Jared (Chu-en) Lin has stepped into his role as the new director-general at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECRO) in Atlanta against a backdrop of global uncertainty facing Taiwan.
Arriving in Midtown Atlanta, Mr. Lin replaces Elliot Yi-lung Wang, who recently concluded five years in Atlanta that began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Taiwan’s economy, a crucial player in international manufacturing and supply chains, is currently experiencing a slowdown due to various challenges, including tariffs imposed by the United States and increased threats from China.
President Donald Trump announced a 20 percent tariff on Taiwan on August 7, highlighting ongoing discussions aimed at reducing this rate.
Despite Taiwan’s semiconductor giant TSMC announcing a substantial investment of $165 billion in the U.S. with the establishment of a massive complex in Arizona, the island continues to face significant economic pressures.
In his new position, Mr. Lin plans to focus on cultivating goodwill and engaging with local communities across business, trade, and culture in the six states under TECRO’s purview, which includes Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
He aims to showcase Taiwan as not only an essential economic partner but also as a bastion of democracy in Asia and a vibrant tourist destination.
Before taking on his role in Atlanta, Mr. Lin served in Taipei, where he was responsible for European affairs as deputy director-general in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
His previous experience also includes a five-year term in Brussels from 2006 to 2011, where he obtained a master’s degree in European politics from the University of Leuven in Belgium.
During his time in Brussels, Mr. Lin dedicated much of his efforts to advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations that have excluded it due to China’s objections.
The government of China views Taiwan as a rebellious province, leading to various diplomatic hurdles for the island.
Mr. Lin reflected on the irony of Taiwan’s struggles for participation in agencies like Interpol and the World Health Organization, especially as these institutions face their own challenges to credibility.
“That’s ironic: We want to participate in Interpol, but Interpol is losing credibility, and the same thing with WHO,” Mr. Lin remarked, emphasizing the dual approach of pursuing inclusion while recognizing the benefits to Taiwan.
As Mr. Lin embarks on his journey in the Southeast, he acknowledges a learning curve ahead, having never previously worked in the region.
Nevertheless, he brings valuable experience from his tenure with Stanley Kao, Taiwan’s former top representative in the U.S., who is fond of Atlanta.
He has also spent two years working under former TECRO Representative Bi-Khim Hsiao, who was elected Taiwan’s vice president last year under President Lai Ching-te.
Ms. Hsiao’s visit to Atlanta in 2022 is part of a tradition among her predecessors who have actively engaged with the local Taiwanese community, particularly at Georgia Tech, known for its strong alumni connections to Taiwan.
Looking forward, Mr. Lin is eager to explore collaborative opportunities between Taiwan and the Southeastern United States.
“This region is full of vitality and opportunity, with thriving communities and emerging industries,” he stated in a welcome message on Facebook.
“Taiwan has long enjoyed close ties with the region, and I’m ready to take this cordial relationship to the next level.”
Mr. Lin’s plans include frequent travel throughout the Southeast to solidify connections and foster partnerships that benefit both Taiwan and the region.
“That’s what I’m here for,” he concluded, signaling a commitment to enhancing Taiwan’s presence and influence in the local landscape.
image source from：globalatlanta
