Taiwan

General Overview

Population:

23,036,087 (July 2006 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity):

US$631.2 billion (2005 est.)

GDP per capita:

US$27,600 (2005 est.)

GDP (real growth rate):

3.8% (2005 est.)

Industries:

electronics, petroleum refining, armaments, chemicals, textiles, iron and steel, machinery, cement, food processing, vehicles, consumer products, pharmaceuticals

Imports:

US$181.6 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)

Import commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment, minerals, precision instruments

Exports:

US$181.6 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)

Export commodities:

computer products and electrical equipment, metals, textiles, plastics and rubber products, chemicals

Alberta's export to Taiwan:

CAN$161 million (2005)

Alberta's main exports to Taiwan:

ethylene, antifreeze (ethylene glycol), hides and skins, frozen potatoes, pork, woodpulp, nickel, cobalt and telecommunication parts

Canada's main exports to Taiwan:

bituminous coal, nickel, woodpulp, lumber, canola oil hides and skins, newsprint and telecommunication parts

For detailed information about Taiwan, the following websites provide economic, political and historical information:

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Export Statistics

For detailed statistical information on Alberta and Canadian exports to Taiwan, consult the following statistical publications and databases:

Alberta's International Trade Review
An analysis of Alberta's international exports of goods and services. Published by Alberta Employment, Immigration & Industry.
Trade Data Online
Customized reports on Canada's trade with over 200 countries.

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Alberta-Taiwan Relations

Alberta has maintained a presence in Taipei since 1988. The Alberta Office is co-located with the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei.

World Relations
Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations summary of Alberta's relationship with Taiwan.

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Sector Opportunities

Alberta International Marketing Strategy (AIMS)

Ensures the Alberta government's trade promotion and investment attraction activities are focused on key international markets.

According to AIMS, Taiwan has been identified as priority market for the following sectors:
- Agri-food
- Education and Training
- Health and Bio-industries
- Information Communication Technologies
- Petrochemicals and Refined Products
- Tourism
Agri-food

The food-processing sector is a competitive part of the economy and the sector as a whole has been developing in recent years. The government is to increase competitiveness of its agri-food and agriculture sector by the development of value-added products, cash crops, and the diversification of export markets.
Education and Training

Due to rising family incomes, the number of students pursuing study abroad on a self-financed basis has been increasing in recent years. Alberta educational marketing efforts in Taiwan include participation in the annual Canadian Education Fair and promotion of Alberta's world-class ESL programs. A number of Alberta post-secondary institutions have linkages with Taiwan, such as the twinning relationship between Olds College and Ping Tung University.
Health and Bio-industries

Given that there is strong support from the Taiwanese government for biotech development, there are opportunities for joint ventures, partnerships as well as medical devices, pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical intermediates.
Information Communication Technologies (ICT)

Taiwan's government has partnered the private sector to increase the competitiveness of its ICT sector by improving the broadband/wireless/mobile infrastructure. As a result of many Taiwanese using short message service (SMS), Taiwanese ICT companies are moving to diversify there services by promoting multimedia mobile internet services such as Java games and transmission of handset camera pictures.

For more information on the developments and business opportunities in this sector please visit:
- Mobile Internet in Taiwan

For additional information on business opportunities and resources for market intelligence, visit:

Export Source - Market and Business Opportunities
Online tool for new and experienced exporters.
Virtual Trade Commissioner
Gateway to market information.

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Exporting Your Products - Services for Exporters

Export Alert!
A resource for exporters to learn about changes in foreign export regulations.
Exporter Needs Continuum
Lists services that can benefit your company and who offers them.
Export Resources
Resources for both new and experienced exporters.
International Trade Canada
Sector reports as well as a list of staff contacts that can assist exporters.