Happy Monday!

Today may be sunny and warm, but a chilly breeze will sweep through Taipei later this week—just in time for our 2024 German Christmas Market! From November 29 to December 1, join us at the Flower Sea Plaza of Taipei Expo Park for an authentic German Christmas experience. Enjoy traditional food, drinks, German beer, mulled wine, sweets, household goods, live entertainment, and even a special visit from Santa for our younger guests. Check our Top News section for the market map and stage program to plan your visit! And if you feel like one weekend is not enough, don’t worry—our Christmasland at New Taipei City Plaza in Banqiao will transform into a magical wonderland from December 6 to December 8!

Looking ahead, don’t miss our seminar on Digital Healthcare in Action: Case Studies from Taiwan and a German Market Update on November 28. The seminar will showcase Taiwanese companies sharing insights on Taiwan's digital healthcare landscape, and foster discussions and networking on digital healthcare developments from Taiwan and Germany. For Taiwanese companies aiming to enter the German market, this seminar is a valuable opportunity! Registration details are available in our Top News section.

 Speaking of the digital realm, be sure to join German Digital Learning Market Landscape: Entry Barriers and Best Practices, our seminar on December 13! It will offer insights into the German digital learning market, with experts boasting over a decade of experience and Taiwanese companies sharing their successful case studies. It will additionally provide strategies and best practices for entering and thriving in the German market. Register now to secure your spot by going to the Top News Section!

Last week, we had the pleasure of participating in the 2024 EU Investment Forum, where EU-Taiwan cooperation took center stage. With discussions on sectors like semiconductors, AI, and ICT, the event provided valuable insights and strengthened ties between businesses. Read more about the forum and the EU Investment Exhibition in our GTO News section.

To dive even deeper into the holiday magic, don’t miss Santa’s festive baking tutorials in our GTO News section! Watch as he brings classic German Christmas recipes to life, from delicious butter cookies to Schoko-Crossies, sure to fill your home with seasonal cheer as a sneak peek for what’s to come at our German Christmas Market!

And don’t miss the findings of the AHK Climate Protection Compass 2024 in our DIHK News section, shedding light on business opportunities in sustainability and the challenges of creating supportive frameworks worldwide. Finally, dive into the latest analysis on the GTAI News page for insights into Taiwan’s economic performance in 2024 and its outlook for 2025.

Enjoy the sunshine today, get ready for the colder weather, and don’t forget to warm up with a cup of mulled wine at our Christmas Market this weekend!

Dr. Eva Langerbeck

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!

Join Us: German Digital Learning Market Landscape: Entry Barriers and Best Practices

The global digital education market is evolving rapidly, propelled by advancements in distance learning, AI applications in education, and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR). These technologies are transforming the essence of education, emphasizing personalization, accessibility, and lifelong learning. This shift is being implemented across K-12 schools, universities, vocational training, and workplace education, revolutionizing how knowledge is delivered and acquired.

Supported by the policies and ongoing technological innovation, Germany's digital learning market is set for significant growth in the coming years. This creates substantial opportunities for Taiwanese manufacturers. With a proven track record in innovation, competitive products, and adaptability, Taiwanese companies are well-positioned to capture a significant share of this market and achieve sustainable, long-term success.

This seminar will provide an in-depth overview of the German digital learning market, and feature insights from experts with over a decade of hands-on experience in Germany’s digital learning sector. Additionally, Taiwanese companies will share practical case studies of their successful market entry experiences in Germany. By integrating perspectives from both Taiwan and Germany, this seminar will deliver actionable strategies and highlight best practices for entering and thriving in the German market.

For Taiwanese companies and startups aiming to expand into German education market, this seminar is an unmissable opportunity. The program will also introduce LEARNTEC, Europe’s largest trade fair and congress for digital education, which serves as a critical platform for market entry. Don’t miss this chance—register now via the online form to secure your spot!

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 26 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 kindly provided by Bosch
• 1x Aquatak UA125 kindly provided by Bosch
• 2x Easy Aquatak EA110 kindly provided by Bosch
• 2x GSB 12V-30 Cordless Combi kindly provided by Bosch
• 2x Universal Brush 3.6V kindly provided by Bosch
• 46x EasyCards with 100TWD Value Each kindly provided by Good Earth
• 3x Wine Sets (1 Set includes 2 bottles) kindly provided by Peter Mertes
• 1x Hamper kindly provided by L'Oreal
• 1x Dr. Beckmann Gift Bag (includes laundry sheets, odour remover, power grease cleaner, and pet stain remover) kindly provided by Melchers

Registration

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

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

German Digital Learning Market Landscape: Entry Barriers and Best Practices
13.12.2024 | Location: Taipei

The 2024 EU Investment Forum took place at the Taipei International Convention Center on Monday! This year’s event focused on strengthening EU-Taiwan cooperation to build more resilient and secure global supply chains, with exciting discussions on key sectors like ICT, mobility, telecommunications, semiconductors, and AI! This event also presented a fantastic collaboration opportunity between our office, the German Trade Office Taipei (AHK Taiwan), Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), and the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO), made even more special with the support of Mimi from the German Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong!

