To deepen local cultural, economic, and technological exchange and cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, Hsinchu County Magistrate Yang Wen-ke and Hsinchu County Council Speaker Chang Cheng-jung led a delegation to Ōsaka, Japan, for exchanges yesterday (March 13th). The Ōsaka Prefectural Assembly and Ōsaka City Council warmly hosted a welcome dinner, which was attended by Ōsaka City Council Speaker Takeshita Takashi; Japan-ROC Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union Chair Sugie Yūsuke; Japan-Taiwan Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union Chair Tsuji Junko; Sakai City Council Deputy Speaker Fudaba Yasushi; Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Ōsaka Director Hung Ying-chieh; and representatives from overseas Chinese communities. These exchanges not only promoted mutual industrial development and cultural understanding, but also aimed to increase substantive cooperation in various areas, strengthening the friendship between the two regions.
In his speech, Magistrate Yang Wen-ke said that Ōsaka’s achievements in economic development, technological innovation, and urban governance are outstanding. In particular, Sakai City within Ōsaka is an important technology hub in Japan. In this, it resembles Hsinchu Science Park, which is equally a core engine of technological development that drives robust local economic growth. The two regions have many similarities and complementary strengths in the technology field, and ought to work together in the future to create Tech Capitals & Happy Cities that will advance both technological development and public welfare.
Magistrate Yang mentioned that Hsinchu County is actively promoting industrial development, including the International AI Smart Park; expanding the Hsinchu Science Park; and planning the Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli Silicon Valley Development Plan. Through forward-looking planning, the County Government hopes to attract more international partners for cooperation and investment to promote regional prosperity. In addition to the technology industry, Hsinchu County Government also puts a lot of emphasis on agriculture, culture, tourism, humanities, and the arts. Magistrate Yang said that he looks forward to working with Ōsaka to explore new opportunities for bilateral development.
Magistrate Yang also specially congratulated Ōsaka on being selected again to host the World Expo. Expo 2025 is an international event that will run for 184 days, from April 13 to October 13, and attract more than 150 countries from around the world. Magistrate Yang is sure this will bring Ōsaka greater international visibility and development opportunities.
Council Speaker Chang Cheng-jung said he represented all Hsinchu County Council members and staff in thanking Ōsaka Prefecture for its warm hospitality. Taiwan and Japan have always maintained friendly, close relations, with strong exchanges and cooperation in trade, culture, education, and tourism. Speaker Chang expressed hopes that this visit will further exchange with all sectors in Ōsaka and Japan, help all sides learn from each other’s valuable experiences, and strengthen friendships.
Ōsaka City Council Speaker Takeshita welcomed Magistrate Yang, Speaker Chang, and the County Government team to Ōsaka. Speaker Takeshita also expressed hope for closer future exchanges between Ōsaka and Hsinchu County. Ōsaka City Council Japan-Taiwan Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union Chairperson Tsuji Junko welcomed the Hsinchu County councilors for the exchange, saying she would also find an opportunity to visit Hsinchu County in the future. She brought the Ōsaka 2025 Expo mascot Myaku-Myaku to share with the guests, and invited everyone to attend the event.
Ōsaka Prefectural Assembly Japan-ROC Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union Chairman Sugie Yūsuke mentioned that the Union has long maintained good relations with Taiwan. The Union also visited Taiwan’s science parks last year, praising Hsinchu as a very energetic place. With the Ōsaka World Expo about to open, he invited everyone to visit Ōsaka again in April.
In addition, Magistrate Yang led the County Government delegation to visit the Ōsaka Prefectural Assembly and Ōsaka City Council today (March 14th). Ōsaka Prefectural Assembly Speaker Nakatani Yasunori and City Council Speaker Takeshita personally received them. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on local governance, industrial development, and directions for future cooperation, further reinforcing friendly relations between Hsinchu and Ōsaka. Magistrate Yang thanked the Ōsaka government and assembly for their warm hospitality, and sincerely invited the distinguished guests from Ōsaka to visit Hsinchu County to deepen mutual city exchanges, expand the scope of cooperation, and create win-win development.