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British Columbia and Taiwan

Taiwan has a rapidly ageing population and one of the lowest birth rates in the world. Strengths include good infrastructure, an educated workforce, a strategic location, and a pro-business attitude. Taiwan and Canada have discussions underway to promote supply chain resilience, commercial opportunities, and increase collaboration on science, technology and innovation, education, Indigenous affairs, and the green economy. Taiwan and B.C. have a well-established relationship with approximately 45,000 Taiwanese Canadians residing in B.C.

Trade & Investment Highlights

In 2016, Taiwan adopted the New Model for Economic Development to boost growth through innovation, increased employment, and equitable distribution of economic benefits. Under the model the government prioritizes sustainable development and the use of green energy resources.
Taiwan is a key hub in the global technology supply chain, it is highly innovative and ranked number one in patent filings.
Plans to participate in more trade agreements will open more markets for Taiwan’s exports.

Taiwan at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Agrifood & Agritech

Taiwanese consumers value health, food safety, and are increasingly attracted to traceable and sustainable products. Taiwan’s import of seafood products continues to grow. Vegan or vegetarian diets are also high and plant-based proteins have significant growth potential in this market.

Cleantech

Taiwan has limited natural energy sources and imports over 98% of its energy. By 2025, Taiwan aims to transition its energy mix by phasing out nuclear power, reducing coal-fired power, and increasing renewable energy to account for 20% and natural gas to account for 50% of energy use.

Forestry

Demand is rising for public wood frame buildings in Taiwan, due to higher steel prices, labour costs, and global environmental, social, and governance trends. There are also growing opportunities for engineered wood, prefabricated wood building systems, mass timber, innovative biomaterials, along with architectural and engineering services.

ICT

The semi-conductor sector in Taiwan is world-renowned. From 2017-2021, Taiwan-based companies invested $62.3 billion in ICT greenfield projects, making the country the second largest source of global greenfield investment by value. Government policies prioritize innovation and developing the tech sector, including a ‘broadband economy’ of ‘connected communities’ and upgrading the machinery industry to smart machinery. Specific opportunities include IoT, AI, ICT, Agritech, online gaming, Fintech, digital health, smart manufacturing, and smart transportation.

Life Sciences

Taiwan has a rapidly ageing population. Life sciences is a priority of the government under the “5+2 Innovative Industries Plan” to promote specialty industries including the development of niche and precision medicine, international-level specialty care clusters and the health/wellness industry. Opportunities include conducting clinical trials, licencing new IP, pharmaceutical products, specialized medical instruments, and regulatory approval consultancy.

Taiwan Top Industries (2017-2021)

Key Market Landing Pages Infographic - Taiwan

Trade & Investment Resources

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How We Help

Assist in commercial location identification and site selection.
Provide information on transportation infrastructure and logistics gateways.
Offer introductions to sector associations, industries and provide cluster insight.
Facilitate understanding and solutions for talent, skilled workforce and labour mobility
Facilitate engagement with professional advisors on legal, compliance and tax matters
Help navigating and offering referrals within government agencies on First Nations, business and regulatory processes.

Identify high potential investment opportunities and offer industry insight.
Introductions to sector associations and local industry contacts.
Introductions to companies seeking investments to expand.
Provide knowledge on local innovation hubs and connections to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Introductions to local venture capital networks.

Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
Advice and coaching in international expansion and exporter development.
Support Team BC missions and trade events.
Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
Provide insight on trade agreements and barriers.
Introductions to trade representatives in foreign markets.
Market entry assistance in international markets.

Trade & Investment Offices in Taiwan

Taiwan
- Taipei

Taipei

Taiwan is currently B.C.’s sixth largest export destination and approximately half of all Canadian exports to Taiwan are from B.C.

Our representative in Taipei will work to grow B.C. exports to Taiwan, and to attract investment from Taiwan into B.C. across a range of sectors.

Taipei Office:
Canadian Trade Office in Taipei
Address: 6F, #1 SongZhi Road, Taipei, Taiwan

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Raymond Zhu
Senior Manager, Greater China

Venus Chen - Trade & Investment Representative

Venus Chen
Managing Director, Taiwan

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Our Trade and Investment Representatives can help you establish the right connections, participate in events and tradeshows, explore programs and initiatives, and more. Connect with an expert near you.

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