Seven people of the National Committee on US-China Relations (NCUSCR) visited Mayor Hu of Taichung City on the 10th of to learn of Hu’s experiences in promoting e-government. In the interview, Mayor Hu expressed his strategies to reform Taichung City into a central locomotive in Taiwan, stating his idea of “Mayor as a Shop Owner.” Liling, the project manager of the committee, presented Mayor Hu with the “President’s Bravery” award on behalf of the committee president, Stephen A. Orlins. 

Head of NCUSCR, Stephen especially wrote his thoughts in the book, saying, “Wish Mayor Hu could help others elect a bravery president, who is able to create a rosier future for Taiwan”. By reading between the lines, Stephen’s shows his respect and positive attitude toward Mayor Hu, who, in turn, gladly received the “President’s Bravery” Award. Yet, when the media asked Hu if his acceptance implied any , he replied “No! No!”

Cooperation between the two sides has endured for years. Often, such visits help Taiwan and America acquire new knowledge regarding the promotion of e-government, which exceeds in correcting any disadvantages or issues facing the city. The Planning Office of Taichung City Government arranged a trip to the revenue service office, the fire bureau, the police station, and the transportation bureau. Hu and his staff at the Planning Office explained the coordination and communication network among central and local, public units, including the police, politics, and fire-fighting report systems, as well as other e-business, which they discussed while exchanging ideas.

By the end of the trip, the visiting NCUSCR staff, Mayor Hu, along with his staff of the Taichung City Government, had all thoroughly enjoyed a far-reaching camaraderie, distinguished by the exchange of ideas, and lively conversation. During discussions regarding the changes affected in Taichung City during Hu’s term, Mayor Hu especially referred to the fundamental duties of his post. In his eyes, Taichung City has the most stable financial situation in Taiwan, which can be credited to his idea of “Mayor as a Shop Owner.” A mayor’s job, he said, is to make money for the city and for townspeople, which earned unanimity from NCUSCR.