Hualien County Government Creates an International-Friendly Environment: A Year of Outstanding Achievements

(中央社訊息服務20241205 10:56:39)

Hualien County Government has launched the "International Friendly Atmosphere Promotion Advisory Team" project this year, aiming to create a bridge to the international stage for Hualien through measures such as bilingual services, diverse exchange activities, and international resource integration. The project has successfully created a friendly city environment that encourages international residents to stay and integrate into the community.

Bilingual Digital Services: Creating a Friendly Environment for International Residents

According to Hualien County Government, the project focuses on everyday life, tourism, and digital services to create a convenient and welcoming living experience for international residents. A Discord discussion forum and a LINE English customer service group have been set up to help international residents stay updated on the latest local policies and events. These platforms also provide assistance with administrative tasks and daily life needs in Hualien, enhancing the convenience of bilingual services. The advisory team has compiled over 2,000 pieces of living information, including business, administrative matters, and details about local stores related to food, accommodation, transportation, education, and leisure. Additionally, bilingual (Chinese-English) menus for restaurants, experiences, and souvenir shops have been created, and efforts have been made to digitalize these menus to eliminate language barriers during ordering and shopping, greatly improving the convenience of dining and purchasing.

To further facilitate the lives of international residents in Hualien, the county government has designed 100 frequently asked questions covering topics such as job hunting, health and labor insurance, medical services, education, and housing on the official website of the International Affairs and Press Center. Ten unique tourist routes have also been launched, including the "Indigenous Culture Experience Route," "Cultural and Artistic Tour," and "Agricultural Experience and Orchard Tour," showcasing Hualien's diverse culture and natural beauty. In the future, the county government will integrate AI applications to provide even more convenient access to a variety of living information for international residents.

International Seminars and Site Visits: Making Hualien a Hub for International Culture

In addition to providing convenient living information, the county government has invited several experts with international exchange experience, including French YouTuber Ku (with millions of followers), the CEO of Taiwan BAR, Yuchen Xiao, senior American tour guide Cheryl Robbins, and renowned private chef Frances Shih, to share how they use their expertise to promote international exchange. These seminars cover topics such as visual creation, history and culture, indigenous culture tourism experiences, and fine dining, attracting over a hundred attendees each time. The lively on-site discussions fully demonstrated Hualien's potential as a hub for international cultural exchange.

Moreover, the county government has organized site visits for international residents to unique local attractions, including the Jilai Hunter School and Sun Pomelo Farm. They also participated in special local festivals, such as Pacific Austronesian Joint Harvest Festival and the Ruisui Hot Spring Season, providing deep cultural immersion in Hualien's indigenous culture, organic agricultural products, and local events. This has further enhanced international residents' understanding and appreciation of Hualien's culture.

The Hualien County Government will continue to implement three key strategies—bilingualization, digitalization, and internationalization—to link Hualien with the world. These efforts aim to make Hualien a city that attracts international residents to integrate into life, explore its culture, and become a globally recognized and influential international-friendly city. Ultimately, Hualien is positioning itself as the top choice for international residents seeking a livable city and a tourist landmark.