and source of U.S. investment; as a technological powerhouse; and, of course, as a close friend of the United States.�/span> 

�/span> 

Ours is a friendship of two like-minded partners and of democracies sharing common values.  Among these values is an appreciation of free and fair elections.  As many of you know, in January, Taiwan held its Presidential and Legislative elections —the island’s eighth free and fair election.  I often say that Taiwan’s democracy is a model for the world, and these most recent elections were yet another example of that.  Notably, this election also saw unprecedented dozens of countries release congratulatory statements in support of Taiwan and its democracy—including Taiwan’s official diplomatic partners and other friends from all around the world, like the United States, the UK, Japan, Australia, the Czech Republic and the Philippines, some of which I believe are in attendance today. In what has been called the year of elections globally, Taiwan’s was the first major electi?on of 2024, and it set a high bar.  �/span> 

�/span> 

Taiwan is consistently ranked as one of the strongest democracies in Asia. �/span>The Economist in its 2023 Democracy Index rankings listed Taiwan tenth globally.  Evidenced previously by its succes??sful COVID-19 response, Taiwan’s strong fabric of civil society, transparent governance, and protections for freedom of expression make Taiwan a model of democracy.  This strong democratic governance is also key to its growth as an innovator with remarkable resilience, making Taiwan a key contributor to a stable global economic environment. �/span> 

�/span> 

Continuity during Taiwan’s Political Transition �/span> 

�/span> 

Immediately following the election, I traveled to Taiwan along with a bipartisan unofficial delegation to convey the congratulations of the American people, and also to underscore continued U.S. bipartisan suppor??t for the U.S.-Taiwan partnership, Taiwan’s political transition, and our expanding cooperation??. �/span> 

�/span> 

Current Vice President Lai is the President-Elect and will be inaugurated on May 20.   The United States looks forward to working with the future Lai administration to advance U.S.-Taiwan ties across many aspects of our relationship: economic, technological, security, cultural, shared value?s, and educational, building on the progress that ?we have made over the years. �/span> 

�/span> 

These initiatives are buoyed by our overarching objective of m??aintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.  Taiwan is a key partner in this effort, and we welcome President-elect Lai’s commitment to maintaining the status quo. �/span> 

�/span> 

To advance this approach, the United States is focused on reinforcing deter??rence in the Indo-Pacific and across the Taiwan Strait.  Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States remains committed to enabling Taiwan to maintain a sufficient s?elf-defense capability.�This includes efforts to bolster Taiwan’s ability to withstand daily pressure and coercion beyond the military space to build broader, society-wide resilience. �/span> 

 

Indeed, maintaining peace and stabi?lity means ensuring Taiwan society is resilient, stron??g, and interconnected: both with the global community and economy.  This means expanding the breadth and depth of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership, raising global awareness of the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, expanding Taiwan’s international space, and, of course, maintaining open lines of communication with Beijing—all of which support our objective of ensuring that cross-Strait differences are resolved peacefully, free from coercion.  �/span> 

�/span> 

 

 �/span> 

U.S.-Taiwan Economic Ties: The State of Play & Taiwan’s Strength�/span> 

�/span> 

Which brings me to my main topic today—U.S.-Taiwan economic ties: a critical shared priority with increasing momentum and opportunity.  Many of you know that business opportunities in Taiwan abound—with a highly educated population of about 23.5 million, Taiwan is an outsized contributor to the global economy.  Taiwan is home to more than half of the global foundry business, and famously produces over 60 percent of the world’s semiconductors, and about 92 percent of advanced chips.�Taiwan is the 8th largest economy in Asia and 20th largest in the world by purchasing power parity. �/span> 

�/span> 

It’s in the U.S. interest to continue to deepen our commercial engagement with Taiwan, which, based on 2023 data, is the United Statesâ€?8th largest trading partner and 6th largest agricultural export market with $127.5 billion in goods traded.â€?Data show that Taiwan’s eco?nomy is growing, and that Taiwan is clearly doing more business globally.â€?The GDP growth estimate this year is just under 5 percent, over 3 percentage points higher than last year.â€?And the annual industrial export values continue to exceed pre-pandemic levels.â€?  â€?/span> 

