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British Columbia and Taiwan

Taiwan’s geographic location gives it potential to act as a regional hub to new entrants to the wider Asian market with easier access and distribution to 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 also has good infrastructure, a highly educated workforce and is very open to international trade.

Trade & Investment Highlights

Taiwan and Canada have discussions underway to promote supply chain resilience, commercial opportunities, and increase collaboration underway on science, technology, and innovation, education, and the green economy.
Taiwan plans to participate in more trade agreements in the future, which will open more markets and opportunities for them in trade.
Through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada will support the economic empowerment of Indigenous Peoples through the implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) in cooperation with existing partners – Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan – and Indigenous Peoples from those participating economies.

Taiwan at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Agrifood & Agritech

Taiwan’s agricultural sector plays a key role in its economic growth, supported by advanced technologies that have earned it a global reputation. Taiwan has a strong focus on smart agriculture and precision farming, with government incentives and subsidies for those adopting innovative agricultural technologies. Despite Taiwan’s limited arable land, which makes it heavily reliant on food imports, the government aims to boost domestic production. This creates significant opportunities for British Columbia (B.C.) companies, especially in supplying quality meats, fish, and seafood to meet Taiwan’s demand. Additionally, B.C. businesses can explore opportunities in processed foods and beverages, including ready-to-eat meals, dairy products, and tree nuts. The demand for advanced agricultural solutions presents potential for collaboration in the development of new technologies and services tailored to Taiwan’s evolving food security needs.

ICT

Taiwan is a global leader in the technology sector, particularly in research, development, and high-tech manufacturing. Companies like Foxconn, TSMC, and HTC have put Taiwan at the forefront of global innovation. Taiwan’s dominance in the semiconductor industry and its central role in the global supply chain for major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft make it an ideal partner for British Columbia (B.C.). B.C.’s expertise in software development and R&D complements Taiwan’s manufacturing strengths, offering excellent opportunities for collaboration. B.C. companies can find Taiwanese partners to scale production, while Taiwan’s tech firms are increasingly seeking to establish a presence in North America, with B.C. being an attractive destination due to its skilled tech workforce and strategic location. Taiwan looks to expand its global partnerships, presenting a unique opportunity for B.C. companies.

Life Sciences

Taiwan’s ageing population is driving an increase in healthcare spending, creating growing opportunities in the life sciences sector. Despite relatively low healthcare spending compared to neighboring countries, Taiwan’s healthcare market is expanding rapidly. Taiwan continues to rely heavily on imports for medical devices, even as it fosters innovation and local production. In 2021, Taiwan amended its biotechnology policies to attract investment, with notable success already, such as Moderna establishing a subsidiary on the island. For British Columbia (B.C.) companies, this creates opportunities in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, health ICT, smart medical care, and telemedicine, particularly as Taiwan seeks to expand its digital healthcare offerings. The government’s push to enhance telemedicine services for remote areas presents a chance for B.C. firms with expertise in these fields to partner with Taiwanese organizations and support the country’s growing healthcare infrastructure.

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)

Taiwan is heavily reliant on imported energy sources, with over 91% of its energy supply coming from coal, LNG, and natural gas. As part of its energy transformation, Taiwan is gradually phasing out nuclear power, aiming for a cleaner energy mix. The government’s energy goals include 50% gas, 27% coal, and 15% renewable energy by 2025, and it is investing in LNG infrastructure, including new terminals and power generation facilities. The push for renewable energy is backed by strong legislative efforts, such as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act and the Air Pollution Control Law, signaling a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. For B.C. LNG producers, this energy shift presents a significant opportunity to supply the Taiwanese market with cleaner natural gas. B.C. LNG companies that highlight their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials will have a competitive edge as Taiwan looks to LNG as a bridge fuel in its transition to renewable energy.

Taiwan Top Industries (2019-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Semiconductors

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Electronic Components

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Renewable Energy

_{Source: FDI Markets}

Import Industries
(by value)

Investment Opportunities in Canada - Electrical Machinery Equipment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Fuels & Oils

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Machinery

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Inorganic Chemicals

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Grains (Cereals)

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Pearls, Precious Stones & Metals

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

BC Export Industries to Market

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Products

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Ores, Slag & Ash

_{Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada}

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

Irene Yang
Senior Commercial Officer

Connect With Our International Network

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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