From strengthening economic and diplomatic ties to fostering cultural and educational exchanges, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Atlanta played a pivotal role throughout 2024 in promoting Taiwan’s interests across the Southeastern United States.
As we look back at 2024 and ahead to 2025, TECO’s efforts to expand Taiwan’s presence and influence in the region reflect Taiwan’s growing relationships in culture, business, education and diplomacy.
Community Engagement
TECO has maintained a strong presence within the Taiwanese-American community in Atlanta, organizing events that celebrate Taiwanese culture while providing services to Taiwanese nationals.
The Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA), a program designed to connect second- and third-generation Taiwanese youth with their cultural heritage, was a success in 2024. The program provided opportunities for young Taiwanese-Americans to engage with their roots through educational and cultural activities.
TECO facilitated a variety of cultural activities in the Southeast, including the “Taste of Taiwan” initiative, where Taiwanese chefs showcased traditional cuisine at events in Atlanta and Raleigh, N.C.
Other cultural performances such as Taiwan’s Tendrum Art Percussion Group and Puppet & Its Double Theater were held in Atlanta and Cary, N.C., blending traditional and contemporary Taiwanese arts.
TECO was also proactive in disaster relief, demonstrating Taiwan’s commitment to the region through significant donations. In 2024, TECO provided $200,000 to Georgia’s Red Cross and $300,000 to the state of North Carolina to aid recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
In addition to organizing cultural celebrations like the Lunar New Year Festival in Atlanta which featured traditional dances, Taiwanese food vendors and cultural exhibitions, TECO continues to provide consular services to Taiwanese nationals, ensuring passport issuance and offering emergency assistance when needed.
Economic Diplomacy and Business Ties
In 2024, TECO was influential in strengthening Taiwan’s trade relationships with several Southeastern states. We facilitated South Carolina and Taiwan to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU), following Kentucky’s lead from 2023, to further economic and trade cooperation.
We played an important role in encouraging North Carolina and South Carolina state governments to open Taiwan offices, which foster direct connections with Taiwanese companies. A visit by a SelectUSA delegation from Taiwan’s electric vehicle (EV) sector to North and South Carolina in 2023 was crucial for their decisions. Twenty-three American states and Guam have opened representative offices in Taiwan, and similar initiatives are planned for other states.
We encourage all state governments to open Taiwan offices, which is the best way to meet Taiwan’s companies and government agencies directly. If any state intends to set up an office in Taiwan, we could provide logistics and consultant assistance.
Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs
TECO has been a strong advocate for educational exchanges between Taiwan and institutions in the Southeastern U.S. The Taiwan Center at Auburn University, established in 2021, continued to offer Mandarin courses and promote Taiwanese culture through seminars and student exchanges.
In partnership with local Chinese language schools such as Atlanta Chinese School and Tzuchi Academy, TECO’s cultural center also sponsored Mandarin programs for Taiwanese-American students and others interested in learning the language.
In 2024, we organized delegations of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including Morehouse College, to visit Taiwan. These trips provided the students with a comprehensive understanding of Taiwanese culture, politics and society and fostered new bonds between communities.
TECO also sponsored students through programs like Mosaic Taiwan, which offers young leaders from the U.S. and Canada to participate in workshops, lectures and cultural activities to learn about Taiwan’s role in global affairs.
Diplomatic Milestones
TECO celebrated a significant diplomatic anniversary in 2024: the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. I delivered speeches at the state assemblies of Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and other Southeastern states, reinforcing Taiwan’s strong ties with the region.
Six state assemblies passed resolutions advocating for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and reaffirmed their support for Taiwan’s democratic values.
TECO also played a role in forming the Southeastern State Legislative Taiwan Caucus (SESTC), which now includes 361 members from various state legislatures that will further promote legislative support for Taiwan’s political and economic interests in the region.
Looking Ahead to 2025
TECO’s 2024 achievements laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration between Taiwan and the U.S. Southeast in the coming year.
As we prepare for 2025, our office’s priorities remain aligned with Taiwan’s “Integrated Diplomacy” strategy, focusing on value-based diplomacy, alliance building and economic cooperation.
TECO’s key initiatives will include further promoting cultural, educational and business exchanges, while reinforcing diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Southeastern U.S.
Visit TECO at 1180 West Peachtree St., Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30309, or contact us at (404) 870-9375.
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