Taipei, Dec. 31 (CNA) The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Taipei announced Thursday that it will start using its new name, the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan, from Jan. 1, 2021.

"The name change reflects the reality of both the Chamber's activities and its membership, most of whom operate throughout Taiwan," it said in a statement.

The change also reflects AmCham's scope of work, as its annual Taiwan White Paper and most of its governmental interaction occurs at the central government level, according to the statement.

The old name always caused confusion "during our door-knocks to Washington where some were not aware that we represent American firms throughout Taiwan, not just in Taipei," the chamber said.

It also said that despite the difficulties COVID-19 has brought, it will continue to be an essential bridge between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Noting the year 2021 marks AmCham's 70th anniversary in Taiwan, it said it will continue to build on Taiwan's stability and economic prosperity by working with its members, and the U.S. and Taiwan governments.

Founded in 1951, AmCham is a non-profit, non-partisan business organization dedicated to promoting the interests of international business in Taiwan.

It has around 1,000 members from more than 500 companies and 25 committees representing various industry interests and operating in Taiwan.