桃園市政府秘書處

On November 14, Taoyuan City Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan, Guam Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins from Texas, Alameda County First District Supervisor David Haubert and San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe from California, and Executive Mayor Horatio Hendricks of Kouga Municipality from Eastern Cape, South Africa attended the 2022 International Local Government Leadership Dialogue. They exchanged views on issues such as industrial development, sustainability, cultural diversity, and airport cities in hopes of creating more cooperation opportunities in these fields in the future.

Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan stated that Taoyuan is home to Taiwan's international airport, which is why integrating the concept of airport economics in the city is the development goal of Taoyuan and the right path to take.

As Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the busiest airport in the United States, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins hopes to push for a direct flight route between Dallas and Taoyuan International Airport together with the local Taiwanese community.

According to San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe, the global pandemic has taken a toll on Ontario International Airport. Airport cities everywhere will have to face the problem of how to increase airport cargo and passenger capacity and promote free trade to ensure the free flow of goods.

Mayor Cheng said, "Taoyuan is a major hub for semiconductor, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. As the city develops its industries, it is dedicated to promoting its resilience and smart governance. In the face of extreme climate change, Taoyuan has set the goal towards low-carbon and net-zero emissions. Embracing the concept of circular economy, industrial transformation, and green energy will turn Taoyuan into a livable city." He then added that Taoyuan has made preparations to brace for the impact of growing tensions in the region. The recent announcement of TSMC's decision to build a plant in Taoyuan shows that the city boasts excellent development potential. Through this leadership dialogue, the mayor hopes to elevate Taoyuan's visibility in the international arena.

He also mentioned that Taoyuan's cultural diversity has allowed individuals of different ethnic groups or nationalities to find a place for development in Taoyuan.

Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert pointed out that Alameda County is the fourth largest culturally diverse city in the US, and different cultures can complement each other to become the city's strength.

Director-General Jay Yen believes that having leaders of Taoyuan's sister cities at the International Local Government Leadership Dialogue and exchanging views at this physical event is meaningful to the development of city diplomacy. In addition, Taoyuan City Government and the American Institute in Taiwan are currently co-hosting the "U.S.-Taiwan Education Initiative: Building Sister School Partnerships." Members of the delegation also will share at the event how cities in the US foster policies for international education. He looks forward to having more exchanges and collaboration with other countries to elevate Taoyuan's global presence.