THE third Taiwan Expo in Malaysia is here, and it is held for the first time in Penang.
Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) chairman James C. F. Huang said the two-day expo was expected to generate significant business opportunities between Taiwan and Malaysia.
“The previous two expos were held in Kuala Lumpur but because Penang is special, we have decided to hold the third Taiwan Expo in Malaysia, in Penang.
“Penang is the ‘Silicon Valley of the East’ and George Town is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The people here are friendly, and Penang has the best scenery,” Huang told a press conference before opening the Taiwan Expo 2019 at Setia SPICE Convention Centre today.
Huang said the Taiwan Expo 2019 focused on green technology, Industry 4.0, smart city, Taiwanese cultural elements and Taiwanese lifestyle, among others.
“I am sure you will find it rewarding to visit our show. We included the best technology, products and innovations in the expo.
“The earlier two expos have attracted more than 43,000 visitors and generated many business opportunities for Malaysia and Taiwan,” he said, adding that Taiwan is the global ICT industry powerhouse.
He likened the Taiwan Expo 2019 to ‘Silicon Valley of the East’ meeting the Powerhouse of the Global ICT Industry.
“There is a possibility that we will be back to Penang for the next Taiwan Expo in Malaysia,” he said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow thanked TAITRA for selecting Penang as the venue for its international exhibition.
“Taiwan has a strong business cluster in Penang. It has always been the Top Five investor in the state.
“There are ample opportunities for Taiwan businesses to invest in Penang and we welcome such investment.
“We hope to attract more investments to the state including those from Taiwan.
“It is in line with our position being a manufacturing hub; having a strong electrical and electronics (E&E) sector and our emerging services sector,” Chow said.
Later in his speech, Chow said the Taiwan Expo had emerged as the biggest platform for Taiwanese companies to interact with businesses from Malaysia and other Asean countries.
“Penang has an open economy with more than 95% of its GDP derived from the manufacturing and services industries.
“In the first quarter of this year, Penang had successfully attracted RM8.85 billion of the total approved manufacturing investments in Malaysia.
“We are constantly ranked among the top investment destinations in the country over the last five decades,” Chow said.
The Taiwan Expo 2019 is now held at Setia SPICE Convention Centre until July 6, showcasing products by approximately 140 Taiwanese manufacturers.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alvie Cheng
Video by Chan Kok Kuan