As the temperature drops and Christmas draws closer, Taipei is transforming into a winter wonderland. Festive decorations are lighting up the city, and everyone is getting into the holiday spirit. Can you believe there are less than two weeks until our annual Christmas Market kicks off? Speaking of festivities, Santa is already in town—find out what he’s up to under GTO News. 

On theme with the Christmas spirit, our 2024 GTO Christmas Goose Dinner - Supported by Good Earth CPA on December 5 is fast approaching. Indulge in a four-course feast and participate in our charity lucky draw, with exciting prizes like Apple Watches, LEGO sets, and even a flat-screen TV thanks  to our generous sponsors. All proceeds from the lucky draw will support the Syin-Lu Social Welfare Foundation, dedicated to helping children with intellectual and developmental challenges. Don’t wait—spaces are filling up fast. Details and registration are available under GTO News.

Time is also ticking to register for the seminar “Digital Healthcare in Action: Case Studies from Taiwan and a German Market Update” before Thursday, November 21. This seminar will feature insights from leading Taiwanese companies, a comprehensive overview of the German healthcare market from GTAI, and introductions to key events like DMEA and Smart Health Asia 2026. Whether you’re a startup or an established company looking to expand into Germany, this is an excellent opportunity to network and prepare for international growth. Full details are under Top News. 

Last week was another eventful one, starting with the 22nd Taiwan-Germany Joint Business Council Meeting, which featured high-level discussions on creating a German-Taiwanese semiconductor ecosystem. It was a privilege to welcome distinguished participants like Mr. Udo Philipp, State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), and Mr. Chern-Chyi Chen, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs. To read more about this successful event, visit the GTO News section.

Additionally, we also had the pleasure of hosting a distinguished delegation from our umbrella organization the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK). The delegation explored Taiwan’s vibrant business landscape and strengthened ties with local industry leaders. Highlights of their visit included a tour of Merck Taiwan, where they were warmly welcomed by Managing Director Mr. John Lee. Read more about their visit in the GTO News section.

If you’re in the transport technology sector, mark your calendar. Early bird tickets for InnoTrans 2026 are available until January 6, 2025. InnoTrans is the premier global event for transport innovations, and Taiwanese companies interested in joining the Taiwan Pavilion can contact our colleague Mr. Pinchao Huang for more information. Visit Trade Fair News for details. 

Finally, delve into the latest GTAI article on Taiwan’s machinery industry under GTAI News. It’s a fascinating deep dive into the sector’s recent developments, issues, and future opportunities. 

Bundle up and enjoy the start of the festive season—there’s plenty to look forward to. 


Warm regards,

Dr. Eva Langerbeck

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 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 donations 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.

This year's lucky draw gifts include

• 2x Apple Watches, kindly provided by Ecovis
• A wide variety of tabletop games, kindly provided by Swan Panasia Co., Ltd.
• 3x Meissen Porcelain, kindly provided by Opulent State Life Corp
• 1x big flat screen TV, kindly provided by Häfele Taiwan Limited 
• 1x LEGO Friends Beach Amusement Park by Obton
• 1x LEGO City Robot World Roller-Coaster Park by Obton
• 2x Glass VAC 3.6V by Bosch
• 2x Aquatak UA125 by Bosch
• 2x GSB 12V-30 Cordless Combi by Bosch
• 2x Universal Brush 3.6V by Bosch

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!

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

Last week, the 22nd Taiwan-Germany Joint Business Council Meeting (JBC) took place under the umbrella of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA), jointly organized by our office (German Trade Office Taipei, AHK Taiwan) in cooperation with the Taiwan Committee of German Business, the Taiwan Bureau of Foreign Trade, and the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA). The JBC was chaired by Dirk Sänger, C. Melchers GmbH & Co. KG, on the German side, and Mr. Chi-Yuan Chin, Executive Board Director, Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA).

We were honored that Mr. Udo Philipp, State Secretary from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), and Mr. Chern-Chyi "C.C." Chen, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, joined the JBC this year. Dr. Jörg Polster, Director General of the German Institute Taipei, was also present at the event. Together with C.Y. Huang, Chairman of FCC Partners, our Executive Director Dr. Eva Langerbeck moderated a panel discussion on how to create a German-Taiwanese semiconductor ecosystem.

About 120 representatives of the German and Taiwanese industries as well as senior officials attended the conference. We would like to thank everyone who supported the preparations for the event and look forward to more intensive cooperation between Germany and Taiwan.

