Dear Subscriber,

Great news reached us from Germany last week. TSMC and its partners Bosch, Infineon, and NXP celebrated their groundbreaking ceremony in Dresden last Tuesday. The event marked the beginning of TSMC’s expansions efforts to Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Saxony Minister President Michael Kretschmer, and Lord Mayor of Dresden Dirk Hilber were among the distinguished guests. Setting up the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC) is not only an important milestone in Germany’s efforts to build up semiconductor manufacturing capacities, but it also serves as wonderful sign of the flourishing German-Taiwanese business relations.

Last week’s Automation Taipei was a great success, and we are more than delighted to have received very positive feedback from our exhibitors. We were also honored that the current Premier Mr. Cho Jung-tai and the chairman of TAIROA Mr. Szu Guo Yi paid a special visit to our German Pavilion. The 9th Taiwan-Germany Smart Machinery Forum that took place during the trade show also attracted a large audience who delved into the latest trends in Industry 4.0 and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Techman Robot Inc. of Taiwan and Botfellows GmbH of Germany. See our GTO News section for short event reviews.

But as we Germans like to say: “after the game is before the game”, meaning that there is no time to relax after having finished projects as the next projects are just around the corner. Therefore, we are already in full swing to prepare for our upcoming events. Next week’s SEMICON Taiwan 2024 will feature another German Pavilion with 15 interesting exhibitors. Make sure to drop by and connect with leading German manufacturers and service providers. Visit our website for more information.

As mentioned in the previous issues, tickets for our GTO German Oktoberfest X German Business Day 2024 at the Illume Taipei on October 24 are selling well. Act quickly and secure your seats or tables now to enjoy authentic German food, beer, and music, and become a part of the biggest networking event in the German-Taiwanese business community. You can also leverage the event to make your company stand out by becoming one of our sponsors. Learn more in our Top News section.

Last but not least, we will organize a “Taiwanese-German Conference on Industry 4.0 Applications” at the Illume Taipei on October 22. The conference is part of a delegation trip of German companies to Taiwan which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action under the market development program. Nine German hidden champions will travel to Taiwan to introduce their latest innovations and solutions to you. You can now sign up on our website. Visit our Top News section for more information.

Wishing you a productive week!

Kind regards,

Dr. Eva Langerbeck

Join us for the biggest German-Taiwanese networking event of the year, the GTO German Oktoberfest 2024!

Enjoy authentic German food, beer, and music at one of Germany’s most iconic and traditional festivities – the Oktoberfest! - So, get your Dirndl and Lederhose ready, and let’s celebrate!

Event Details

Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 18:00 – 22:00
Venue: 2F. Grand Ballroom, Illume Taipei
Address: No 100 Dun Hua N Rd, Songshan District, Taipei, Taiwan 台北市松山區敦化北路100號
Dress code: traditional German Oktoberfest attire (Dirndl & Lederhosen)
Single Ticket Price: 3,200 NT$
Price per Table (8 people): 25,600 NT$

Special Features

Traditional German Band Performance directly from Germany with the MÜNCHNER BUAM band
All-You-Can-Drink fresh Hofbräu beer: Weisse & Dunkel
Authentic German Set-Menu (Vegetarian Menu is available on request)

Sponsorship Opportunities for Corporate Clients

As Oktoberfest is one of the most lively and friendly German festivities with great attendance, sponsors enjoy attractive and wide visibility throughout the event venue, event materials as well as media coverage through the display of their company logo. Therefore, we offer two attractive sponsorship packages. GTO Business Alliance Members get a special discount on those packages. To learn more about our sponsorship opportunities, please look at our sponsorship package.

Registration

DEinternational Taiwan Ltd., the service unit of the German Trade Office Taipei, organizes a conference in the field of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing applications, which will take place on October 22nd, 2024. The conference is part of a delegation trip of German companies to Taiwan which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action under the market development program.

The conference is intended to create a platform for Taiwanese companies, distributors and manufacturers seeking new solutions, collaborations, and a better understanding of the current trends in the German Industry 4.0 development.

In addition to German company and production presentations, Mr. Andreas Faath, Managing Director at VDMA e.V. - Machine Information Interoperability, will provide an overview of the German Industry 4.0 market.