�/span> 

I’d like to outline what we in W?ashington are doing to broaden and deepen our economic ties with this dynamic partner â€?and then I’ll talk about how the private sector is a critical partner in furthering U.S. efforts.â€??¯â€?/span> 

�/span> 

In June last year, AIT and our Taiwan counterpart, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office,?? or TECRO, signed the first trade agreement under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade.�This high-standard agreement deals with issues important to U.S. business, including reducing red tape and streamlining customs procedures, and facilitating investment and economic opportunities in both markets. Just last week, we held another productive negotiation round in Taipei building toward a second trade agreement in the areas of agriculture, labor, and the environment.    

�/span> 

And there’s much work being done in Taipei, too.  AIT’s office in Taipei has a Foreign Commercial Service team from the Department of Commerce that helps American companies export to Taiwan and Taiwan companies find investment opportunities in the United States.�On the export side, they cover a variety of industry sectors but are strategically focused on exporting cybersecurity and energy solutions, ??semiconductors, next generation telecommunication technologi?es, and drones. �/span> 

�/span> 

[As Deputy Director General Golsen mentioned,] the Department of Commerce hosts the Select??USA Investment Summit every year to attract foreign ??investment to the United States.  Taiwan routinely sends one of the largest �and often the largest �business delegations to this event.�Next month, AIT will lead three delegations from Taiwan to the United States to promote investment and partnership opportunities in biotechnology, semiconductors, and photonics and quantum computing.  The biotechnology delegation will also attend the BIO convention in San Diego next month. 

�/span> 

We are also working to deepen our two-way technological partnership and investment.�In connection with the C??HIPS Act, the United States is welcoming leading edge semiconductor manufacturers from Taiwan to manufacture here in the United States.�Last month, the Commerce department announced preliminary terms of $6.6 billion in direct funding via the CHIPS Act to help fund ?TSMC’s construction of three greenfield leading-edge fabs in Phoenix, Arizona. This is just one aspect of U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on supply chains that, through the CHIPS Act, is unlocking billions of dollars of private sector semiconductor investment across the country, creating approximately 6,000 direct manufacturing jobs, and tens and of thousands more in construction and other indirect jobs. 

�/span> 

And we are looking at ways to address the issue of double taxation on U.S. companies invested in Taiwan and Taiwan companies invested in the United States.  And we support Taiwan’s transition to an energy supply and infrastructure that is not only cleaner but even more robust, stable, and resilient.  �/span>�/span> 

 

Outcomes of This Engagement�/span> 

�/span> 

The momentum generated by these many initiatives, coupled with the natural complementary relationship of our two economies, is bearing fruit.  U.S. Foreign Direct Investment, or FDI, in Taiwan reached $16.7 billion in 2022, and the United States has remained the largest single source of FDI in Taiwan for some time.  The future of these trends looks bright: in AmCham T??aiwan’s 2024 Business Climate Survey, 92 percent of respondents reported they plan to maintain or increase their investment in Taiwan, and 81 percent expressed confidence in Taiwan’s economic growth outlook this year. �/span> 

�/span> 

At the subnational level, U.S. states and localities are establishing and expanding ties with Taiwan at what feels like an unprecedented rate. �The number of state and territory representational offices in Taiwan grew from 6 in 2021 to 23 projected by the end of this year.  And, in 2023, six U.S. governo?rs visited Ta??iwan.�Michigan Governor Whitmer has already visited this year, and we expect to see more governors and state-level officials lead trade and investment delegations to Taiwan this year.   

