On November 18, 2024, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Lai Ching-te expressed that Taiwan’s investment in the European Union saw significant growth last year. Taiwan initiated 22 new investment projects with a total investment exceeding 49 billion US dollars, marking a 750% annual growth rate. President Lai Ching-te emphasized the potential for future cooperation with the EU, anticipating the signing of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to deepen collaboration in semiconductor, AI, and green energy sectors.
The “2024 Investment in the EU Forum” was held today at the Taipei International Convention Center, focusing on issues related to supply chain layout in transportation, telecommunications, information technology, semiconductors, and AI. Lutz Güllner, Director of the European Economic and Trade Office, stated that the EU’s relationship with Taiwan continues to thrive. He highlighted the win-win nature of the economic relationship between the EU and Taiwan showcased at the forum, emphasizing the substantial potential. Güllner and his team pledged to actively deepen the EU-Taiwan relationship.
Güllner expressed gratitude for President Lai Ching-te’s attendance and the collaborative efforts of Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the European Union member state offices in Taiwan, which contributed to the successful conclusion of the forum. The Investment in the EU Forum encourages Taiwanese companies to invest in Europe, fostering resilient and secure global supply chains.
President Lai Ching-te, in his speech at the forum, celebrated the milestone of the “Investment in the EU Forum” entering its 5th year. He referred to the platform as a vital observatory for Taiwan-EU cooperation prospects, highlighting the substantial growth of Taiwan’s investments in Europe and the EU becoming Taiwan’s largest source of foreign investment in recent years. Lai Ching-te believed that the forum activities would continue to yield fruitful cooperation between Taiwan and the EU.
President Lai Ching-te stressed the shared democratic values between Taiwan and the EU, underscoring their indispensable strategic partnership. In the face of the threat of authoritarian expansion, both Taiwan and the EU aim not only to create a stronger “democracy protection umbrella” but also to establish a safer and more resilient “democracy supply chain” together.
Lai Ching-te articulated Taiwan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the EU on existing robust foundations. Initiatives such as Taiwan’s recent “Enhancing European Linkages Project,” “Central and Eastern Europe Financing Fund,” and “Semiconductor Cooperation Program” complement the goals of the “Investment in the EU Forum,” deepening partnerships between Taiwan and the EU in high-tech and green energy sectors.
President Lai Ching-te revealed that Taiwan added 22 investment projects in the EU last year, with a total investment exceeding 49 billion USD, representing a staggering 750% increase compared to 2022. Numerous renowned Taiwanese companies are actively establishing a presence in the European market. Looking ahead, Lai Ching-te expressed the hope for more European companies to invest in Taiwan, leveraging the strengths of the Taiwan-EU industries together. Thus, Taiwan aims to innovate cooperation with the EU by signing an “Economic Partnership Agreement,” laying the institutional foundation for deepening bilateral mutually beneficial relations.
Lai Ching-te noted the EU’s issuance of the “European Economic Security Strategy” last year and the subsequent proposal of five concrete economic security measures this year. Particularly emphasized was the EU’s commitment to enhance economic security interests through cooperation with international partners to the fullest extent possible.
Under this policy direction, Taiwan-EU cooperation is deemed crucial. Lai Ching-te believed that through signing the EPA, Taiwan and the EU could collaborate in sectors such as semiconductors, AI, digital technology, environment, and green energy, not only strengthening bilateral economic resilience and security but also ensuring the stable operation of global supply chains.
Regarding the safeguarding of investment-friendly environments for businesses of both Taiwan and the EU, President Lai Ching-te underscored their shared mission to promote democracy, peace, and prosperity globally. He specifically thanked the EU and European countries for safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait through concrete actions and expressing concerns and support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait during China’s military exercises in May and October this year.
Lai Ching-te stressed that just as the EU actively participates in affairs in the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan, as a guardian of democratic values, will continue to contribute its efforts. This includes providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and collaborating with European countries to create prosperity and development together. Lai Ching-te pledged continuous efforts to elevate Taiwan-EU relations, striving for each moment to be the best moment in the Taiwan-EU relationship.