A delegation organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs concluded its weeklong visit to Malaysia and Indonesia Oct. 29, successfully deepening business ties with the two Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states.
Led by MOEA Vice Minister Yang Wei-fuu, the 24-member group comprised officials from Tainan City Government and executives from Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and several state-backed enterprises, including China Steel Corp. and CPC Corp.
During their Oct. 23-25 stay in Malaysia, the group visited several trade promotion organizations and exchanged views on efforts to boost e-commerce, halal industries, trade and investment. The vice minister also held discussions with representatives of business associations in Kuala Lumpur to bring them up to speed on the government’s New Southbound Policy, which is designed to enhance ties between Taiwan and countries in South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
In addition, delegates attended TAITRA-organized trade promotion events in the Malaysian capital aimed at creating business opportunities for Taiwan sectors such as auto parts, consumer products, hardware, green energy and information and communications technology.
While in Indonesia Oct. 26-29, the vice minister inked letters of intention with two Indonesian trading companies on purchases of Taiwan-made machinery totaling US$100 million and US$30 million, respectively. He also met with Indonesian academics and businesspeople to enhance commercial ties between the two countries.
Other highlights of Yang’s itinerary included the inauguration of the Formosa Technology Center in Tangerang, west of the capital city Jakarta. Founded by Taiwan-owned businesses operating in the region, the facility will start training Indonesian students this month as part of efforts to boost two-way talent exchanges.
According to the ministry’s Bureau of Foreign Trade, the latest tour follows a similar mission July 4-8 to Thailand and Vietnam. More visits have been scheduled for next year in other targeted countries of the New Southbound Policy. (SFC-E)
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