�/span> 

Taiwan’s ties with other partners are also growing.�In addition to Taiwan’s long-standing free trade agreements with its diplomatic partners, Canada, and the UK in late 2023 signed agreements with Taiwan to strengthen and protect their trade and investment relationships.  Opportunities in Tai??wan’s technology, green energy, cyber, and other sectors have grown alongside an increas??e in global awareness of Taiwan’s global economic stature.  In this post-pandemic period, Taiwan has also witnessed growth in foreign firms�greenfield investments inside Taiwan, including from companies concerned about over-reliance on other supply chains.���/span> 

�/span> 

And to support Taiwan’s increasing economic integration, the United States continues to work to expand Taiwan’s international space—meaning Taiwan’s ability to participate in international organizations in which statehood is not a prerequisite, such as APEC, and to participate as a non-member, where appropriate, in organizations where statehood is a requirement. This also means growing Taiwan’s unofficial ties with other likeminded partners around the world.  With this expansion comes greater people-to-people ties such as educational and cultural exchange between Taiwan and foreign partners–Taiwan is the largest per capita sender of foreign students in the United States, for example. This expansion also enhances Taiwan’s ability to share its technical expertise in global and regional fora and fosters the growing global understanding of the importance of Taiwan and of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.  This rise in awareness has grown substantially in recent years, in part due to Taiwan’s outsized technological and economic heft and increasing trade and investment ties abroad.â€?/span> 

 �/span> 

Broader Significance of Economic Ties�/span> 

�/span> 

The effect of these multiplying economic ties with Taiwan transcends trade or FDI metrics.  This investment and trade with Taiwan is not only a force for prosperity, but a force for peace and stability, too.  Through our expansive economic partnership, we are advancing our shared vision for a more resilient and interconnected Taiwan economy.  As more international, national, local, and industry-level actors increase their engagement with Taiwan, their investment, trade, innovation, and people-to-people ties form a s??trong network of actors who have a stake in Taiwan and Taiwan’s continued success. �/span> 

�/span> 

There is a clear business case for continuing to deepen U.S. trade, investment, and commercial ties with Taiwan.â€?I believe there is also an important strategic case for these efforts– as deepening priva??te sector ties play a cri??tical role in supporting the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.  We all want to see a Taiwan that is more integrated and not isolated, more resilient, and less vulnerable to coercion.  When U.S. businesses pursue opportunities in or with Taiwan, you’re also helping to realize this vision.â€?/span> 

�/span> 

Resilience is an area of increasing focus on Taiwan, where there is an imperative to better resist risks such as pressure and coercion in whatever forms they may take.�This is not an effort that governments can achieve alone. This focus brings with it business opportunities in key sectors, such as in energy infrastructure, communications, and information technology sectors that need to be strengthened, hardened, and generally rendered more resilient against shocks. It is also seen in our focus to build the resilience of critical supply chains.  There’s a natural synergy here:�Taiw?an has goals for resilience, and the private sector can help achieve them.�??/span> 

�/span> 

So, what do I mean by resilience? A colleague of mine imagines the concept of resilience as a trampoline �the more interwoven, interlocking, flexible fibers you have in a trampoline, the more it is able to absorb shocks, and bounce back.  In this metaphor, the fibers in Taiwan’s resilience trampoline include our people-to-people and subnational ties, our shared values, support for a sufficient defense capability, Taiwan’s enga??gement with other global partners and �critically �economic ties. Ensuring that each of these fibers is strong is critical to Taiwan’s resilience. �/span> 

 �/span> 

Let me explain.  Investment, trade, and even economic ties are often visualized as two-dime??nsional: a one or two-way flow of money linking two economies.  Gauged more through dollars than actual impact, this measurement is useful, but does not capture the full picture of outcomes.��/span> 

�/span> 

In reality, our economic ties are multi-dimensional.  Investment and trade interweave and strengthen other aspects of U.S.-Taiwan ties and Taiwan’s ties with the world, building Taiwan’s capacity in key se?ctors and broadening its engagement with the United States and other partners. And these threads are mutually reinforcing in the face of pressure. 

