New Southbound Policy Portal

APO smart manufacturing center of excellence launched in Taichung

From Taiwan Today 2019-08-07

MOEA Minister Shen Rong-jin (center) joins APO Taiwan Director Rock Hsu (right) and APO Secretary-General Santhi Kanoktanaporn in launching the Center of Excellence on Smart Manufacturing Aug. 6 in Taichung City, central Taiwan. (Courtesy of Taichung City Government)

Tokyo-based Asian Productivity Organization launched its Center of Excellence on Smart Manufacturing Aug. 6 in Taichung, reflecting global recognition of the central Taiwan city’s high-tech prowess.

Proposed by Taiwan and approved during the APO’s Governing Body Meeting April 10-12 in Manila, the facility is the second of its kind in the country following the Center of Excellence on Green Productivity set up in New Taipei City six years ago.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the facility will serve as a first-class platform for spotlighting Taiwan’s manufacturing know-how while bolstering APO member exchanges. Given Taichung’s status as a hub of smart machinery and related manufacturing, the center is expected to further strengthen the country’s standing in the regional high-tech sector.

The center is set to receive full support from related public, private and research organizations, the MOEA said, adding that this will enable it to offer professional training sessions, onsite visits and studies as part of efforts to enhance cross-border cooperation and strengthen regional businesses’ competitiveness.

Established in 1961, the APO aims to improve productivity and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific. It comprises 20 members such as Japan and South Korea, as well as New Southbound Policy target countries Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to enhance Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (SFC-E)