Happy Monday from Taipei!

As we enter the final week of May, Taiwan is preparing to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival this Friday. Traditionally marked by thrilling boat races and the sharing of sticky rice dumplings (zongzi), the holiday is not only a beloved cultural event, but also a time for rest and family gatherings. We wish everyone a relaxing and joyful long weekend ahead!

In the meantime, there’s a lot happening on our side. Don’t miss your chance to register for our German Riesling Night 2025 — an exclusive evening of wine tasting and networking in Taipei this June.

We’re also excited to be represented at this year’s IHK Außenwirtschaftstag NRW in Mönchengladbach, where our colleague Linda Blechert will be highlighting Taiwan’s dynamic business landscape and future cooperation opportunities.

Looking back, this edition features several event recaps in the GTO News section — including the Taiwanese-German Healthcare Delegation and Conference, which was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as part of the Market Entry Programme, as well as the visit from an FDP delegation from Germany.

In our Trade Fair News, you’ll find updates on upcoming exhibitions and opportunities — including how to access IFA tickets for eligible exhibitors.

We’re also sharing a new GTAI article on how Taiwan expands its support for international startups, don’t forget to check out our Other News section with a special ticket offer for the Bamberger Symphoniker performance in Taipei this June.

Scroll down to explore all updates — and enjoy the read.

We wish you a wonderful Dragon Boat Festival weekend!

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)

Once again, the IHK Außenwirtschaftstag NRW 2025 offers companies the chance to book one-on-one consultations with representatives from the global network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) — including our colleague Linda Blechert, General Manager of our service unit DEinternational Taiwan Ltd.

Event Details

🔹Date: June 25, 2025
🔹Location: Borussia-Park, Mönchengladbach
🔹Organizer: IHK NRW, hosted by IHK Mittlerer Niederrhein
🔹Partner Country: The Netherlands
🔹Target Audience: Internationally oriented companies, importers and exporters, executives, and professionals in sales, procurement, legal affairs, and foreign trade

For more information and registration (in German), please visit our website.

2025 German Riesling Night
12.06.2025 | Location: Guang Yi In Time Restaurant

IHK-Außenwirtschaftstag NRW 2025
25.06.2025 | Location: Borussia-Park Mönchengladbach

German Business Day X German Oktoberfest – Taipei (save the date; more details shortly)
23.10.2025 | Location: HUMBLE HOUSE TAIPEI

German Business Day X German Oktoberfest – Taichung (save the date; more details shortly)
24.10.2025 | Location: LIGHT WEDDING Taichung

Last Tuesday, we welcomed nearly 80 participants to the Taiwanese-German Conference on Healthcare Applications at Illume Taipei. The event marked the start of a multi-day delegation visit organized under the Foreign Market Entry Programme funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), bringing innovative German healthcare companies to Taiwan.

Opening remarks were delivered by our Executive Director Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Niklas Mahlke from Germany Trade & Invest, and Sonia Chen from the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Promotion Office (Ministry of Economic Affairs). Keynotes by Rajani Sabanantham (German Health Alliance) and Wallace Lin (Taiwan Bio Industry Organization) provided valuable insights into current market developments in both Germany and Taiwan.

The event featured presentations from five German companies:
🔹 BioMed X GmbH – Dr. Christian Tidona
🔹 HWI pharma services GmbH – Dr. Philipp Wissel
🔹 Primacyt GmbH – Dieter Runge
🔹 ROHDE KG – Karl-Heinz Rohde
🔹 Sensoplast GmbH – Frank Busch

The afternoon continued with networking and business matchmaking sessions, offering a platform for dialogue, partnerships, and exchange between Taiwanese and German stakeholders in pharma and biotech.

A big thank you to all our speakers, guests, and partners who made this event a success! We look forward to supporting more bilateral collaboration in the healthcare sector.

From May 21 to 23, five German companies from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors visited Taiwan as part of the Foreign Market Entry Programme, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). Their goal: exploring collaboration opportunities with Taiwanese industry leaders in innovative drug development, clinical research, and medical technology.

Over the course of three days, the delegation participated in over 20 B2B meetings with key Taiwanese counterparts, including Bora Pharmaceuticals, Mycenax Biotech Inc., NHRI, JJP Architects & Planners, and visits to the Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park.

One of the highlights was the Taiwan–Germany Biopharmaceutical Industry Meet-Up, hosted together with the Institute for Biotechnology and Medicine Industry (IBMI) and co-hosted by Taipei BioInnovation Park (TBIP). The event featured valuable insights from Dr. Chung-Liang Chien, CEO of IBMI, and Dr. Jenny Yang, Vice President at Century Biotech Development Corporation. We would especially like to thank Michelle Wang, Senior Manager at IBMI’s International Cooperation Department, for her pivotal role in making this exchange happen and moderating the session.

We were honored to support this vibrant delegation and thank all partners involved. With both sides sharing a commitment to innovation and internationalization, this visit once again highlighted the strong potential for future Taiwan–Germany partnerships in the life sciences. If you’re considering exploring the Taiwanese market, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to support your first steps and share how we assist German companies with market entry and local connections.

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming a distinguished delegation from the Free Democratic Party (FDP) of the State Parliament of Bremen for a three-day visit to Taiwan. The FDP is one of Germany’s major political parties, and this delegation visit aimed to foster dialogue and explore opportunities for closer cooperation.

Throughout the program, the delegation gained valuable insights into Taiwan’s strengths in innovation, urban development, and international partnerships through a series of high-level visits:

• Legislative Yuan – Insights into Taiwan's legislative processes
• Taipei City Government – Smart city and urban planning strategies
• INDSR – Strategic discussions at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research
• ZEISS Innovation Center, Hsinchu – Cutting-edge technological development
• Taichung Harbor – Taiwan’s strategic position in global logistics
• Ørsted – Taiwan’s growing renewable energy sector

It was a productive exchange of ideas and a fantastic opportunity to showcase Taiwan’s dynamism and innovation. We look forward to continued collaboration!

On 23 May 2025 IFA Berlin reaffirmed its close cooperation with Taiwan and its technology partners in Taipei, while also presenting new impulses for the upcoming IFA 2025. As the world’s leading platform for home and consumer tech, IFA emphasizes Taiwan's central role as both a driving force of innovation and one of the most important markets for technological advancements.

Taiwan as a key market for global innovation

Through IFA’s close cooperation with Taiwan-based companies, innovative Taiwanese brands gain global exposure and strengthen their presence in the European market. Leading Taiwanese companies will once again partner with IFA in 2025, presenting their latest technologies across key sectors, including but not limited to Artificial Intelligence, Home & Entertainment, Home Appliances, Smart Home, Communication & Connectivity, Audio, Computing & Gaming, Photo, Video & Content Creation, Fitness & Digital Health and Mobility. Read more about this event on our website.

The biennial, Europe’s leading trade show CMS 2025 (Cleaning, Management, Services), is one of the important event of cleaning and facilities management, will take place from September 23-26, 2025, at the Berlin Exhibition Center, Halls 1-6. This exhibition focuses on six key topics: Commercial Cleaning, Public Facility Management, Hotel and Restaurant Industry, Industrial Cleaning, Healthcare Cleaning, and Logistics & Transportation Maintenance. The event will also feature various sharing sessions related to these business fields, offering deep insights into innovative ideas and products.

CMS Berlin 2023 gathered 421 exhibitors from 25 countries, with 70% of exhibitors from Germany and 30% from international markets. After the exhibition, 94% of exhibitors expressed satisfaction and are willing to exhibit again in the future. Moreover, CMS Berlin 2023 also attracted nearly 21,000 professional visitors from 88 countries, creating numerous business opportunities connections in the industry.
 
CMS Berlin 2025 is an exceptional opportunity and platform to expand your professional network and connect with the global market. If you're looking to engage with leading international brands and professional buyers, this is a trade fair you won't want to miss! From now until June 30, you can purchase a one-day pass and enjoy exclusive early bird discounts. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer!
 
For more information about the exhibition, please contact our colleague Mr. Pinchao Huang or visit our official website.

We are looking forward to your participation!

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. Pinchao Huang. 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:

Material innovation emerges as a critical enabler as AI transforms smart devices across sectors. From thermal management in edge AI computing to durability requirements in IoT devices and performance demands in robotic components, next-generation smart devices are undergoing significant evolution. Global materials leader Covestro recently showcased its innovative thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) solutions for the AI era at a technical symposium in Taipei.

Read the whole news on our website.

Taiwan is actively seeking to internationalize its startup ecosystem and attract more foreign entrepreneurs, particularly those in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, clean technology, and healthcare. Although Taiwan's ecosystem is relatively small by global standards, it has gained momentum over the past decade. In 2024, Taipei ranked 45th in StartupBlink’s global ecosystem index.

The island boasts a solid support infrastructure, including government-led programs, special visas for entrepreneurs, such as the Taiwan Entrepreneur Visa and Black Card Program, and numerous accelerators, such as AppWorks, StarFab, and SparkLabs. Recent initiatives include Plug and Play’s launch of a tech hub in Taoyuan in 2025 and corporate partnerships, such as SAP’s accelerator program and Infineon’s collaboration with Lite-On.

Public institutions also play a key role. Taiwan’s National Development Fund (NDF) has invested over US$2.3 billion in startups and VC firms, and incubation centers across the island offer technical and financial support. Although early-stage funding has slowed since its 2021 peak, later-stage investments continue to grow, especially in AI and digital platforms. To grow big,  three out of the four Taiwanese unicorns so far - Gogoro, Perfect Corp., and Appier - have listed on stockmarkets outside of Taiwan.

Germany-based startups have yet to tap into this ecosystem, though opportunities are expanding. Taiwan is positioning itself as a launchpad for regional innovation by offering global entrepreneurs access to Asia’s broader markets through its stable, tech-driven business environment.

Read more about Taiwan’s efforts to globalize its start-up ecosystem (in German).

The German Federal Foreign Office is currently assessing the relevance of recognized German schools abroad — including their role in local communities and how they are used by employees of German companies, among others.