�/span> 

All of the efforts I’ve outlined today: from growing U.S.-Taiwan collaboration to U.S. subnational ties, to the U.S. commit??ment to enhance Taiw??an’s self-defense capability, to allies and partners engagement, to expanding Taiwan’s international space, to U.S.-Taiwan economic ties, comprise the increasingly critical fibers that form Taiwan’s resilience, this strong trampoline. This means the private sector itself forms important fibers, alongside the U.S. government and other allies and partners. This network extends beyond U.S. shores to businesses around the world, too.�/span>  

�/span> 

We saw this resilience in action recently when Taiwan experienced a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, which I happened to be in Taiwan during.�While this earthquake tragically caused loss of life and damage, I was not surprised to see the public’s resilience, the speed and effectiveness of the emergency response services, and the strength and durability of Taiwan’s infrastructure.�In turn, many of Taiwan’s key industries were able to co??ntinue operations critical to global supply chains, once again highlighting Taiwan’s resilience as a force for global economic stability.  This was a result of years of work on preparedness and resilience by Taiwan at all levels and sectors.  

�/span> 

And beyond contributing to stability, I think some of you know that Taiwan is a regular,? generous contributor to addressing global challenges �from providing relief during natural disasters and pandemics, to identifying risks to our societies through advanced research and joint proj??ects. In short, a resilient Taiwan is a Taiwan that in turns actively enhances the strength, resilience, and stability of the region and world.�/span> 

�/span> 

Conclusion 

The bottom line is that opportunities abound with Taiwan, and the effects of your ties to T?aiwan transcend the prosperity, inno??vation, and technological advancement that is a natural outcome of your engagement. 

There’s a reason why I’m giving this speech in?? Sacramento and not Washington, D.C. It’s because, as I’ve noted, this is not an effort that the government can achieve alone.�As leaders in California’s business community, you form an increasingly critical fiber of this e??ffort.  You all are the key drivers of this economic engagement, prosperity, innovation, and resilience building.  Your ongoing engagement with Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific region, and across the world is powerful and useful.�For my part, I am thrilled to think about the many opportunities the California business community has yet to explore with Taiwan.  �/span> 

So, thank you for your engagement, for your attention today, and for your contribut?ions to enhancing the resilience, stability, and prosperity of Taiwan, the United States, the region, and the world.�I wish you all ?continued success. 

�/span> 

 

FOOTNOTES:�/span> 

�/span> 

(Source: Economist Intelligence Unit 2022 De??mocracy Index rankin??g) 

Request for Expression of Interest

  The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) is seeking a qualified vendor to manage a food services concession at AIT’s cafeteria in its Taipei office. Interested vendors should meet the following minimum qualifications:  

1. Have proficiency in English-language speaking and writing;
2. Have an established business with a permanent address and telephone listing;
3. Be able to demonstrate prior experience with suitable references when required;
4. Have necessary personnel, equipment, and financial resources available to perform the work;
5. Have all licenses and permits required by local law and AIT;
6. Meet all local insurance requirements;
7. Have at least five years experience in a related field;
8. Have no adverse criminal record;
9. Have no political or business affiliation which could be considered contrary to the interests of AIT.

 

Qualified vendors, please contact Ms. Leslie Tang by emailing to flamengo x fluminense:AITEAStoreManager@state.gov between 5/1/??24-5/24/24 to obtain more detailed information.

OT-2406
May 2, 2024

 

Taiwan as an Observer at the 77^th World Health Assembly

 Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

May 1, 2024

  New and existing threats to global health demand broad international cooperation.  Beginning May 27, the World Health Organization (WHO) will hold its annual World Health Assembly (WHA) where Member State delegates and health experts from around the world will discuss priorities for advancing global health and global health security.  Taiwan participated as an observer to the WHA from 2009 to 2016 without objection but has since been excluded from these meetings.   The United States strongly encourages the WHO to reinstate an invitation to Taiwan to participate as an observer at this year’s WHA so the world may once again benefit from Taiwan’s expertise and experience.  Taiwan’s exceptional capabilities and approaches offer considerable value to inform the WHA’s deliberations.  Time and again, Taiwan has demonstrated a capability and willingness to help address global health crises and support the global health community.  

