As we are approaching the Mid-Autumn Festival here in Taiwan, we wish you a wonderful holiday filled with mooncakes, lanterns, and quality time with loved ones!

We are proud to announce the release of the Corporate Social Responsibility Report of German Companies in Taiwan 2023/2024. This comprehensive report highlights the outstanding efforts of 22 German companies, featuring impactful projects like beach cleanups, fundraising drives, and educational initiatives that are making a significant difference in building a more sustainable future in Taiwan. Read more about these contributions in our Top News section.

We are also excited to share that the GTO German Oktoberfest X German Business Day 2024 at the Illume Taipei on October 24 is officially fully booked! A heartfelt thank you to our exceptional sponsors—your generous support and enthusiasm have been crucial in making this year’s event a success even before it begins. We look forward to celebrating together! To see what the event has to offer, go to our Top News Section.

For those who missed out on SEMICON 2024: We also have a special treat for you! A wrap-up video summarizing all the exciting moments and innovations from the event is now available. You can find both the announcement and the video in the GTO News section of this newsletter.

We’d like to remind you about InnoTrans 2024, the premier trade fair for transport technology, taking place in Berlin this September 24 to 27. This key event focuses on vital sectors including railway technology, infrastructure, public transport, interiors, and tunnel construction. It’s a must-attend for professionals seeking to explore the latest innovations and connect with industry leaders. And the best part? We offer a voucher code for discounted tickets. Find more details in the Trade Fair News section.

Finally, we have a new article from Germany Trade & Invest that delves into Taiwan’s growing electricity demand and the government's focus on energy efficiency and conservation. As Taiwan plans to shut down its last nuclear reactor by 2025 and phase out several coal-fired power plants by 2027, the need for efficient equipment and energy-saving measures is increasing. For a more information on these trends and their impact, be sure to visit the GTAI News section!

Wishing you a relaxing and productive week ahead!

Kind regards,

Dr. Eva Langerbeck

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Corporate Social Responsibility Report of German Companies in Taiwan 2023/2024! This report highlights the incredible efforts of 22 German companies in Taiwan, with projects like beach cleanups, fundraising drives, and educational programs that are truly making a difference.

Among the standout events hosted by the GTO last year were the German Company Charity Soccer Tournament, where businesses and charities united for a great cause, and the German Road Safety Fair, where students learned essential traffic safety skills through fun and interactive games!

Dr. Eva Langerbeck, our Executive Director, emphasized: "Corporate social responsibility is more important than ever. German companies are not only thriving in Taiwan’s market but are actively giving back to society.”

But that’s not all! This October, we’re excited to host our CSR Day for the fourth year in a row! This time, we’re heading to Ciao shan Elementary School in Miaoli County, where German companies will step in as guest instructors, designing fun, hands-on activities to spark curiosity and help students develop the skills they need to succeed in a globalized world!

Read our Corporate Social Responsibility Report on our website.

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

Are you interested in discovering the latest innovations "Made in Germany" in Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing? Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect directly with German companies, explore potential business opportunities, and find your next business partner!

As part of the upcoming delegation trip to Taiwan, Taiwanese importers, distributors, and manufacturers will have the exclusive chance to engage in B2B meetings with delegation members from October 23 to 25. To secure your spot for these exclusive meetings, simply contact Ms. Linda Blechert at blechert.linda@taiwan.ahk.de.

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)

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.

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

Water Resource Technology Delegation in Vietnam
04.11.2024 - 08.11.2024 | Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Isabella has completed her bachelor's degree with a double major in China Studies and Cultural and Social Anthropology at the University of Münster. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in Sinology. Her academic journey has taken her across borders, with semesters abroad at Nankai University in Tianjin and NTNU in Taipei. However, Isabella's connection with Taiwan started much earlier, during a year-long student exchange with Rotary International in Kaohsiung back in 2012. Her favorite spot in Taiwan? The serene 小流球, where she loves to unwind and hang out with the many turtles!

For the next few months, Isabella is eager to dive into an international work environment at DEinternational Taiwan Ltd. She will be assisting Phillip Molz from DEinternational, the service unit of the German Trade Office, which provides a wide range of services including trade fair and HR services, market entry support, investment promotion, and public relations. Isabella is looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the daily operations and responsibilities at the German Trade Office Taipei (AHK Taiwan), while also learning more about the local culture and German-Taiwanese economic relations.

Welcome to the team, Isabella!

A few weeks ago, we wrapped up an exciting and productive few days at SEMICON Taiwan 2024! The atmosphere at the event was full of energy, creating the perfect environment for insightful discussions. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with global semiconductor leaders, explore the latest innovations, and strengthen ties between Germany and Taiwan in the industry. Check out our wrap up video for some impressions of the show!

A big thank you to all our exhibitors - attocube systems AG, BASF Taiwan Ltd., centrotherm clean solutions GmbH, Chipmetrics, DEAXO GmbH, FHR Anlagenbau GmbH, Freiberger Compound Materials GmbH, Hyprostatik Schönfeld Schönfeld GmbH, mechatronic systemtechnik, MVTec Software GmbH Taiwan CO.,Orbitalum Tools GmbH, Plasmatreat GmbH, Primelite GmbH, Saxony Trade & Invest Corp., and uv-technik Speziallampen GmbH - for presenting cutting-edge technologies and making the German Pavilion a hub of innovation.

Thanks to all who visited us and contributed to the success of this event.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

Watch the wrap up video on our YouTube channel.

