TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) remarked on Tuesday (Aug. 27) that she has embarked on four international trips since assuming office. These visits, which include Hong Kong and Europe in earlier years and Singapore and the U.S. in 2024, are part of her commitment to fostering global city exchanges.
Mayor Lu's recent trips to Singapore and the U.S. have sparked considerable debate in political circles. She emphasized that her first overseas visit was to Hong Kong for an international agricultural marketing event. Her subsequent trips to the U.K. and the Netherlands focused on learning about energy conservation, air quality improvement, and meat market transformation.
In this regard, Mayor Lu highlighted the unique diplomatic backgrounds of her deputy mayors, Linghu Jung-da (令狐榮達) and Huang Kuo-jung (黃國榮), which she believes enhance Taichung's international outreach.
Hsieh Chia-chen (謝佳蓁), Head of Taichung City Government's Secretariat, noted that Taichung boasts 27 sister cities and 13 friendly cities worldwide, primarily in the U.S. and Japan. Under Mayor Lu's leadership, Taichung has added Guam as a sister city and Nagoya as a tourism-friendly city. This fall, Taichung may sign sister city agreements with Palau and a friendly city agreement with the Miyazaki Prefecture.
Mayor Lu said she remains committed to expanding Taichung's international relations. Her upcoming plans could further solidify Taichung's presence on the global stage, enhancing its cultural and economic ties.