We commend the WHO for taking steps to engage Taiwan more meaningfully in its technical work over the past year and for improving lines of communication.  Yet Taiwan’s continued exclusion from this preeminent global health forum undermines inclusive global public healt??h cooperation and security, which the world demands â€?and urgently needs.  Inviting Taiwan to observe the WHA is a critically important step toward affirming the WHO’s goal of “Health for All.â€?/p>   Our support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international fora is in line with our one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances.  

PR-2413
April 27, 2024

 

United States and Taiwan to Hold Negotiating Round
for the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21^st Century Trade

 

WASHINGTON �The United States and Taiwan, under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), will hold another in-person negotiating round for the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21^st Century Trade in Taipei, Taiwan, beginning A?pril 29, 2024.

  The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will lead the U.S. delegation as the designated representative of AIT.  The U.S. delegation will be led by Assistant United States Trade Representative for China, Mongolia and Taiwan Affairs Terry McCartin and will include representatives from other U.S. government agencies.  

The delegations are expected to discuss several of the trade areas set forth in the initiative’s flamengo x fluminense:negotiating mandate.

  These meetings will be closed press. Additional details about subsequent negotiating rounds will be provided at a later date.   This negotiating round comes after the two sides concluded an initial agreement under the initiative covering customs administration and trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, services domestic regulation, anticorruption, and small- and medium-sized enterprises.  As a result of this agreement, U.S. businesses will be able to bring more products to Taiwan and customers there, while creating more transparent and streamlined regulatory procedures that can facilitate investment and economic opportunities in both markets, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises.  

The first agreement was signed by representatives of AIT and TECRO on June 1, 2023. The text of this agreement can be found on flamengo x fluminense:USTR’s website.

  These trade negotiations are being conducted consistent with the United Statesâ€?one China p??olicy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances.

OT-2405
April 19, 2024

 

Remarks by AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk
at AmCham-AIT DEIA Celebration Forum  

April 18, 2024

(As Prepared)

