structural development

The Taiwan Day at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) not only offered a platform for cultural exchange, but also gave visitors, including numerous official representatives and interested students, an insight into the rich culture and history of Taiwan and opened up perspectives for more Exchange and cooperation.

Visitors were able to enjoy culinary specialties and tea from Taiwan, try their hand at the art of calligraphy and gather exciting information about the country and its people. The highlight was the generous donation of books by the Taiwanese ambassador, Prof. Dr. Shieh, which enriched both the Christian Weise library in Zittau and the municipal library in Görlitz , as well as the performance of classical European and Taiwanese compositions by a cello duo.

Prof. Dr. Shieh is an experienced diplomat and former university professor. He studied in Germany in the 1980s, speaks fluent German and gave an appreciative speech peppered with numerous bon mots and anecdotes, in German of course. In his role, Prof. Dr. She is committed to promoting relations between Taiwan and Germany, especially in the areas of economics, culture and education.

Impressions from Taiwan Day: Prof. Dr. Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of the HSZG , welcomes the Ambassador of Taiwan, Prof. Shieh , together with the District Administrator Dr. Stephan Meyer (top left), also representatives from the district office of the Görlitz district, were in intensive discussions with the Taiwanese delegation - and represented, among other things, the Görlitz district as a business location

“Saxony has more to offer than Dresden – that is often forgotten. The Görlitz district with its cities Görlitz and Zittau is a jewel," emphasized Prof. Shieh, who traveled with his delegation as the country's ambassador. It was his second visit to our priceless country - this time he followed with his Delegation received an invitation from District Administrator Dr. Stephan Meyer help organize Taiwan Day on the occasion of the opening of the Intercultural Week

“I was personally fortunate enough to Taiwan some time ago and can attest first-hand how impressive the country's combination of traditional culture and forward-thinking innovative spirit is. Taiwan is a thriving democracy that proudly combines its friendly people, rich history and technological leadership. These values ​​make Taiwan an inspiring partner for the Görlitz district," emphasized Dr. Meyer in his welcome speech.

He mentioned that the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the city of Zittau played a crucial role as hosts for Taiwan Day and that this is “proof of how close the cooperation between our region and Taiwan already is. It shows that we are well on the way to strengthening and expanding the existing friendly connections."

Prof. Dr. Alexander Kratsch, Rector of the HSZG, together with the District Administrator Dr. Stephan Meyer and the Ambassador of Taiwan, Prof. Shieh in the lecture hall (top left), cello concert, further speeches on behalf of the mayor by the representative of the city of Zittau, Leonie Liemich, SPD and project manager at the HSZG (in orange) and the celebratory Book donation (2nd bottom picture, bottom middle)

The tasting of Taiwanese tea specialties and the hands-on calligraphy offer were very popular

Economic opportunities through semiconductor technology

In addition to cultural exchange, there are also promising economic prospects for our district in cooperation with Taiwan. The settlement of the semiconductor producer TSMC in Dresden opens up great development potential for the entire region, explained Dr. Meyer continues in detail. The high-tech location of Saxony, which also includes Görlitz and Zittau, can benefit significantly from this new proximity to one of the world's leading technology companies. Jobs, added value and future prospects are just some of the positive effects that we can derive from this development in our region.

“Our task will be to make the best possible use of these opportunities. The partnership contacts with Taiwan offer a valuable basis on which we can continue to build," the district administrator concluded. The exchange, which was promoted by Taiwan Day, strengthens the relationships between the two regions and opens up new perspectives for the future. Görlitz and Zittau show that they are more than just tourist destinations - they are ready to position themselves as actors in the international dialogue.

“We look forward to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and actively shaping the future of our region together with our Taiwanese partners,” said many officials at the end of the event.

Cover photo: Dr. Meyer in an interview with a Taiwanese correspondent

Photos: UBL blog, HSZG