Happy Monday from Taipei!

Welcome to May! With summer just around the corner, we’re already looking ahead to one of our favorite gatherings of the year: our Riesling Night in June. This event is not just about crisp white wine — it's about connecting with familiar faces and welcoming new ones. Registration is now open, so make sure to secure your spot!

But before we raise our glasses, we’re looking ahead to our Healthcare Conference on May 20, which brings together stakeholders from the German and Taiwanese medtech industries. This full-day program — funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action under the Market Entry Programme — will feature expert presentations and B2B matchmaking focused on digital health innovation.

In this issue’s GTO News, we also take you along on two special visits: a trip to BACKHAUS German Bakery in Zhubei, where German tradition meets local taste, and the flagship opening of United Optical in Hsinchu, where ZEISS technologies take center stage in a cutting-edge vision care concept.

Then it's time for our Trade Fair News update, followed by Business Alliance Highlights. At Hannover Messe, igus showcased new motion plastics made from recycled materials, combining sustainability and efficiency to meet the automation needs of tomorrow. Meanwhile, BASF is scaling up its ultra-pure chemical production with a new plant in Ludwigshafen, supporting Europe’s growing semiconductor sector with a reliable local supply chain.

We also share the latest GTAI article on Taiwan’s strategic investments in maritime logistics and port modernization, plus a special cultural highlight: the Bamberger Symphoniker will perform in Taipei this June — and our community gets discounted tickets!

As always, we round off with a look at key developments from Taiwan News. Happy reading and see you soon – maybe over a glass of Riesling!

Warm regards,

The German Trade Office Taipei cordially invites you to the “German Riesling Night,” held in collaboration with Peter Mertes, one of Germany’s top wineries. Join us at Guang Yi In Time Restaurant, an indoor-outdoor restaurant located in the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, where you can enjoy the gentle summer breeze, savor exquisite wines, and indulge in a delicious gourmet buffet.

Event Details 

• Date: June 12, 2025
• Venue: Guang Yi In Time Restaurant
• Time: 18:00 – 21:00 (Registration opens at 18:00)
  
• Address: No. 133, Guangfu S Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City (in the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, the green building next to the Eco Pond)
• Dresscode: Summer Chic
• Price: 2500 NT$ (including VAT, price includes dinner as well as soft drinks and a free flow of Peter Mertes wine)

DEinternational Taiwan Ltd., the service unit of the German Trade Office Taipei, organizes a conference in the healthcare sector with a focus on pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, which will take place on May 20, 2025. 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 entry programme.

Event Details 

• Date: May 20, 2025
• Venue: Illume Taipei
• Time: 9:30 – 16:00 (registration time: 9:00 – 9:30)
• Language: English

Agenda

The preliminary agenda can be found on our website.

As part of the Healthcare Applications delegation, we’re bringing 5 strong companies of German pharma and biotech to Taiwan. Don’t miss your chance to connect directly with industry leaders through exclusive one-on-one B2B meetings from May 21 to 23.

This delegation trip, funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action under the market entry programme, brings together cutting-edge players in drug development, medical packaging, coating technology, cell culture, and more:

🔹 BioMed X GmbH – Biomedical research & drug discovery
🔹 HWI pharma services GmbH – Formulation, analytics & regulatory support
🔹 PRIMACYT Cell Culture Technology GmbH – Liver-related research products & medical device testing
🔹 ROHDE KG – Hygienic coatings for healthcare facilities
🔹 Sensoplast Packmitteltechnik GmbH – High-precision closures & medical devices

Book your one-on-one B2B meeting now and explore partnership opportunities with Germany’s healthcare innovators.

B2B Meetings: May 21–23 (By appointment)

Learn more about the companies and secure your meeting slot!

Taiwanese-German Conference on Healthcare Applications
20.05.2025 | Location: Taipei

2025 German Riesling Night
12.06.2025 | Location: Taipei

Last weekend, Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Chief Representative of the German Trade Office Taipei, visited BACKHAUS German Bakery in Zhubei, Hsinchu!

Every year at our Christmas Market, BACKHAUS brings festive favorites like the König Ludwig Stollen and authentic German breads to Taiwan.

Dedicated to traditional German baking methods and a philosophy of health and purity, BACKHAUS offers many staples of daily life in Germany, including:

• The hearty König Ludwig Dinkelbrot made from Spelt
• The crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside König Ludwig Krusti
• The fragrant and fluffy König Ludwig Semmel
• And, of course, the classic German Brezel, a must-try for any bread lover!

German breads are known for their natural ingredients, low fat and sugar content, and their rich, aromatic flavor.

Next time you're in Zhubei, drop by BACKHAUS and discover real German baking!

At DEinternational Taiwan Ltd., we support companies in entering and growing in the Taiwanese and German markets. As Finance & Controlling Manager, you’ll take ownership of key financial processes, reporting, and planning while helping drive digitalization and process improvements across our organization.

