Four Taiwan organizations took part in the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition Nov. 28-30 in Tokyo, spotlighting a host of domestically developed technologies.
 
Organized by Taiwan Aerospace Industry Association, the nation’s pavilion at JIAE featured some 30 components, products and systems from Aerospace Industrial Development Corp., National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, Min Chun Precision Co. and Ye Fong Aluminium Industrial.
 
NCSIST, the primary R&D organization of the Ministry of National Defense, accounted for the bulk of goods on display. It showcased 22 technologies including its coastal surveillance system, Hsiung Feng II and III supersonic anti-ship missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
 
Among the items exhibited by AIDC, the nation’s leading aircraft manufacturer headquartered in the central city of Taichung, were airframes, engine accessories and onboard seating. 
 
AIDC Chairman Liao Jung-hsin said that the production value of Taiwan’s aerospace sector was NT$108.4 billion (US$3.53 billion) in 2017. Participation in JIAE is expected to generate new business in overseas markets by raising the industry’s visibility in the region, he added.
 
Japan is the fifth largest importer of Taiwan aerospace products, following the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Germany, in that order, according to Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).
 
In 2017, Taiwan exported US$373 million in such goods to Japan comprising aircraft interiors, airframes, electronic components and engines. This marked a 23.52 percent increase from the previous year, TAITRA said.
 
In addition to fostering commercial opportunities and industry tie-ups, the trade show provided an opportunity to promote the TAITRA-organized biennial Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition slated for Aug. 15-17, 2019.
 
This year’s JIAE attracted some 20,000 visitors as well as more than 520 participating companies from 17 countries and territories, including industry heavyweights like Airbus, Boeing Co., Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin Corp. (KWS-E)
 
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