The Africa Business Forum concluded Nov. 20 in Taipei City, generating US$19.65 million in commercial opportunities and further strengthening Taiwan’s economic ties with key emerging markets across the continent.
Organized by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the two-day event comprised 430 business-to-business meetings and a seminar spotlighting areas for potential tie-ups.
The forum was attended by more than 500 local firms such as industry heavyweights Chunghwa Telecom and TECO Electric and Machinery Co., and 48 buyers from 12 African countries, including diplomatic ally Kingdom of Eswatini as well as Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco and Mozambique.
According to TAITRA, the enterprises explored collaborative opportunities in potential-laden sectors like automobile parts, biotech, Internet of Things, and machinery equipment and components.
Speaking at the event, Tsai Yun-chung, deputy director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs, said that Eswatini is an excellent base for Taiwan companies looking to expand their presence in African markets.
Echoing Tsai’s remarks, TAITRA Executive Vice President Leonor F. M. Lin said the council is working to bolster Taiwan’s business links with the continent by holding several trade promotion events in Eswatini next year and inviting African buyers to participate in international fairs in Taiwan. It is also stepping up efforts to provide local companies with market information and help them establish manufacturing facilities in key African economies, she added.
According to TAITRA, in line with these efforts, Taipei-based Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association is scheduled to lead a trade and investment promotion delegation to Eswatini, Mozambique and South Africa in January. (KWS-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw