Happy 11.11—today marks the start of Fasching, the beginning of the traditional carnival season in Germany! Known for its colorful parades, costumes, and festive spirit, Fasching (also called Karneval in some regions) is a time for joyful celebrations!

Today we had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Udo Philipp, State Secretary from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), for a working breakfast to our office. It was a fantastic opportunity to discuss ongoing and future German-Taiwanese economic cooperation. More on this visit can be found in our Top News section.

As the holiday season approaches, don’t miss your chance to join us at our annual GTO Christmas Goose Dinner! This year-end gathering is a cherished tradition for the German-Taiwanese community, featuring a delicious four-course meal, a festive ambiance, and a charity lucky draw with wonderful prizes. Everyone is welcome to celebrate with us! See our Top News for registration details.

Furthermore, you can join our upcoming seminar, Digital Healthcare in Action: Case Studies from Taiwan and a German Market Update! Leading Taiwanese companies will provide insights into Taiwan’s digital healthcare landscape and share practical case studies. Don’t miss this chance to network and build partnerships in the digital healthcare sector—read more under GTO News!

In GTO News, we’ve recapped another busy week, including last week’s online conference, "Shaping the Future of Europe’s Mobility in Hamburg." Nearly 30 participants joined us to explore Hamburg's opportunities for Taiwanese companies in the mobility sector, with insights from Hamburg Invest’s Stefan Matz. We also attended the 2024 Germany and Taiwan Forum on Energy Transition, an inspiring platform for renewable energy discussions. Plus, our team participated in First Aid Training at the Fire Safety Museum in Taipei, learning essential life-saving skills like CPR, AED use, earthquake safety, and fire extinguishing. A huge thanks to the expert trainers for this invaluable experience.

Lastly, for those interested in Taiwan's labor market trends, we have an exciting new resource available. Dr. Jürgen Maurer, Director/Correspondent Taiwan at Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI), has published a comprehensive report covering the latest facts and figures, offering insights into employment growth, sectoral changes, and emerging opportunities in Taiwan. Our summary in the GTAI News section, as well as the full article on the GTAI website is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of Taiwan’s workforce and economy.

Wishing you a warm and wonderful week ahead – and happy reading!

Kind regards, 

Dr. Eva Langerbeck

Visit from Mr. Udo Philipp, State Secretary from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)

We were honored to welcome Mr. Udo Philipp, State Secretary from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), to our office here in Taipei for a productive working breakfast. His team included Ms. Larissa Karthaus, Personal Assistant to the State Secretary, Ms. Malena Ammann, Department VE1, and Mr. Tim Schulze, Desk Officer.

The meeting brought together key representatives from German institutions and businesses leaders in Taiwan, including Dr. Jörg Polster, Director General of the German Institute Taipei, Dr. Jürgen Maurer, Director/Correspondent Taiwan at Germany Trade and Invest, Dr. Eva Langerbeck, our Executive Director, and Ms. Linda Blechert, General Manager of DEinternational Taiwan Ltd. Corporate representatives included Mr. Rahil Ansari, CEO of Volkswagen Group Taiwan, Mr. Frank Grunert, President & CEO of Siemens Limited Taiwan, Dr. Ralf John, Managing Director of Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen Taiwan Limited, Mr. Alexander Lenz, CEO of Aquila Capital Renewables Asia Pte. Ltd., and Mr. Markus Schueller, Managing Director of Fichtner GmbH & Co. KG – Taiwan Branch.

The breakfast provided a great opportunity for a valuable exchange on German-Taiwanese economic relations, the current situation of German businesses in Taiwan, and future cooperation opportunities. We thank State Secretary Philipp for his visit and continued commitment to strengthening the German economy!

Event Details

Tickets include a four-course set menu, participation in the lucky draw event, and German white and red wine, kindly provided by Peter Mertes.

Lucky Draw Charity

Per tradition, we will also be conducting our charity lucky draw event. This year, all income generated by the lucky draw will be donated to the Syin-Lu Social Welfare Foundation.

Syinlu Foundation, founded in 1987 by parents of children with disabilities, provides support for kids with intellectual and developmental challenges. Initially created to address societal misunderstandings and lack of resources, Syinlu relies on donations and the dedication of parents. Its mission is to offer comprehensive services that help these children live dignified, fulfilling lives. It hopes to continue fostering acceptance and providing professional help, ensuring a dignified and hopeful future for disabled children and their families.

If you would like to support the Lucky Draw Charity with additional prices, please feel free to contact our colleague Mr. Sinan Ertugrul.


