Highlights of the 2024 EU Investment Forum Organized by UBIK

The 2024 EU Investment Forum, held on November 18 at the Taipei International Convention Center, brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia to deepen EU-Taiwan cooperation and promote more resilient global supply chains. This year's forum focused on key sectors such as ICT, semiconductors, telecommunications, AI, and green mobility, fields where innovation drives strategic collaboration.

President Lai Ching-te opened the forum by calling for a stronger democratic alliance between Taiwan and the EU in the face of rising authoritarianism. He expressed hope that Taiwan and the EU would move toward an economic partnership agreement to enhance supply chain security and further economic integration.

The forum featured keynote speeches and discussions with prominent voices including Lutz Guellner (European Economic and Trade office), Maria Martin-Prat (European Commission), and high-level representatives from Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speakers emphasized the rapid growth in bilateral investment, noting that Taiwanese investments in the EU have increased sevenfold in recent years, especially in sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, and artificial intelligence.

Throughout the sessions, company leaders such as Doris Hsu (GlobalWafers), Yu-Lon Chiao (Walsin Lihwa), and Bonnie Tu (Giant Group) shared their experiences expanding into the European market. They discussed key lessons in localization, ESG practices, and building long-term partnerships with European stakeholders. PwC Taiwan also offered practical advice to Taiwanese companies considering expansion to Europe, covering legal frameworks, tax structures, and compliance considerations.

Following the seminar sessions, the forum concluded with the EU Investment Exhibition. Featuring booths from 13 EU member states represented in Taiwan, the exhibition gave attendees the opportunity to interact directly with European trade representatives, explore market opportunities, and receive tailored investment consultations. European-themed catering and informal networking further enhanced the experience, creating a vibrant atmosphere for connection and collaboration.

Organized by the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO) in collaboration with Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), International Trade Administration (TITA), the forum continues to serve as a key platform for strengthening EU-Taiwan economic ties and building a more secure and sustainable global trade environment.

Bringing together stakeholders from government, industry and academia to explore opportunities and enhance cooperation in the European market, the 2024 EU Investment Forum marked the fifth consecutive year of collaboration since its inception in 2019. 

Organisers: European Economic and Trade office (EETO), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), International Trade Administration (TITA)

Co-organisers: EU Member States Representative Offices in Taiwan, European Chamber Of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT), SEMI Taiwan (SEMI), Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taipei Computer Association (TCA), Chinese National Association of Industries (CNFI),Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (TEEMA), Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TAMI), Taiwan Industry Association of Intelligent Security and Safety (TIAISS), Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotics Association (TAIROA), Taiwan Telematics Industry Association (TTIA),Photonics Industry & Technology Development Association (PIDA), Taiwan Artificial Intelligence Association (TAIA), Intelligent Transportation Society of Taiwan (ITS),Taiwan Safety and Security Industry Association (TSSIA), Taiwan IOT Technology and Industry Association (TwIoTA), Taiwan Advanced Automotive Technology Development Association (TADA), Global Radio Alliance (GloRa), Center of Industry Accelerator and Patent Strategy, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (IAPS),  French Chamber Taiwan  (CCIFT), The Swedish Chamber of Commerce Taipei (SCCT).