Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) Representative in India Ambassador Baushuan Ger has said that Taiwan has turned to be a global high-tech powerhouse and nowadays plays especially a critical role in the world’s semiconductor industry and India is a major stakeholder in this growth and success.
“Producing 60 percent of the world’s chips and over 90 percent of the most advanced ones, Taiwan ranks No. 1 in semiconductor foundry, packaging and testing; No. 2 in IC design and ICT product. Taiwan continues to invest heavily in the areas of high precision manufacturing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and biotechnology as well, with the objective of ensuring our position at the forefront of global innovation,” the Baushuan said addressing a gathering for the celebrations of National Day of Taiwan organised in the national Capital.
The Ambassador informed that this year Taiwan is celebrating the 113th anniversary of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the first Republic established in Asia. The Government of the ROC moved to Taiwan in 1949.
On the occasion Baushuan said over the years Taiwan and India have developed a natural and reliable partnership. “Although geographically distant, our shared commitment to democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law has been instrumental in deepening our bilateral cooperation across many sectors,” he said in presence of diplomats, other dignitaries.
He further informed while the Republic of China and the Republic of India maintained brief diplomatic relations from 1947 to 1949, it is not until 1995 when Taiwan and India re-engaged and established representative offices in Taipei and New Delhi.
“Following our Chennai office set up in 2012, I am pleased to announce that we will inaugurate our third mission, the TECC in Mumbai next week,” Baushuan said.
The Ambassador also shared that given the convergence of Taiwan’s “New Southbound Policy” and India’s “Act East Policy”, on the economic front, the bilateral trade volume has surged from 5 billion USD in 2016 to 8.2 billion USD in 2023, a notable 64% increase.
“Today, India stands as Taiwan’s 16th largest trading partner. Approximately 260 Taiwanese companies operate in India, with a cumulative investment of 5 billion USD, spanning from footwear, machinery and auto parts to petrochemicals and ICT products. The contributions of Taiwanese enterprises in India have been remarkable. They have collectively created more than 170,000 jobs in India. Not only do they bring advanced technology and management expertise but also create vast employment opportunities and contribute to the goal of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India),” he added.
On country’s strategic front, the TECC Representative mentioned in the face of China’s unceasing cross-Strait military intimidation and gray-zone threats, Taiwan has worked hard to strengthen its self-defense capabilities. “While the international community has increasingly recognized that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity-a position which the G7 leaders’ communique in June has re-affirmed for the fourth consecutive year, we will continue to protect our hard-won democratic way of life without bowing to pressure,” Baushuan further said.