German schools abroad play a key role in securing skilled talent and contributing to the international success of German companies. Therefore, we kindly invite you to share your perspective by completing a short survey, available here. It only takes a few minutes and is open until May 30, 2025.

Would you like to benefit from the latest digital trends and establish innovative partnerships?

Then you are warmly invited to the next virtual "Krefeld Foreign Trade Talks"

on June 11, 2025, at 9:00 AM (CET) and 3:00 PM Taiwan Time (TWT).

Together with leading experts from Taiwan and NRW, discover how Artificial Intelligence, VR, and innovative content strategies can enrich your business models. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to initiate concrete collaborations, expand your network, and realize your ideas with international partners.

This event will also serve as a forum to present the outcomes of the market exploration tour "Media Content & Digital Technologies" to Taiwan. Organized in March 2025 by NRW.Global Business in collaboration with Anga Services GmbH, Aachen Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the German Trade Office Taipei (AHK Taiwan), and supported by KREFELD BUSINESS as well as numerous tech, AI, and media companies from NRW.

KREFELD BUSINESS now offers this exceptional opportunity through the „Krefeld Foreign Trade Talks“ to deepen the contacts established during the tour and explore further collaboration opportunities.

When? June 11, 2025 | 09:00 – 11:00 AM (CET), 3:00 – 5:00 PM (TWT)
Where? Online Event

Reserve your place now and shape the digital future with us!

Register at: international@krefeld-business.de

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 Participates in APEC Trade Ministers Meeting to Promote Regional Prosperity

Taiwan took part in the 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting held May 15–16 in Jeju, South Korea, reinforcing its commitment to regional economic cooperation. The delegation, led by Minister without Portfolio Yang Jen-ni, advocated for reforms within the WTO framework, including improvements in transparency, negotiations, and dispute resolution.

Taiwan highlighted its use of AI to streamline customs procedures and shared progress in advancing the Five Trusted Industry Sectors initiative. Delegates also emphasized the importance of carbon pricing, circular economy development, and building green supply chains. On the sidelines, Taiwan reaffirmed efforts to join the CPTPP and discussed ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States, aiming to deepen bilateral economic ties.

(Last access: 26.05.2025 / Taiwan Today)

Taiwan’s Employment Gold Card Program Surpasses 13,000 Issued Cards

Taiwan’s Employment Gold Card program has issued 13,191 cards since its launch in 2018, reflecting growing global interest in long-term careers on the island. The program, administered by the National Development Council (NDC), combines a work permit, residence visa, Alien Resident Certificate, and re-entry permit in one document. It targets professionals in fields such as technology, finance, culture, and education.

Interest surged in 2020, with annual issuance climbing to nearly 2,000 by 2021. The U.S. remains the largest source of applicants, followed by Hong Kong, Japan, and India. The NDC highlighted successful outreach in tech hubs like Bangalore. Notable recipients include NBA veteran Dwight Howard and Korean cultural ambassador Lee Dahye, underscoring the program’s broad international appeal.

(Last access: 26.05.2025 / Focus Taiwan)

Taiwan Showcases Innovation at Japan’s Premier Startup Forum

Over 50 Taiwanese startups made a strong impression at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, Japan’s leading startup event, under the banner of Startup Island Taiwan and with support from the National Development Council and AWS Taiwan. The delegation highlighted Taiwan’s growing tech footprint in Japan, featuring panel discussions with high-profile figures such as former Digital Minister Audrey Tang and Appier founder Chin-Han Yu. Four Taiwan-founded companies — NextDrive, KKday, Ubitus, and 21st Financial Technology — were also spotlighted by the Tokyo Stock Exchange as part of its Asia Startup Hub initiative.

Throughout the week, Taiwanese startups participated in pitch events and networking sessions, including Taiwan Innovation Night and Asia MirAI Day. Highlights included a MoU with Mitsubishi Research Institute and notable success stories from AlleyPin, Yallvend, CancerFree Biotech, and Asia Pathogenomics. While the momentum is strong, Taiwanese founders still face challenges such as language barriers and integration into Japan’s traditional business culture — underscoring the importance of long-term presence and local trust.

(Last access: 26.05.2025 / Taiwan News)

Dong Fang Offshore to Acquire Wind Turbine Installation Vessel

Taiwan’s Dong Fang Offshore (DFO), a rapidly growing player in the offshore wind market, has signed a memorandum of understanding with UAE-based Lamprell for the acquisition of a next-generation wind turbine installation and maintenance vessel. The vessel, a GustoMSC-designed NG-9000X, will be built to support the installation of 15-MW-class turbines and will comply with Taiwanese maritime regulations.

Founded in 2019 as a subsidiary of Hung Hua Construction, DFO is expanding its fleet with the aim of strengthening its capabilities in Taiwan and across the Asia-Pacific region. The new vessel will include a heavy-lift crane, DP2 dynamic positioning, and accommodation for crew, further enhancing Taiwan’s offshore wind infrastructure. DFO CEO Polin Chen emphasized the partnership’s role in ensuring Taiwan has access to high-quality, purpose-built vessels to meet the demands of the growing offshore wind sector.