Following the conference, participants will have the opportunity to connect with German companies during a joint lunch, followed by individual matchmaking sessions. Participation is free of charge.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Time: 9:30 – 16:00 (registration time: 9:00 – 9:30)
Venue: Illume Taipei (No. 100, DunHua N Rd, Songshan District, Taipei City, 105020)
Fee: Free of charge
Language: English


Registration

Congratulations to TSMC and its partners Bosch, Infineon, and NXP on breaking ground in Dresden last week! This historic event marks the beginning of the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC), a joint venture set to revolutionize Europe’s semiconductor landscape.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Saxony Minister President Michael Kretschmer, and Lord Mayor of Dresden Dirk Hilber were among the distinguished guests at the ceremony. During the event, it was announced that the European Commission has approved the €5 billion investment to fund the construction and operation of this facility.

This project symbolizes a significant leap forward for Silicon Saxony, solidifying Germany’s position as a key player in the global semiconductor industry and showcasing the continuous strengthening of Taiwan-German economic and trade relations!

Taiwanese-German Conference on Industry 4.0 Applications
22.10.2024 | Location: Taipei

Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK)
24.10.2024 - 26.10.2024 | Location: New Delhi

GTO German Oktoberfest X German Business Day
24.10.2024 | Location: Taipei

Become part of our GTO German Business Alliance!
More information about our membership packages on our website.

Last week marked the much-anticipated opening of the Taipei International Industrial Automation Exhibition 2024, an event that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts from around the world!

Amidst the bustle, we were honored that Cho, Jung-tai, the current Premier, and Szu, Guo Yi, the chairman of TAIROA, paid a special visit to the German Pavilion, a centerpiece of this year’s exhibition. Welcoming them at the German Pavilion was Dr. Eva Langerbeck, our Chief Representative & Executive Director, who was accompanied by Mr. Björn Burg, General Manager of Würth Industry Taiwan, and Mr. Steven Liu, General Manager of Phoenix Contacts.

Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Mr. Björn Burg, and Mr. Steven Liu personally escorted the special guests on an exclusive tour of the German Pavilion, where they provided a warm and gracious reception. During the tour, they offered a comprehensive overview of the cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions showcased by German companies at the pavilion.

This year, the German Pavilion proudly showcased 17 top-tier German companies across 55 vibrant booths. As the largest national pavilion, it was open until the August 24th at the Nangang Exhibition Center.

Last Thursday, the 9th Taiwan-Germany Smart Machinery Forum took place at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and innovators from Taiwan and Germany, all driven by a mutual dedication to advancing smart machinery and manufacturing. The event commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Chih-Chin Yang, Director General of the Industrial Development Administration of MOEA Taiwan, Mr. Bernhard Kluttig, Director of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany, Mr. Kou-I Szu, President of Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotic Association, and Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Chief Representative & Executive Director of the German Trade Office Taipei. Their speeches set the tone for a day focused on collaboration and technological innovation between Taiwan and Germany.

A significant highlight of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Techman Robot Inc. of Taiwan and Botfellows GmbH of Germany. This partnership, witnessed by both Taiwanese and German officials and industry representatives, symbolizes a strengthened alliance in smart manufacturing. The forum also featured a series of compelling speeches from expert companies across both countries, including Siemens Taiwan, Techman Robot Inc, Botfellows GmbH, Trumpf Taiwan, SOLOMON Technology Corp., and Delta Electronics, and KUKA Automation Taiwan. Topics ranged from AI applications in smart manufacturing to the evolving role of robotics in European factories.

The event was rounded out by two engaging panel discussions, moderated by Dr. Eva Langerbeck and Mr. Kou-I Szu, where participants discussed the challenges and opportunities within the smart manufacturing sector.

We thank all participants for their valuable contributions! Moreover, we want to show special appreciation to our co-organizer—the Smart Machinery Promotion Office—along with our partners at the Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotics Association and the support of the Industrial Development Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, for making this event a resounding success. We look forward to next year’s forum!

Taiwan's fruit and vegetable trade is a vital part of its economy, connecting the island to a wide array of global markets. Whether it's the export of tropical fruits like pineapples and or the import of fresh vegetables to meet local demand, the trade dynamics are ever-evolving and full of opportunities.