AmCham President Patrick Lin, AmCham Board Chair Dan Silver, distinguished guests, colleagues, friends, good morning!   It is wonderful to be here today for the inaugural AmCham-AIT Taiwan DEIA Celebration Forum and to kick off what I know will be a long-term, impactful collaboration between AmCham, AIT, and the U.S. business community in Taiwan to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in our workplaces and beyond.   This is an issue that is close to my heart.  The seeds of this initiative were planted at last year’s Hsieh Nien Fan dinner.  At that event, I outlined a vision for AIT, AmCham, and U.S. businesses to engage in meaningful discussions and share best practices on how to empower our workforces, retain top talent, and create a climate where all voices â€?especially those that have been historically marginalized â€?are valued, celebrated, and empowered.   Today, I’m proud to see that vision for a better, more inclusive future taking shape.   It is powerful to see all of you gathered here today with a shared purpose: to demonstrate your support for pushing this initiative forward and for prioritizing DEIA within your organizations and your communities.   I believe that this is precisely the right time to launch this collaboration.   In 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order that stated that all U.S. federal agencies must provide resources and opportunities to advance DEIA.   Within the Department of State and other U.S. foreign affairs agencies, recognition has been building for years that an organization that better represents America in all of its facets leads to stronger, smarter, and more creative foreign policy.   One of our main challenges has been the need to translate those ideals to environments overseas â€?each with their own unique societies and cultures.  This is a challenge that the U.S. government, civil society and the business community share.  We have a lot to learn from each other.   It is also exactly the right place to launch this initiative.   Taiwan is, as we all know, a regional and global leader in promoting human rights, freedom, and equality.  It remains the only place in Asia that has legalized same-sex marriage, and has the highest rate of female participation in elected office in Asia.  I knew that if this initiative could succeed anywhere, it would be in Taiwan.   Through the success of this initiative, we have the opportunity to model for the region and for the world how the public and private sectors can partner to create diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible workplaces and the benefits they can bring.   Over the past year, we have made significant strides in this collaboration.  From welcoming AmCham’s “NextGenâ€?leaders to AIT to discuss DEIA, to the first-ever joint AIT-AmCham marching contingent in the Taipei Pride Parade, to Lavender Thursdays networking events, to support for several successful Women in Tech events, we are, together, actively working towards creating inclusive spaces, celebrating diversity, and empowering historically marginalized voices.   Within AIT, our internal DEIA work is guided by the pillars of intentionality, transparency, and accountability.   We have focused on intentionally bringing DEIA into everything that we do, from inclusive hiring, to supply chain diversification, to ensuring our facilities are accessible to all.   We have conducted surveys and listening sessions and have created anonymous feedback channels that allow us to better understand and respond to the needs of our diverse community.   By integrating DEIA into the performance criteria of American officers, we are holding individuals accountable to these important principles.   Looking ahead, we have ambitious goals for the future.  We want to continue collaborating with AmCham and with all of you on DEIA-related programs and trainings.  We also want to create more opportunities for knowledge sharing on how to translate U.S. standards on DEIA and Equal Employment Opportunity into the Taiwan cultural and regulatory context.   As the Director of AIT, one of my strategic priorities is strengthening the trade and investment and people-to-people ties between the United States and Taiwan.  We at AIT and the Department of State believe that advancing DEIA is central to achieving this goal.  By embracing these tenets, we not only do smarter and more creative work, but we can also better handle the challenges of tomorrow.  We can also ensure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute and develop their talents. Including all voices ensures the best possible outcome â€?you never know where the next great idea is going to come from.   I encourage all of you, and your companies, to join us in this effort.  In the words of esteemed advocate for disability rights, Hellen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.â€?Let us continue to work together towards a more inclusive and equitable world.   Thank you, and I look forward to the enriching discussions ahead.

Solicitation No. TPE200-24-Q-0017

  The American Institute in Taiwan (hereinafter referred to as AIT) has a requirement for a firm to densify an existing office space in Neihu District, Taipei, Taiwan; estimated construction cost is between $250,000 and $500,000 in USD. A design for the project already exists; AIT requires construction services to execute the design.   The contract will be a firm-fixed-price contract. All firms that respond to the solicitation must be technically qualified and financially responsible to perform the work. At a minimum, each offeror must meet the following requirements when submitting their proposal:   · Be fluent in English; · Have an established business with a permanent address and telephone listing; · Be able to demonstrate prior construction experience with suitable references; · Have good experience and past performance records (at least five years) in office renovation; · Have the necessary personnel, equipment, and financial resources available to perform the work; · Have all licenses and permits required by local law; · Meet all local insurance requirements; · Have no adverse criminal record; and · Have no political or business affiliation which could be considered contrary to the interests of AIT.   If a firm is interested in competing for this requirement, please read the following documents prior to contacting AIT Procurement (Taipei_Procurement@state.gov) during office hours Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm before May 26, 2024 to sign up for the pre-proposal site visit and conference.

Link: TPE200-24-Q-0017 Office Densification Construction – OneDrive (live.com)

  TPE200-24-Q-0017 Solicitation TPE200-24-Q-00??17 Attachment 4-1 Drawings (AIT-ARCH) TPE200-24-Q-0017 Attachment 4-2 Drawings (AIT-MEP)

RFQ No. TPE200-24-Q-0011

  The American Institute in Taiwan (hereinafter referred to as ‘AITâ€? has a requirement for firm to provide Pest Control services for AIT Taipei Office, AIT Kaohsiung Office and AIT residences. The general work requirements include 1)          Animal/insect suppression and insect/fungi control; 2) Pest control; 3) Utilization of rodent bait stations; 4) Insecticide spraying, 5) Stray cats/dogs control and 6) snake control.   The Contract will be an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity) type contract with fixed unit price per labor/material categories. All offerors that respond to this RFQ must be technically qualified and financially responsible to perform the work. At a minimum, each offeror must meet the following requirements when submitting their proposal.  

