In the News

Taiwan ups efforts to develop aerospace sector

More Taiwan firms are producing offerings such as airline seats and fabrics for the increasingly lucrative global aerospace sector. (Courtesy of Fuchi Textile Co. Ltd.)

• Publication Date：07/30/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Meg Chang

Taiwan’s traditional manufacturing firms are gearing up to participate in the local aerospace sector, according to the Council for Economic Planning and Development July 28.

Since central government promotion efforts started in 1990, the burgeoning sector has attracted NT$65 billion (US$2.16 billion) in investment from home and abroad. A total of 123 companies islandwide employ 135,000 workers producing NT$70.79 billion in output last year.

During this period, an increasing number of firms from the traditional sectors have tapped into this emerging business, according to the CEPD.

Leading examples include Fuchi Textile Co. Ltd., which became an AS9100C Quality Management System Standard-certified supplier of aircraft interior materials this year. GaleMed Corp., a supplier of medical products, is now a global leader in the manufacture of aviation oxygen masks.

State-backed Industrial Technology Research Institute helped establish an industry consortium in 2010 comprising six hardware suppliers focusing on the development of advanced R&D processes, precision machinery and special alloys.

For the past decade, these suppliers have secured NT$130 billion in orders from international heavyweights such as Airbus, Boeing Co. and Snecma, the CEPD added.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Economic Affairs unveiled a four-pronged strategy for strengthening sector competitiveness based on sharpening core competence, organizing industry consortiums, promoting regional collaboration and developing high-value products and application services.

These efforts also attracted the attention of Japanese firms. A case in point is the March visit of a delegation organized by the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies to Taiwan, the CEPD said.

Made up of 32 Japanese officials and leaders, the group spent five days on a fact-finding mission touring the island’s relevant infrastructure. (JSM)

Write to Meg Chang at sfchang@mail.mofa.gov.tw