Local officials and entrepreneurs will discuss business and industrial cooperation with the 58-strong contingent from 14 EU member states. The key focus is on innovation, SME policy and standardization.
David Hsu, deputy director-general of the Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, said the trip reaffirms the value of Taiwan’s recent admission to the Enterprise Europe Network.
“This development opened the door to a broad spectrum of business opportunities in the potential-laden EU market for Taiwan’s SMEs,” Hsu said. “We look forward to making strong headway on promoting bilateral cooperation in key industries like auto parts, biotechnology, electronics, green products and medical equipment.”
Led by Daniel Calleja Crespo, head of the directorate-general and special envoy for SMEs, the group is part of the EU Missions for Growth, which assists European SMEs in tapping overseas business opportunities.
According to the European Economic and Trade Office in Taipei City, the delegation will also attend Computex Taipei, as well as a series of business events such as a June 4 business-to-business matchmaking event. A total of 400 local enterprises have signed up for the session.
MOEA statistics reveal that the EU is Taiwan’s fifth largest global trading partner, while Taiwan is the EU’s seventh largest in Asia. Two-way trade is on a steady growth track, increasing 3.7 percent year on year to US$50.9 billion in 2014.
“The BOFT will continue building on Taiwan and the EU’s robust ties by stepping up collaboration in commerce and innovation through EEN membership,” Hsu said. “This is a vital component of our drive to assist local SMEs in growing their EU market footprint.” (YHC-JSM)
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