Taiwan-U.S. Cooperation Platform Officially Launched to Deepen Industrial Exchange

Following its active promotion of industrial exchange and cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, as well as across the Taiwan Strait, the Ministry of Economic Affairs officially established the "Taiwan-U.S. Industrial Cooperation Promotion Office" today (10th). A grand inauguration ceremony for Taiwan-U.S. industrial cooperation was held. Going forward, the office will integrate existing platforms and channels for Taiwan-U.S. exchange and collaboration, and deepen the level of industrial cooperation between the two sides through three main strategies: industry focus, innovation linkage, and regional targeting.

Four Strategic Focus Areas to Drive Innovation and Industrialization

The Taiwan-U.S. Industrial Cooperation Launch Ceremony was personally hosted by Minister Shih Yen-shiang of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Distinguished guests included Alan Tousignant, Chief of the Economic Section at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Ms. Andrea Wu, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, and Dr. Jiunn-Jye Sheu, President of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). Together, they unveiled the plaque for the "Taiwan-U.S. Industrial Cooperation Promotion Office."

The office will initially focus on four key areas: green energy, biotechnology, intellectual property rights, and information and communication technology (ICT). It will promote cooperation through four major dimensions—innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and venture capital—to accelerate the industrialization of innovation between Taiwan and the U.S.

Complementary Industry Strengths: Taiwan and the U.S. Co-create Emerging Industries

Minister of Economic Affairs Shih Yen-shiang stated that trade between Taiwan and the United States is both frequent and mutually significant, with each side being a key trading partner for the other. The U.S. has long held a global leadership role in technological innovation and resource integration. However, in recent years, it has faced challenges such as a declining number of startups, offshoring of manufacturing, and rising unemployment.

Taiwan’s industries, on the other hand, maintain a strong position in the global market thanks to a complete supply chain, flexible market responsiveness, and rapid commercialization capabilities. Nevertheless, Taiwan also faces challenges, including shrinking profit margins and the urgent need for industrial transformation and upgrading. Minister Shih emphasized that by working together, Taiwan and the U.S. can effectively leverage each other's industrial strengths to jointly create an international competitive edge characterized by innovation and rapid industrialization.

Moving forward, the Taiwan-U.S. Industrial Cooperation Promotion Office will integrate existing exchange and cooperation platforms between the two sides, formulate comprehensive plans from a holistic perspective, and promote initiatives strategically and directionally. The goal is to deepen industrial cooperation and jointly advance emerging industries.

Director General Shen Jong-chin of the Industrial Development Bureau, who also serves as Director of the Taiwan-U.S. Industrial Cooperation Promotion Office, added that Taiwan’s tech exports have declined due to the global financial crisis and that the country’s industrial development remains overly concentrated with insufficient diversification. In light of the Taiwanese government's efforts to promote six emerging industries, four smart industries, and ten key service sectors—as well as the U.S. government's focus on clean energy, biotechnology, and wireless networks—the office has initially identified green energy, biotechnology, intellectual property, and information and communication technology (ICT) as priority areas for future Taiwan-U.S. cooperation. The aim is to open new industrial frontiers and enhance Taiwan’s overall national competitiveness.