If you're interested in diving deeper into the trade information and understanding the current trends shaping the Asian fruit and vegetable market, don't miss the chance to visit the Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong from 9/4-9/6. This event will bring together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to share insights, forge connections, and explore the future of this dynamic market.

And there's more! We're offering limited one-day coupons for attendees who want to experience the event firsthand. For more detailed information and to secure your spot, please visit our official website.

The largest platform for the global energy industry, Smarter E Europe, was a phenomenal success in June! We are excited to announce that the next Smarter E Europe will be held from May 7 – 9, 2025, at Messe München, Germany. Smarter E Europe unites four major exhibitions: Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, Power2Drive Europe, and EM-Power Europe. These exhibitions will cover renewable energy, batteries and energy storage systems, charging equipment and e-mobility, as well as energy management and integrated solutions. 

In 2024, Smarter E Europe featured over 3,000 exhibitors showcasing their innovative products and attracted approximately 110,000 visitors from around the globe. Additionally, more than 2,500 attendees participated in the conference and various side events, setting a new record. 

Next year, in corporation with TAITRA we will organize the Taiwan Pavilion in the Intersolar Sector (Hall A3). We welcome all Taiwanese companies to join us! Smarter E also exhibits globally, not just in Munich but in Mumbai, Dubai, South America, and North America. 

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the world's leading energy platform!

From April 8-10, 2025, Messe Berlin will host Europe's leading event for digital health, DMEA. It brings together decision-makers from across the healthcare sector, including IT specialists, physicians, hospital and nursing care executives, and experts from politics, science, and research.

DMEA 2024 was a massive success, attracting over 800 exhibitors, more than 19,000 visitors, and nearly 300 speakers from around the globe. The event covered a wide range of topics beyond healthcare in Germany, such as patient care in Europe, the electronic patient record in Denmark, and AI transparency in Europe.

DMEA is an excellent platform for system and hardware/software vendors worldwide to seize market opportunities and engage with the digital healthcare community.

Don't miss your chance to be part of next year’s DMEA! To exhibit at DMEA 2025, please contact our colleague Mr. Pinchao Huang.

Mark your calendars for the world’s largest trade fair for consumer electronics and home appliances Join us at IFA 2024 as we celebrate its monumental 100th anniversary!

Date: September 6 – 10, 2024
Venue: Berlin, Germany

Experience the pulse of “innovation for all” right in the heart of Europe's most dynamic regional market. At IFA, witness the unveiling of the latest products from around the globe. With attendees from over 130 countries, IFA is the main hot spot for key retailers, buyers and experts from the industry and the media. Only IFA offers such a comprehensive overview of the international market.

But that's not all! Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere with exhilarating outdoor spectacles and evening concerts featuring both local legends and international superstars.

What’s special about this year’s IFA 2024? It’s divided into two exhibition periods AND two exhibition zones:

1) IFA: September 6 – 10 at Messe Berlin

2) IFA Global Markets: September 8 – 10 at STATION Berlin

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity! Exclusive Trade Visitor Tickets are on sale now! Sign up and don’t miss a beat!

Covestro is excited to announce registration is open for its free DIY experiment kit for elementary students. This year’s theme, “Visible Sound: Sounds of Wonderland,” features hearing-impaired students as mentors, guiding kids in sound science.

The kits aim to inspire kids across Taiwan to explore sound science at home. Covestro has prepared 1,000 free kits, allowing kids to learn sound science with guidance from hearing-impaired students. “These activities highlight the potential of hearing-impaired students and promote diversity and inclusion,” said Chih-Min Tang, Commissioner of the Department of Education, Taipei City Government. Covestro’s MagicMaterials School program encourages children to explore science while respecting differences.

Read more about Covestro's free DIY experiment kits on our website.

The 2024 Covestro Grandparent-Grandchild Science Camp, held in Changhua, Pingtung, and Taipei, wrapped up on August 25th with the heartwarming theme, "Grandchildren’s Happy Kingdom." This year, grandparents were invited to step into the imaginative worlds of their grandchildren, creating lasting memories together.

Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Chief Representative & Executive Director of the German Trade Office Taipei, commended the camp for its creativity and its role in strengthening intergenerational bonds, reflecting the positive impact of German companies in Taiwan.

To read more about this successful camp, visit our website.

We are delighted to introduce our latest GTO German Business Alliance Platinum member to you: Siemens Energy!