Registration

If you are interested, please register at the following link:

Venue and Opening Hours

Taipei Expo Park, Flower Sea Plaza

Friday, November 29th, 11:00 - 21:00

Saturday, November 30th, 11:00 - 21:00

Sunday, December 1st, 11:00 - 20:00

New Taipei City Plaza in Banqiao

Friday, December 6th, 11:00 - 22:00

Saturday, December 7th, 11:00 - 22:00

Sunday, December 8th, 11:00 - 22:00

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on the German Christmas Market Taipei & New Taipei 2024!

22nd Taiwan-Germany Joint Business Council Meeting (JBC)
12.11.2024 | Location: Taipei

Digital Healthcare in Action: Case Studies from Taiwan and a German Market Update
28.11.2024 | Location: Taipei

2024 German Christmas Market
29.11.2024 - 01.12.2024 | Location: Taipei

2024 GTO Christmas Goose Dinner
05.12.2024 | Location: Taipei

2024 German Christmasland in New Taipei City
06.12.2024 - 08.12.2024 | Location: New Taipei City

Join Us: Digital Healthcare in Action: Case Studies from Taiwan and a German Market Update

The seminar “Digital Healthcare in Action: Case Studies from Taiwan and a German Market Update” will feature leading Taiwanese companies in digital healthcare to share insights into Taiwan’s current digital healthcare landscape and practical case studies. Furthermore, Germany Trade and Invest will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the German healthcare market, which will be the best preparations for your ambitions to enter the German healthcare market.

Through the perspectives from Taiwan and Germany, this seminar will facilitate sharing and discussion on current developments in digital healthcare, encouraging active networking among participants in this dynamic field to connect and build partnership.

If you are a Taiwanese company or startup looking to enter the German healthcare market, this seminar is a good opportunity. The program will also introduce the DMEA, Europe’s leading digital healthcare exhibition, as well as Smart Health Asia 2026, which will soon launch in Singapore. We will provide you with the best opportunities for entering the overseas digital healthcare market, supporting you in successfully expanding the business internationally.

Event Details

Registration

Please fill out the registration before November 21 to join this seminar!

Event Review: “Shaping the Future of Europe’s Mobility in Hamburg - Opportunities for Market Expansion and Investment for Taiwanese Companies”

Last week's online conference “Shaping the Future of Europe’s Mobility in Hamburg - Opportunities for Market Expansion and Investment for Taiwanese Companies” welcomed nearly 30 participants excited to dive into Hamburg’s potential as a hub for Taiwanese companies in Europe! Opening remarks from Dr. Eva Langerbeck, our Chief Representative & Executive, and Mr. Stefan Matz, Director of International Investment at Hamburg Invest, set the tone for a productive and lively session.

Ms. Aresa Brand, Deputy Director of International Investments at Hamburg Invest, delivered an inspiring keynote, highlighting Hamburg’s thriving business landscape designed for Taiwanese companies. Mr. Tim Knutzen and Mr. Enno Bekermann from New Mobility Solutions Hamburg followed with insights into the latest mobility trends and a look ahead to the 2025 UITP Congress.

With its perfect conditions for growth, Hamburg is ready to welcome Taiwanese companies looking to expand in Europe!

Last Thursday, we had the opportunity to participate in an incredibly valuable First Aid Training session at the Fire Safety Museum in Taipei.

We learned essential life-saving skills, including CPR, how to properly use an AED machine, earthquake safety procedures, and how to safely put out a fire.

A huge thank you to the expert trainers who guided us through these hands-on exercises and shared their knowledge with us!
We believe that training like this is not just important—it's essential. Being prepared can save lives, and we are grateful to have gained these valuable skills that could help us in critical moments.

The Smarter E Europe 2025 Booths are almost fully booked!

Smarter E Europe, the world's largest trading platform for the energy industry, 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, Intelligent Energy Europe attracted more than 3,000 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of innovative products and nearly 110,000 professional buyers from around the world. More than 2,500 participants signed up for industry seminars and business events during the show, setting an unprecedented record for business exchanges.

In 2025 edition, German Trade Office Taipei also partners with TAITRA to organize the Taiwan Pavilion at Intersolar Europe in Hall A3. 9 Taiwanese companies have already confirmed their participation in the pavilion. We cordially invite Taiwanese companies in these industries to join us and step further into the European and international markets.   

If you are interested in exhibiting at The Smarter E Global Events, such as Middle East, India, Central and South America editions, please contact our colleague Mr. Pinchao Huang. We look forward to seeing you in Munich to explore the business opportunities of the future energies!

For more information visit our website.

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.

Porsche Taiwan proudly unveils the New All-Electric Macan, opening a new chapter for one of its most celebrated models. Since its launch in Taiwan in 2014, the Macan has expanded the definition of what it means to be a Porsche, combining exceptional performance with everyday practicality. It has resonated with drivers who seek both thrilling driving experiences and the freedom to explore new horizons. Now, the New All-Electric Macan builds on this legacy, turning every journey into an opportunity for discovery and self-expression.

