Taichung Deputy Mayor to lead trade delegation to Dongguan

Taichung Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin is scheduled to lead a delegation to Dongguan, China, on September 2 to attend the Taiwan Famous Products Expo. The trip aims to support Taichung's traditional industries, specifically the machinery and pastry sectors, by seeking new market opportunities.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen defended the move, stating that the government has a responsibility to help various industries find ways to expand and sustain livelihoods, noting that while high-tech sectors are thriving, traditional industries also require support.

The trip has faced scrutiny from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators, who questioned whether the mission is a “fake business recruitment, real secret meeting” intended to test cross-strait political routes for Mayor Lu's future. Deputy Mayor Cheng responded that the trip is focused on economic exchange, has been reported to the central government, and that the participating businesses, rather than the government, are the primary focus of the event.