A forum on promoting small and medium enterprise collaboration between Taiwan and the U.S. was held June 20 in New York City to discuss the latest trends and challenges in biotechnology, healthcare and technological innovation, and identify opportunities to expand cooperation between the two sides, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said.
Organized by the MOEA’s Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration, the one-day event involved more than 80 officials and business representatives from both countries, including those from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
During his opening address, James K. J. Lee, director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, said SMEs play a critical role in the close and complementary economic relationship between the two countries. U.S. firms could use Taiwan as a springboard to enter East and South Asian markets, he said, anticipating the forum would foster numerous business opportunities and partnerships.
SMESA Deputy Director-General Wu Chia-ying said Taiwan is known for its strong semiconductor and information and communication technologies, as well as excellent clinical and medical sectors that have developed diverse cross-field medical applications and solutions. She looks forward to collaboration with the U.S. through the establishment of official dialogue and non-governmental exchanges in the future.
In response, a representative from the U.S. Small Business Administration praised the long-standing and vibrant trade ties between the two sides. With its 68 offices and over 1,000 resource partners around the U.S., the SBA will continue to work with Taiwan to grow the bilateral relationship, the official added. (SFC-E)
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