Siemens Energy is one of the world’s leading energy technology companies. The company works with its customers and partners on energy systems for the future, thus supporting the transition to a more sustainable world. With its portfolio of products, solutions and services, Siemens Energy covers almost the entire energy value chain – from power generation and transmission to storage. The portfolio includes conventional and renewable energy technology, such as gas and steam turbines, hybrid power plants operated with hydrogen, and power generators and transformers. More than 50 percent of the portfolio has already been decarbonized. A majority stake in the listed company Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) makes Siemens Energy a global market leader for renewable energies. An estimated one-sixth of the electricity generated worldwide is based on technologies from Siemens Energy. Siemens Energy employs more than 90,000 people worldwide in more than 90 countries and generated revenue of around €31 billion in fiscal year 2023.

For more information on Siemens Energy, please browse their webpage.

On behalf of Rauschert Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of the German company Paul Rauschert Steinbach GmbH, a leading global manufacturer of technical ceramics, molded plastic parts and more, we want to make you aware of an open job position, i.e. Commercial Person.

Key Responsibilities:

• Report clearly to the management team in Germany
• Make daily business decisions with our development team in Taiwan and Germany
• Decide together with the management team in Germany on the business process within the strategy of Rauschert

Requirements:

• Import and export experience is a plus
• Readiness to come to Germany for training and business coordination a least once per year (other countries might be possible too)

For further details and information regarding the application process, please visit our website.

Premier Cho Unveils Strategies to Andvance Economy

Premier Cho Jung-tai announced the government's commitment to integrating artificial intelligence across agencies and industries to benefit society. Speaking at the Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robot Show 2024 on August 21, he highlighted the growing use of smart robots in hotels, senior care centers, and national security. Cho emphasized Taiwan's leadership in smart industries and hardware, and the government's support for traditional industries and MSMEs. He revealed a budget of NT$11.6 billion (US$362 million) to aid MSME development and shared that Taiwan's Q2 economic growth was 5.09%, with a planned 3% salary increase for military, public, and educational personnel and a review of the minimum wage scheduled for September.

(Last access: 26.08.2024 / Taipei Today)

US Think Tank Says Taiwan's Economic Growth to Reach 4% This Year

Fitch Ratings projected Taiwan’s economic growth at 4% for 2024, driven by rapid advancements in AI and high-tech exports. Fitch’s Head of Asia-Pacific Sovereigns noted that while GDP growth may slow to 2.7% in 2025, AI-driven momentum will continue to support the economy. Fitch Senior Analyst Jenny Huang highlighted challenges for Taiwan's traditional industries, including capital pressures from energy transitions, oversupply risks due to weak demand from China, and potential impacts from proposed US tariffs. Huang warned that although Taiwan isn't the primary target of these tariffs, its heavy reliance on US trade could still have significant economic effects.

(Last access: 26.08.2024 / Taiwan News)

NSTC Hopes New Platform Will Cultivate Smart Tech Companies

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) is investing NT$36 billion (US$1.12 billion) in the "Greater South Smart-Tech Industrial Ecosystem" from 2025-2029. The project aims to create a platform in Shalun Science City to connect high-tech industries with local service sectors for AI development. It will upgrade government computing power and support small IC design companies and startups. The initiative, aligned with Lai Ching-te's regional development goals, seeks to develop Taiwan's own AI systems and applications, with plans to expand nationwide.

(Last access: 26.08.2024 / Focus Taiwan)

Taiwan's Winchain Becomes 1st Company in Pingtung Science Park

Winchain Material Technology held a groundbreaking ceremony on August 25 as the first tenant of Pingtung Science Park. The company will build a headquarters and factory in the park to produce thermal adhesives and liquid metal grease for the semiconductor industry. The event was attended by Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi, NSTC Vice Minister Su Chen-kang, and Winchain Chair Lin Chiu-lang.

Chou highlighted the park’s potential and welcomed foreign investment. Lin noted that Winchain aims to compete in a market previously dominated by foreign manufacturers. The company’s NT$500 million (US$15.7 million) investment will create jobs and boost the local economy. NSTC’s Su proposed a southern smart industry ecosystem to enhance Taiwan’s semiconductor and AI capabilities.

(Last access: 26.08.2024 / Taiwan News)