MOEA European investment promotion tour pays handsome dividends

2017/10/26

A Ministry of Economic Affairs-organized investment promotion tour of France, Switzerland and the U.K. wrapped up Oct. 22 in London, securing commitments of NT$6 billion (US$198 million) from several industry heavyweights across a wide range of sectors.
 
 Involving MOEA Vice Minister Yang Wei-fuu and other senior officials from state-sponsored organizations such as Industrial Technology Research Institute and Taiwan Power Co., the nine-day tour included visits to seven major players in sectors spanning biotechnology, circular economy, renewable energy and smart machinery.
 
 According to the ministry, the tour was an invaluable opportunity to bring European companies up to speed on the government’s progress in implementing economic development strategies, particularly the five-plus-two innovative industries initiative.
 
 Some of the highlights of the tour included the MOEA inking a letter of intent with French biotech startup SFly, with the latter pledging to set up shop in Taiwan ahead of expansion into Southeast Asia. In addition, 3D industrial design software developer Dassault Systemes announced its intention to boost investment in Taiwan.
 
 Taipower also signed a memorandum of understanding with the French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency. Under the pact, the two will collaborate and share experiences in nuclear waste management.
 
 During the Switzerland leg of its visit, the delegation visited global pharmaceutical powerhouse Novartis AG to strengthen collaboration on digital and cellular precision medicine. While in the Swiss capital, they also arranged an investment promotion seminar.
 
 Upon entering the U.K., the group called on GlaxoSmithKline PLC to bolster research cooperation on advanced medical technologies. It also visited information communications technology firm ARM Ltd., which pledged to take part in the government’s Asia Silicon Valley initiative and enhance collaboration with Taiwan in such areas as artificial intelligence and Internet of Things.
 
 The delegation also set up two seminars on investment promotion and talent recruitment while in London, according to the MOEA.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=6&post=123716)