InnoTrans, the world’s leading trade fair for transport technology, returns to Berlin from September 24 to 27 at the Berlin Expocenter City. This event, held every two years, covers 42 exhibition halls and focuses on five key segments: railway technology, railway infrastructure, public transport, interiors, and tunnel construction. In addition to the exhibition, visitors can look forward to the InnoTrans Convention and various networking opportunities with global industry leaders.

In 2022, InnoTrans attracted nearly 140,000 visitors from 137 countries and featured 2,771 exhibitors from 56 nations. To make your experience seamless, a complimentary hotel shuttle bus service is available for exhibitors, booth personnel, and trade visitors. The shuttle operates in the mornings to the venue and returns in the afternoons from Entrance South/hub27.

For more details, please visit the official InnoTrans Shuttle Service page.

The German Trade Office is offering an exclusive voucher code for discounted tickets.
For inquiries, please contact our colleague Mr. Pinchao Huang at huang.pinchao@taiwan.ahk.de or call +886-2-7735-7529.

See you in Berlin!

Aiming to capitalize on opportunities in water recycling and aligning with economic strategies for the water resource industry, the German Trade Office Taipei, in collaboration with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Vietnam (AHK Vietnam) and Germany Trade & Invest - Southeast Asia (GTAI ASEAN), will lead Taiwanese water technology companies to the Vietwater exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City. The visit will also facilitate industry exchanges with local water resource management professionals from Vietnam and Germany, as well as business development and matchmaking.

If you are a Taiwanese company specializing in water management solutions and are interested in expanding into the Vietnamese market, don't miss the Vietnam Water Resource Technology Delegation organized by the German Trade Office Taipei this November.

As the visit requires considerable planning and has participant limits, please register as soon as possible if you wish to join the Delegation.

Event Details

Date: November 4 – 8, 2024
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Languages: English

Registration

For registration or other related questions, please contact Ms. Venus Peng at 02-7735-7524 / peng.venus@taiwan.ahk.de for more information.

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. 

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.

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.

Taiwan's rapidly rising electricity demand is outpacing supply, prompting the government to focus on energy efficiency and conservation. As Taiwan plans to shut down its last nuclear reactor by 2025 and phase out several units of coal-fired power plants by 2027, the need for efficient equipment and energy-saving measures is increasing.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is promoting the adoption of energy-efficient equipment and has introduced a program to reduce electricity consumption by around 20 billion kilowatt-hours over the next four years. This includes incentives for replacing old appliances and providing low-interest loans for businesses to update outdated equipment.

With the growing demand driven by the semiconductor industry and new data centers, Taiwan faces significant challenges in electricity supply. The island's electricity consumption is expected to rise by more than 2% annually, exceeding 300 terawatt-hours by 2030. Despite efforts to expand renewable energy and increase electricity reserves, Taiwan Power Co. is struggling with rising energy costs and regulatory constraints on price increases.

Read the full article on the GTAI website (in German).

Taiwan's Real Wage Growth Hits 4-Year High for First 7 Months of 2024

(Last access: 16.09.2024 / Focus Taiwan)

Executive Yuan Approves Extension of 0.15% Day-Trading Tax Rate

Taiwan's Executive Yuan approved an extension of the reduced day-trading tax rate of 0.15% until 2027, aiming to sustain trading momentum. Originally set to expire on December 31 this year, the tax rate reduction from 0.3% to 0.15% was introduced on April 28, 2017, to boost market liquidity and trading volume.

Executive Yuan Spokesperson Julia Hsieh stated that extending the tax cut for another three years is essential for maintaining trading momentum and supporting the stable growth of the securities market. The average daily trading value is expected to remain between NT$400 billion and NT$450 billion with this extension.

Additionally, the draft measure will remove the requirement for filing day-trading tax documents, reverting to the Administrative Procedure Act. The proposal will now proceed to the Legislative Yuan for review.

(Last access: 16.09.2024 / Focus Taiwan)

Taishin Ups Offer for Shin Kong in Taiwan’s Biggest Financial Merger

Taishin Financial Holding Co. has raised its bid by 25% to NT$243 billion (US$7.6 billion) to acquire Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., which could become Taiwan's largest financial services merger. Taishin now offers 0.672 common shares and 0.175 preferred shares per Shin Kong share, up from the previous ratio.

CTBC Financial Holding Co. also seeks to acquire Shin Kong, offering NT$132 billion (US$4.1 billion) for a 51% stake, which would make it Taiwan's largest financial firm with assets of NT$13.46 trillion (US$418 billion). Taishin’s offer prices Shin Kong shares at NT$14.18, slightly lower than CTBC’s NT$14.55.

Taishin is confident about gaining shareholder approval and is seen as a preferred partner due to ties with Shin Kong's founders. If successful, the merger would make Taishin and Shin Kong Taiwan's fourth-largest financial firm with NT$8.29 trillion in assets. The deal needs approval from the Financial Supervisory Commission and Fair Trade Commission.

(Last access: 16.09.2024 / Taiwan News)

TSMC No Longer a Taiwanese Firm But a Global One: Chairman

TSMC, now a global company due to its international expansion, has adopted a focus on "diversity, equality, and inclusivity," Chairman C.C. Wei said in an internal letter. He stressed the importance of open communication and empathy among employees.

TSMC is building two advanced fabs in Arizona, with the first set to begin production in 2025 and the second in 2028. A third fab, using 2nm technology, is planned, with total investments in Arizona exceeding US$65 billion.

The company is also expanding in Japan and Germany, with plans for new fabs and significant investments. Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei noted that while TSMC is growing internationally, Taiwan remains its base, and employees must foster an inclusive attitude for global collaboration.