TAITRA seeks to strengthen Taiwan’s ties with Southeast Asia

Southeast Asians are bound to see more Taiwanese companies in their homelands. Taiwan’s lead trade promotion organisation – Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) – has committed to initiate more cooperation between local and Southeast Asian companies.

“As our second-largest trading partner after mainland China, Southeast Asia could greatly benefit from Taiwan’s vast experience in manufacturing,” says Peter Huang, president and CEO of TAITRA. The organisation has been connecting Taiwan to the world, and lately, with greater emphasis on Southeast Asia. Each year, TAITRA hosts more than 40 international trade shows, with goods ranging from bicycles and computers to vehicle parts and yachts. In particular, TAITRA’s trade services have been highly helpful for start-up firms trying to expand into international markets.

Taiwan is eager to share with the region some of its “Taiwan magic”, a term which refers to how the island has achieved a high level of industrialisation.

Taiwanese companies have been working with local government units in the Philippines on more than 10 turnkey projects relating to smart grids that run on solar power.

Meanwhile, Taiwanese energy-saving companies have also been providing Indonesian partners with innovative LED lamps and other similar technologies that could help save on electricity.