桃園市政府秘書處

Taoyuan City Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan is leading the municipal delegation to visit the United States from July 6 to July 17, 2019. On the morning of July 9 (US time), Mayor Cheng attended a scholar breakfast meeting where participants had an in-depth discussion on issues such as the US-China trade war, the current situation of Taiwan’s higher education, and future international situation. Participants included President Neal Smatresk of the University of North Texas, Chancellor Gary Cook of Dallas Baptist University, Dean Jennifer Holmes of the School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas, Dean Dennis Kratz of the School of Arts and Humanities at the University of Texas at Dallas, Dean Han Chen Huang of the College of Engineering at the University of North Texas, Vice President Randy Byers for International Affairs at Dallas Baptist University, Professor Harold Tanner of History at the University of North Texas, and Director Monique Wedderburn of the University of Texas Dallas Asia Center.

Mayor Cheng later on visited Executive Vice President John Ackerman of Global Strategy and Development at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. During the visit, Mayor Cheng stated that “Airport Economics” is about driving the overall development of a city with benefits brought by an airport, and that it is the key to Taoyuan promoting the Aerotropolis project.

Mayor Cheng said that Taoyuan can have an extensive bilateral exchange with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on the Aerotropolis project because the two areas have a lot in common. Taoyuan is an airport city whereas Dallas Airport is the transportation hub of the United States and they both are convenient airline hubs. In addition, Taoyuan International Airport set up an approximately 120-hectare free trade zone and industry zone for businesses at its peripheral area. After listening to the presentation on the development plan of Dallas Airport, Mayor Cheng said that he believes that Taoyuan Airport will be the best partner of Dallas Airport in Asia. The two airports can have more exchange on their development plans in the future. He also hopes that this will increase the competitiveness of Taoyuan Airport globally.

Mayor Cheng pointed out that Dallas Airport was recently awarded the World’s Best Airport of 2019. Dallas Airport is like a small city with independent police and fire facilities and comprehensive infrastructure and functions. Taoyuan can really learn from it. After the meeting, Executive Vice President John Ackerman took the municipal delegation for the fire drill and showed them fire emergency measures.

Mayor Cheng said that he recommends the operation team of Taoyuan Airport to visit Dallas Airport, and he would love to see opportunities of cooperation in the future. After the visit, Mayor Cheng invited Executive Vice President John Ackerman to visit Taiwan and feel the charm of Taoyuan. Mayor Cheng expresses his gratitude toward the Greater Dallas Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce (GDTCC) for their effort in the Greater Dallas Area in the past thirty years and for their assistance in arranging relevant activities in Dallas so that the visit can be smooth and fruitful. President Suzanne Chen of GDTCC, Director Helene Lee of GDTCC Sister City Committee, Honorary Chair Dr. Charles Ku, and Director General Peter Chen of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston all joined the visit.