“The Macan has become a distinctive presence on Taiwan’s roads, embraced by drivers from all generations and lifestyles for its unique balance of performance, style, and practicality,” said Christian Nater, CEO of Porsche Taiwan. “The launch of the New All-Electric Macan continues this journey by blending Porsche’s innovative spirit with sustainable practices. Produced with carbon-reduced aluminium components and net carbon-neutral processes at our Leipzig plant powered entirely by green energy, the New All-Electric Macan stays true to Porsche’s essence—delivering an unparalleled driving experience in every detail. With the launch of the Macan Electric, we invite customers and fans embracing who they are, following their lifestyle and enjoying the future of luxury electric driving in Taiwan."

Taiwan’s labor market remains stable but faces mounting challenges due to a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in technical fields. Many foreign companies, including German businesses, struggle to find qualified talent and must offer higher incentives and benefits than local firms to attract and retain employees.

Key strengths of Taiwan’s labor market include a well-educated workforce, a high number of STEM graduates, strong government backing for vocational training, and relatively low wage levels. Nonetheless, there are significant challenges: a shrinking labor force, fierce competition for talent, high employee turnover, and rising wages.

With the expansion of Taiwan’s tech sector, demand for technology and engineering positions remains strong, particularly in semiconductors and IT, driven by global demand for chips and AI applications. Labor shortages are felt across multiple sectors, from technology to logistics, and Taiwan’s aging population further limits the labor pool. To address these challenges, the government has set ambitious targets, for example aiming to train 200,000 AI professionals by 2028 and recruit 120,000 digital specialists from abroad.

To read more the full article on Taiwan's labor market, including recruitment and personnel management, wages and salaries, labor law, and contact information to navigate Taiwan's labor market, follow the link to the GTAI website (in German).

GDP to Increase 4.03% this Year: TIER 

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER) has raised its 2024 GDP growth forecast for Taiwan to 4.03% and expects 3.15% growth in 2025. While Taiwan’s economy benefits from strong exports in technology sectors and stable domestic demand, TIER expressed concern over U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's return to office, citing potential global trade disruptions from his proposed tariffs. These policies could lead to reduced trade and higher inflation, impacting Taiwan's exports and economy. TIER stressed the importance of Taiwan maintaining strong communication with the U.S. on trade and preparing for possible shifts in U.S. economic policies, which could have significant global repercussions. 

Taiwan to Bring in 1,000 Indian Workers for Manufacturing

In response to a labor shortage in the manufacturing sector, Taiwan has announced plans to bring in 1,000 Indian workers under a new agreement signed earlier this year. The decision was confirmed by Ministry of Labor (MOL) official Tsai Meng-liang, head of the Workforce Development Agency, at a recent news conference. The initial batch of Indian workers will be the first group arriving under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Taiwan and India in February. However, there is no set timeline for their arrival, though Labor Minister Ho Pei-shan mentioned mid-2025 as a target date. 

A five-member Indian delegation, led by Surinder Bhagat from India's Ministry of External Affairs, recently visited Taiwan to discuss the arrangement and assess local working conditions. Of the 1,000 workers, five percent will be directly hired, with the rest recruited through approved labor brokerages. The MOL also emphasized that qualifications, including English proficiency, are being considered and addressed concerns about social risks, calling such concerns discriminatory and noting the low crime rate among migrant workers in Taiwan.

(Last access: 11.11.2024 / Focus Taiwan)

Taiwan-Japan Co-Developed Satellite 'Onglaisat' Launched into Space

The "Onglaisat," a collaborative satellite between Taiwan and Japan, successfully launched into space on Nov. 5, Taiwan time, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the U.S., as reported by the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA). This CubeSat, bound for the International Space Station (ISS), will deploy in a low Earth orbit at 410 kilometers in about a month to begin its six-month test mission.

Onglaisat aims to validate a new remote sensing system, testing high-resolution data and image compression technologies developed in partnership with the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute. The satellite is expected to achieve a ground image resolution of 2.8 meters, significantly sharper than the usual 5 to 6 meters for similar CubeSats. 

Project leader Chan Chen-yu highlighted the symbolism of "Onglai," meaning "prosperity" and "pineapple" in Hoklo, symbolizing the friendship between Taiwan and Japan and originating from Japan’s support of Taiwanese pineapple exports after a Chinese ban in 2021. The mission underscores hopes for continued collaboration between the two nations in space exploration.  

(Last access: 11.11.2024 / Focus Taiwan)