Minister of Economic Affairs Mei-Hua Wang conferred the Medal of Economic Contribution upon Mr. Masami Iijima, the Chair of the East Asia Businessperson's Conference Japanese Committee, Keidanren, in recognition of his outstanding contributions over the past 4 years in helping promote business exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. She also expressed gratitude for the collaborative endeavors between the Japan Committee and our East Asia Economic Association. 

Their consistent exchange of perspectives on crucial matters, provision of policy recommendations to respective governments, and steadfast promotion of inter-sectoral exchanges have enriched bilateral relations over the past 50 years.

The Medal of Economic Contribution aims to recognize individuals, both domestic and foreign, who have made special contributions to economic affairs, and acknowledges their outstanding leadership in industrial and commercial organizations or their assistance in formulating economic and trade policies and enhancing international economic and trade status.

Minister Wang highlighted Mr. Iijima's crucial role in fostering collaboration within the Taiwan-Japan semiconductor industry through TSMC's Kumamoto Fabrication Plant. His recommendations regarding logistics, talent training, and living conditions in Kyushu will not only strengthen Japan's semiconductor sector but also enhance manufacturing capabilities and deepen cooperation within the semiconductor supply chain between Taiwan and Japan.

Mr. Iijima co-hosted the 51st East Asian Economic Conference. Upon receiving the Medal, he highlighted collaborative endeavors between Taiwan and Japan that have strengthened their economic partnership. Furthermore, he advocated for continued cooperation in the semiconductor supply chain and joint efforts in digital and green transformations, aiming to shape a prosperous vision for the next 50 years of Taiwan-Japan relations.