The Taiwan Expo 2017 trade show is set to run Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at SMX Convention Center in Metro Manila. (Courtesy of TAITRA)

The Taiwan Expo 2017 trade show kicked off Sept. 29 at SMX Convention Center in Metro Manila, underscoring government efforts to connect Taiwan enterprises to business opportunities in New Southbound Policy target countries.
 
Organized by the semi-official Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and Taiwan Association Philippines Inc., the exhibition runs until Oct. 1 and will take place in Kuala Lumpur Nov. 9-11. The Philippines edition features more than 240 booths by over 190 exhibitors from Taiwan’s public and private sectors showcasing around 4,500 products, services and technologies.
 
Speaking at the event’s opening ceremony, TAITRA Chairman James C. F. Huang said the expo—the largest-ever Taiwan-organized trade show in the Philippines—will showcase the country’s best business products and solutions in a wide range of fields including agricultural technology, culture, e-commerce and green energy. He also expressed his hope that mutually beneficial business partnerships can be created through the event.
 
Themed Experience Taiwan! Technology, Culture and Tourism, the trade show comprises eight pavilions: agricultural technology, urban marketing, cultural tourism, Taiwan education, health and lifestyles, general services, innovative technology and Taiwan enterprises in the Philippines.
 
During the trade show, an industrial collaboration summit will serve to connect talents and experts in the industries of green technology, industrial zone development, information and communication technology as well as machinery. Additional forums and seminars will focus on best practices and knowledge sharing in the fields of fisheries, food packaging as well as the Internet of Things.
 
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan and the Philippines enjoy close economic ties. Bilateral trade amounted to US$10.8 billion in 2016, making the Southeast Asian nation Taiwan’s 10th largest trade partner.
 
This year, 21 Taiwan universities are participating in the event. As the Philippines increasingly requires highly educated talents to help drive its growing economy, the event is an excellent opportunity to encourage young students to pursue tertiary education in Taiwan, according to the MOEA. (CPY-E)