Welcome Message from Director General

Welcome to the website of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Atlanta. Our office offers consular, commercial, informational and cultural services to the six States in the Southeastern United States of America: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky commercial services to Florida. The Southeast U.S. has always been regarded as an Agricultural powerhouse, but in recent years TECO has witnessed the blossoming of business investment in the ever-adapting South. All of the 6 states that this office serves are outstanding examples of growth and thriving economic development. Atlanta, specifically, has successfully transformed into an international city as a result of hosting the 1998 Olympics. In 2006, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport was named the air-transit epicenter of the nation, flying more passengers in and out of Atlanta than traveled via any other airports in the U.S.

Although the U.S. and Taiwan do not have official diplomatic relations, the friendship between the two is long-standing and marked by mutual benefit and cooperation. Under the guidance of Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Washington DC, TECO in Atlanta has developed ever closer ties to our friends in the Southeast. The General Assemblies of several states have passed resolution after resolution in support of Taiwan's freedom and democracy and of Taiwan's active role in the international communities of the United States. South Carolina House of Representatives has established a Taiwan Congressional Caucus to directly support Taiwan in the legislature of South Carolina. With 335.425 million square miles included in TECO in Atlanta's service area, a population of 52.720 million people over the stretch of seven states, and a combined GDP of USD 6.065 trillion, equal to 15% of the United States total GDP, there is huge investment and trade potential between Taiwan the Southeast U.S. Taiwan imports between USD200 - 400 million from each state. There are currently about 100 Taiwanese investors across the seven states.

The Southeast U.S. is also a center of academic research and study. TECO in Atlanta maintains good relations with the well-know think tanks and academic institutions in each state, via seminars and special programs. As Director General, I often visit these centers of academia to gain support for Taiwan through presentations and lectures, which introduce our nation and our viability in the international arena. Local governments of the Southeast are very aware of their international constituencies and consequently, sponsor many international events, such as concerts, parades, festivals etc. to welcome diversity in their cities and towns; TECO in Atlanta actively participates in these community-based events and is very proud of the Taiwanese Americans who are individually very active in these events. TECO in Atlanta uses the principle of consistent visual and vocal presence to demonstrate Taiwan's many-faceted culture. There are about 100 Taiwanese associations and schools located in the Southeast U.S. Taiwanese Americans fully understand the status of Taiwan and serve as invaluable grass-roots diplomats.

I welcome you to contact our office with any questions or comments that you may have about Taiwan or your local Taiwanese American community. TECO in Atlanta is happy to serve as a bridge between our friends in the Southeast U.S. and Taiwan.

Sincerely,

Director General R.C. Wu