Location: Taipei
Apply by: May 16, 2025
Apply to: Ms. Jessie Wu | wu.jessie@taiwan.ahk.de

Learn more about the position and application process on our website!

• May 6–9, 2025
• Stuttgart,Germany

• 42,000 sqm exhibition space
• 700+ international exhibitors
• 15,000+ professional visitors
• Covering key sectors: automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, appliances and more

Following the great success of last year’s Delegation to Saxony, we are excited to launch an enhanced version this June. Taking place during Silicon Saxony Day, one of Europe’s premier high-tech networking events, the delegation will offer in-depth insights into the investment environment and industry opportunities in Saxony for Taiwan’s semiconductor supply chain.

Highlights

• Field Check  – Gain firsthand insights into the investment environment and industry ecosystem in Saxony
• Investment Consultation – A comprehensive briefing session included group consultation and one-on-one meeting to address key investment concerns for Taiwanese companies.
• Joint Venture  – Opportunity to cooperate with local companies 
• Industry Connections – Engage with Saxony’s semiconductor ecosystem and leading enterprises

Date: June 16–19, 2025
Location: Dresden, Saxony, Germany

Interested in joining? Contact Ms. Venus Peng for more details. Spots are limited—register now!

From September 3–5, 2025, Asia Fruit Logistica will return to AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, bringing together industry professionals from across the global fresh produce sector. With more than 760 exhibitors and 13,000 buyers from over 70 countries attending in 2024, the event continues to be a key platform for businesses in fruits, vegetables, organics, logistics, and more.

The 2025 edition will feature expanded categories, including Smart AgriTech, Frozen Fruits & Vegetables, and Dried Nuts, reflecting the latest industry innovations and trends.

For more details, contact Ms. Venus Peng.

Aviation, Aerospace, Drones - Our Market Discovery Tour - Taiwan 2025 offers an exclusive chance to:

• Country Briefing with Networking Breakfast - Get to know the market landscape & opportunities
• Pioneering Technologies made in Germany - TADTE 2025 (German Pavilion)
• Official/Business visits to Key Players in Taiwan

Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition has become the designated professional event for key industry players, including Thunder Tiger, AIDC, Evergreen Aviation Technologies, Air Asia, CIRC, and others. The event features international trend seminars, dynamic unmanned system demonstrations, and various activities to foster diverse networking and business opportunities. It aims to enhance brand exposure and propel Taiwan's drone brands into international markets, positioning Taiwan as the central hub for the democratic unmanned supply chain in Asia. 

TADTE Event Details

• Date: September 18 (Thu.) - September 20 (Sat.), 2025
• Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
• Venue; Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 1, Areas I、J & K
  ( No. 1, Jingmao 2nd Rd., Nangang District, Taipei City 11568, Taiwan)

Interested in joining? For more information visit our website or contact Mr. Huang (02-7735-7529/huang.pinchao@taiwan.ahk.de). Spots are limited—register now!

Are you ready to expand your microelectronics business in Taiwan, a global hub for cutting-edge semiconductor technologies? SEMICON Taiwan is the premier platform to connect with industry leaders and showcase your innovations. In 2024, the event attracted an impressive 85,000 visitors, 1,100 exhibitors, and 3,700 booths!

Our German Pavilion at SEMICON Taiwan 2025 will take place in TaiNEX Hall 1, 1F, from September 10 to 12.

Why exhibit with us?

• Prime booth location within the German Pavilion
• Fully equipped, walk-in booth setup for convenience
• Access to shared facilities, including a business lounge and Happy Hour for exhibitors and buyer.
• Boosted visibility with added media exposure

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to showcase your products, connect with key buyers, and grow your footprint in one of the world’s most dynamic semiconductor markets!

Act fast—spots are limited! Contact Ms. Peng for more information:

igus is showcasing PTFE-free materials and a complete energy chain series made from recycled materials for a sustainable industry at the Hannover Messe

In the midst of the current difficult economic situation, igus is setting a positive example for innovation and sustainability. At Hannover Messe 2025, the motion plastics specialist will be presenting its latest product developments, which will demonstrate innovative power "made in Germany": PTFE-free materials, a complete energy chain series made from recycled materials and the new dry cleanroom certificate for igus e-chains, which was developed together with the Fraunhofer IPA.

More information can be found on our website.

BASF will expand its production capacity for semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which is an essential ultra-pure chemical. The new production facility at its Ludwigshafen site in Germany will feature cutting-edge purity capabilities to serve growing demand for advanced semiconductor chip manufacturing across Europe. Operations are expected to start by 2027, coinciding with the capacity expansion of key customers. The BASF investment will be in a high double-digit million-euro range. 