After the forum, the EU Investment Exhibition kicked off, where EU member states based in Taiwan showcased unique investment opportunities for Taiwanese businesses looking to expand to Europe!

A big thank you to everyone who joined us! It was such an inspiring day full of exciting possibilities!

Last Wednesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming a group from Ansbach University of Applied Sciences, led by Dr. Christian Alexander Gebhard, with 25 students in attendance. It was a wonderful opportunity to share insights about Taiwan and its dynamic landscape.

Our colleague Linda Blechert gave an engaging presentation on our office, covering topics such as Taiwan's economy, cross-strait relations, and what it’s like to live in Taiwan. She answered a wide range of questions from the visitors, sparking interesting discussions. It was a great exchange of ideas, and we are glad to have had the chance to contribute to the students' understanding of the island!

We hope this experience inspires future collaboration and further exploration of the exciting opportunities in Taiwan!

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.

Taiwan's economy experienced strong growth in 2024, driven by a surge in investments related to artificial intelligence. Global demand for AI chips and servers will remain high well into 2025. To capitalise on the emerging technological opportunities, the government aims to establish Taiwan as an AI hub, supported by tech giants such as Microsoft, Google and Nvidia, which have set up R&D centers on the island.

Growth is projected to slow in 2025, with GDP expected to rise by only 3.1–3.3%, down from around 4% in 2024. This is due to weaker trade with China and global uncertainties, including potential shifts in U.S. trade policy under a new administration. While private investment in Taiwan will surge, private consumption has been subdued, and inflation stays above 2% due to rising living costs.

In 2024, investment in the semiconductor and green sectors continues to grow, positioning these industries as economic drivers. Foreign trade, the other pillar of growth, will remain on track, with the trade balance more or less unchanged. Taiwan's exports will approach US$500 bn in 2025.

Bilateral trade with Germany has declined in 2024. While German investments in Taiwan have dropped sharply (significantly), Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC is making significant investments in a new chip production facility in Dresden. (reflecting a shift in investment priorities). (Despite challenges, Taiwan’s position in the semiconductor and AI sectors will continue to ensure its economic relevance in the coming years.)

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

Taiwan's Jobless Rate Hits 24-Year October Low

Taiwan's October unemployment rate fell to 3.4%, the lowest for the month in 24 years, the DGBAS reported.

The rate dropped 0.03 percentage points from September, continuing a post-graduation seasonal decline. Deputy Director Tan Wen-ling highlighted year-end shopping season as a potential boost for further reductions. Seasonally adjusted, October’s unemployment remained at 3.38%. Compared globally, rates were 4.1% in the U.S., 6.5% in Canada, and 2.7% in South Korea. Taiwan had 408,000 unemployed in October, down 4,000 from September. Youth unemployment remained higher, with 11.84% for ages 20-24 and 6.07% for ages 25-29.

NDC Chief Upbeat about Taiwan's Economy

National Development Council (NDC) chief Liu Chin-ching predicts Taiwan's economy will grow by over 3% next year, citing potential benefits from U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.

Liu highlighted Trump’s proposed 60% tariffs on Chinese goods as an opportunity for Taiwan, boosting transfer orders. Restrictions on U.S.-China tech transfers could also strengthen U.S.-Taiwan collaboration. However, Liu warned Taiwan’s exports to the U.S. might face a 10% tariff.

Addressing semiconductor talent concerns, Liu said Taiwan’s 6,000 annual graduates are sufficient but acknowledged risks of workforce shortages in other industries. He plans discussions with relevant agencies. Liu also announced plans to revise the Act for Recruitment and Employment to attract skilled foreign workers, with draft amendments to be released in December.

(Last access: 25.11.2024 / Focus Taiwan)

TSMC to Expand with New Plants in Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taichung

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is set to construct new factories in Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taichung within the next three years, announced National Development Council (NDC) chief Liu Chin-ching. Liu confirmed the government will ensure the necessary water and power infrastructure for these facilities.

Additionally, while TSMC's advanced 2 nm chip production will remain in Taiwan, some A16 chip manufacturing using the 3 nm process may shift to the U.S., influenced by political considerations, as acknowledged by Liu during a legislative session.

(Last access: 25.11.2024 / Focus Taiwan)

Half of Taiwan Companies to Raise Salaries in 2025

Nearly 50% of Taiwan’s companies plan to increase salaries in 2025, the highest proportion in a decade, according to a survey by 104 online job bank.

The survey revealed an average raise of 3.2%, adding about NT$1,491 to the current monthly pay of NT$47,000. Labor shortages are driving these increases, with consulting, accounting, and legal firms leading at a 4.1% raise rate. Year-end bonuses remain prevalent, with 99.5% of companies set to offer them. The financial sector tops the list with bonuses at 188% of monthly salaries, while the accommodation and catering sector lags at 69%.