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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

Based on its convenient geographic location, Taiwan can serve as a regional hub for international businesses, with easier access and distribution channels in East Asia and Southeast Asia.
Taiwan is a key hub in the global technology supply chain, it is highly innovative and ranked number one in patent filings.
Taiwan has good infrastructure, a highly educated workforce and is very open to international trade.
Taiwan’s economic strengths lie in the high-tech manufacturing sector such as semiconductors, laptops, servers, LCD panels, smartphone components, and machine tools.
Taiwan plans to participate in more trade agreements in the future, which will open more markets and opportunities for them in trade.

Taiwan at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Agrifood & Seafood

Taiwan imports most of its food supply. The import of seafood products has grown substantially in recent years, creating significant opportunities for B.C.’s high-quality Agrifood and Seafood products in Taiwan.

Vegetarian food and plant-based protein products are likely to find success in Taiwan due to the high rate of vegetarianism in the population. Taiwanese meat consumption is also higher than other Asian markets and has seen high annual growth in meat imports as well.

Cleantech & Clean Energy

B.C.’s advantages in cleantech research pairs naturally with Taiwan’s expertise in high-tech manufacturing, to help transform designs and concepts into tangible, marketable products.

As Taiwan phases out its nuclear power program and decreases oil and coal consumption, the demand for LNG and renewable energy will grow significantly.
B.C. is well-positioned to be a valuable partner to Taiwan, as it transitions its energy supply both through LNG exports and the clean energy technologies over the longer term. Hydrogen fuel cell technology, as a renewable source of energy, is also highly attractive as Taiwan attempts to meet 2050 emissions targets.

ICT

Taiwan is a natural partner for B.C. in the ICT sector. B.C.’s strengths in software and R&D are complemented by Taiwan’s high-tech manufacturing expertise. With its talented tech labour force, B.C. is an attractive location for Taiwan tech companies to grow their footprint in North America.

Taiwan is a major international player for semi-conductors and integrated circuits. Government policies prioritize innovation and developing the tech sector,
including a ‘broadband economy’ of ‘connected communities’ and upgrading the machinery industry to smart machinery.

There are many opportunities to be found in segments involving the Internet of Things (IOT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), ICT, agritech, online gaming, fintech, digital health, smart manufacturing, and smart transportation.

Life Sciences

Taiwan has been investing in its biotech sector since the 1980s. In 2021, the government amended the Development of Biotech and New Pharmaceutical Industry Act with the aim of generating opportunities in the biotechnology sector by attracting greater investment.

Taiwan’s pharmaceutical companies act mostly as Contract Development & Manufacturing Organizations (CDMO) and are historically strong in the generic drugs development and manufacturing.

Areas that present significant opportunities for B.C. firms include pharmaceutical products, medical devices and instruments, and health services, such as conducting clinical trials, licencing new intellectual property, and regulatory approval consultancy.

Taiwan Top Industries (2018-2022)

Key Market Landing Pages Infographic - Taiwan

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

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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:

Venus Chen - Trade & Investment Representative

Venus Chen
Managing Director, Taiwan

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