You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I’m telling you why… Santa Claus is comin’ to town! He’s arrived early, exploring Taipei, gathering holiday surprises, and getting ready to bring the Christmas magic to the German Christmas Markets!

Step into a festive German wonderland at Taipei Expo Park's Flower Sea Plaza from November 29 to December 1, and at New Taipei City Plaza in Banqiao from December 6 to 8! Savor the holiday season with traditional German food, drinks, mulled wine, sweets, and more! There’ll be live entertainment, and of course, a special visit from Santa himself for our little guests!

We want to thank our wonderful sponsors who help make this holiday magic possible: Audi as our Exclusive Automobile Sponsor; Infineon, Sino German Cultural and Economic Association, and Franz Collection as our Christmas Tree Sponsors; and China Airlines, Kärcher, Beurer, Rommelsbacher, and Midlights as our Santa Claus Sponsors.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the holiday magic and updates! Don’t miss out on this year’s German Christmas Markets—Santa’s checking his list twice, and he can’t wait to see you there!

Check out the full video under this link.

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.

Every two years, Berlin hosts InnoTrans, the largest global event for transport technology. This year, the trade fair welcomed an incredible 170,000 visitors from 133 countries, along with 2,940 exhibitors representing 59 countries. InnoTrans covers five key segments: Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors, and Tunnel Construction – showcasing groundbreaking developments across the industry.

Interested in Exhibiting? Early bird prices are available until January 6, 2025! Click the link in the comments for early bird stand application

Taiwanese companies interested in joining the Taiwan Pavilion, feel free to reach out to Mr. Pinchao Huang for further information.

To read the full article on Taiwan’s machinery industry, follow the link to the GTAI website (in German).

Wages in Taiwan Outpace Inflation in Early 2024, Narrowing Income Gap

In the first nine months of 2024, wages in Taiwan rose slightly faster than inflation, with average monthly salaries increasing by 2.72% compared to the same period in 2023. After accounting for inflation, real wages grew by 0.45%. The median salary also saw a 3.29% nominal increase, or 1% in real terms. The wage gap between the highest and lowest earners narrowed. The salary for the 90th percentile (top earners) was 2.79 times higher than that of the 10th percentile (lowest earners), with the lower-income group experiencing a larger salary increase (4.05%) compared to higher-income workers (2.75%).

The government’s minimum wage hikes, which have benefited lower earners, are partly responsible for this narrowing gap. The minimum wage was raised on January 1, 2024, and is set for another increase in January 2025, from NT$27,470 to NT$28,590.

Taiwan Expects Continued U.S. Currency Monitoring, Defends Trade Surplus 

Taiwan's central bank has indicated that it expects to remain on the United States' currency monitoring list, following the U.S. Department of Treasury's decision to include Taiwan again as part of its scrutiny on major trading partners' currency practices. This marks Taiwan's sixth consecutive appearance on the list, which also includes China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, and Germany.

The U.S. Treasury's report, which evaluates foreign exchange policies, did not designate any of the listed economies as currency manipulators. However, Taiwan's inclusion was based on two main factors: a significant bilateral trade surplus with the U.S. (US$57 billion in the past year) and a large current account surplus (14.7% of GDP). Taiwan's central bank clarified that the trade surplus is driven by strong demand for Taiwanese products, especially semiconductors, and is not the result of currency manipulation.

In response, Taiwan proposed expanding purchases of U.S. energy, agricultural goods, and military items to reduce the trade surplus. The U.S. Treasury also recommended that Taiwan carefully manage foreign exchange risks and limit intervention, allowing currency movements to reflect economic fundamentals.

(Last access: 18.11.2024 / Focus Taiwan)

CPC and Taipower to Explore Geothermal Energy in Taiwan

CPC Corp and Taiwan Power Co (Taipower) are forming 20 teams to explore geothermal energy across Taiwan, aiming for 1 gigawatt (GW) of geothermal power by 2028. The initiative follows the drilling of Taiwan's first deep geothermal well in Yilan County, expected to be completed by June 2025. 

Taiwan’s geothermal potential is significant, with shallow reserves estimated at 1 GW and deep reserves potentially reaching 40 GW. The government is focused on boosting renewable energy, with a target of 60-70% of total power generation from clean sources by 2050. However, renewable energy currently makes up just 10.5% of Taiwan's electricity generation, short of the 20% target for next year.

(Last access: 18.11.2024 / Focus Taiwan)