1. Have an established business with a permanent address and telephone listing;
2. Be able to provide list of clients over the past five years, demonstrating prior experience with relevant past performance information and reference. Clients of local government or top 500 companies are preferable;
3. Have the necessary personnel, equipment and financial resources available to perform the work. Be able to provide copies of Labor and Health Insurance of pest control technicians specifying enrollment dates. All technicians should be full-time employees of the Contractor;
4. Hold all licenses and permits required by local law;
5. Possess the required certificates for this project including Pest Control Operator Permit, Level A for Labor Safety and Health Management, Pest Control Professional Technician Certificate and Labor Safety and Health Training Certificate;
6. Fulfill all local insurance requirements;
7. Maintain a clean criminal record without adverse incidents;
8. Demonstrate no political or business affiliation which could be considered contrary to the interests of AIT;

 

If a firm is interested in competing for this requirement, please read the following documents prior to contacting flamengo x fluminense:AIT Procurement during office hours Mon?day through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm before April 24, 2024 to sign up for the pre-proposal conference.

 

Link:

 

• flamengo x fluminense:TPE200-24-Q-0011?? RFQ package
• flamengo x fluminense:NDAA Vendo?r Certification Form

RFQ No. TPE200-24-Q-0025

 

The American Institute in Taiwan (hereinafter referred to as AIT) has a requirement for an insurance company to provide Auto Liability Insurance for 63 official vehicles.  All insurance companies that respond to the advertisement must be technically qualified and financially responsible to provide the service.  The award will go to the lowest priced, technically acceptable offer. At a?? minimum, each offeror must meet the following requirements:

 

1. Have an established business with a permanent address and telephone listing;
2. Be able to demonstrate prior experience with suitable references;
3. Be able to provide auto liability insurance which has been approved by the Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission (金管�;
4. Have good experience and past performance records (at least five years) in the insurance industry;
5. Have the necessary personnel, equipment, and financial resources available to perform the work;
6. Have all licenses and permits required by Taiwan law;
7. Meet all Taiwan insurance requirements;
8. Have no adverse criminal record; and
9. Have no political or business affiliation which could be considered contrary to the interests of AIT;

 

If an insurance company is interested in competing for this requirement, please contact flamengo x fluminense:AIT Procurement by

e-mail during office hours Monday? through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm before April 19, 2024, to obtain more information.

PR-2412
April 6, 2024

 

AIT Chair Concludes Visit to Taiwan  

American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chair Laura Rosenberger visited Taiwan from March 31 to April 6, 2024. While in Taiwan, Chair Rosenberger met with a range of senior Taiwan leaders:  President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, National Security Council Secretary General Wellington Koo, Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng, Minister of Interior Lin Yu-chang, and Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua, as well as with Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim.   The Chair was also honored to meet with political party and elected legislative leaders from across the politic??al spectrum: Legislative Yuan President and Speaker Han Kuo-yu, Legislative Yuan Vice President and Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang, and Co-Vice Chairs of the cross-party Legislative Yuan USA Caucus. The Chair also met with KMT Vice Chair Andrew Hsia, TPP Chair Ko Wen-je, and scholars and experts representing a range of political backgrounds. The Chair also toured the National Palace Museum and met with its Director, Hsiao Tsung-huang.   Following the earthquake on April 3, Chair Rosenberger extended the United Statesâ€?deepest condolences to everyone affected by the earthquake.  In all of her engagements, the Chair underscored U.S. support for Taiwan and the growing U.S. Taiwan partnership. The Chair also exchanged views with Taiwan counterparts on ways to continue collaboration on a wide range of issues of importance to both the United States and Taiwan.