With several new chip manufacturing plants being constructed or expanded in Europe, there is an increasingly strong demand for high-quality and high-purity semiconductor-grade chemicals, such as sulfuric acid. This need has been accelerated by a close cooperation partner of BASF, who is currently building a new chip production plant in Europe. These chips are used in automotive, mobile communications and AI chip applications. BASF is investing in the semiconductor chemical value chain based on mutual long-term customer-supplier commitments with its strategic partners.

This expansion will greatly enhance supply chain reliability for BASF’s partners by ensuring a dependable and consistent supply of high-quality semiconductor-grade sulfuric acid produced locally.  

More information can be found on our website.

Economic disputes and legal risks can place a significant burden on businesses—especially in international trade. While political discussions about reforming arbitration procedures continue, the new Arbitration Court (SGH), an initiative by DIHK, the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs), and the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs), officially launched operations in December. It offers solutions from the business community, for the business community: fast, cost-effective, and high-quality.

More information can be found on our website.

Taiwan continues to invest heavily in the modernization of its port infrastructure to support its export-driven economy. Maritime transport accounts for nearly 100% of imports and exports. The state-owned Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) is spearheading the expansion and automation of major terminals, particularly in Kaohsiung. Here, Terminal 7 has undergone a US$1 billion upgrade, allowing four mega-container ships to be handled simultaneously. Further expansions are planned for Terminals 3 and 5 by 2027.

Modernization efforts include deeper harbors, automated systems, and AI integration to boost efficiency and safety while reducing energy use. The Port of Taichung, for example, has already reduced truck wait times by 50% thanks to new real-time data systems. Public and private funding is being channeled into several development programs, including the International Ports Future Development and Construction Plan (2022–2026).

Port infrastructure upgrades also support other sectors, such as offshore wind energy and LNG imports. The construction of a new LNG terminal in Keelung is planned to meet growing energy demands and balance trade relations with the U.S. Fears about U.S. tariff policies and protectionist measures are strong among Taiwan’s shipping companies. Global maritime trade has already slowed in the first quarter of 2025 with a drop of 40% in the Shanghai Export Containerized Freight Index.

Read more about Taiwan’s maritime logistics strategy (in German).

This June, the Bamberger Symphoniker will bring their signature “Bamberg sound” to the National Concert Hall as part of the Powerchip 2025 Classic Series. Led by conductor Jakub Hrůša, the orchestra will perform works by Smetana, Bruch, and Dvořák, joined by two acclaimed soloists: violinist Bomsori (June 3) and pianist Vadym Kholodenko (June 4).

As one of Germany’s leading orchestras, the Bamberger Symphoniker have toured over 60 countries and are known for their emotional depth and musical precision. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy their rare appearance in Taiwan!

Exclusive offer: Our community can get discounted tickets via this link — limited availability!

Taiwan Approves NT$410 Billion Special Budget to Tackle Tariffs and Security Risks

Taiwan's Cabinet has passed a special budget proposal worth NT$410 billion (approx. US$12.6 billion) to address economic and security challenges over the next two years. The package includes NT$93 billion in support measures to cushion the impact of U.S. tariffs and NT$150 billion to bolster national security, such as Coast Guard operations and UAV infrastructure. Additionally, NT$100 billion will be allocated to stabilize Taipower’s finances after years of deficits.

The funding, mostly drawn from fiscal surpluses, is part of a proposed “Special Act for Strengthening Economic, Social, and National Security Resilience” and still awaits legislative approval.

(Last access: 05.05.2025 / Focus Taiwan)

Taiwan and U.S. Hold First In-Person Tariff Negotiations in Washington

A Taiwanese delegation led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun and chief trade negotiator Yang Jen-ni met with U.S. officials in Washington on May 2 for the first in-person round of tariff negotiations. The talks, described as harmonious and constructive, followed a virtual meeting in April and covered tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and broader bilateral trade issues.

The discussions come in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a 32% import tariff on Taiwanese goods, temporarily paused for 90 days to allow room for negotiations. Taiwan reiterated its commitment to a non-retaliatory approach and expressed hopes of achieving a zero-tariff agreement modeled after the USMCA framework.

(Last access: 05.05.2025 / Focus Taiwan)

Taipower Holds National Recruitment Exams to Support Net-Zero Transition

On May 5, Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) held written exams in four cities for 1,084 open positions, attracting nearly 6,900 candidates out of almost 12,000 initial registrants. The recruitment aims to address a wave of retirements and bolster Taipower’s transition toward net-zero emissions.

Popular job categories included power distribution, maintenance, and administration—with strong competition, especially for accounting roles. Qualified hires may earn between NT$36,000 and NT$40,000 per month, with final assessments involving physical tests and interviews in August.

(Last access: 05.05.2025 / Taiwan News)

Tigerair Taiwan Launches New Route to Sendai from Kaohsiung

(Last access: 05.05.2025 / Focus Taiwan)