India and Taiwan can be reliable supply chain partners in the new world trade order

“The time has come for India and Taiwan to reimagine their economic relationship. Both the countries can be reliable trade partners at a time when the global supply chain faced a series of shocks right from pandemic to Russia-Ukraine war and the prolonged lockdown in China. I invite Indian companies to participate at the Taiwan Expo, which is scheduled from October 5 to 7, 2023 at Mumbai. More than 50 Taiwanese firms will be actively exploring new supply chain partners from India at the Expo and this opens a promising window to strengthen bilateral commercial relationship,” said Mr. Edison Hsu, Director, Taipei World Trade Center Liaison Office in Mumbai at an interactive meeting with the Taiwan Trade Mission at WTC Mumbai. The incoming Taiwan Trade Mission was hosted jointly by All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and World Trade Center Mumbai.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President - All India Association of Industries (AIAI), Chairman - WTC Mumbai suggested Taiwanese companies to consider India and especially Maharashtra as a promising investment destination as it has abundant skilled workers.

Dr. Kalantri assured the delegation that AIAI and WTC Mumbai will provide all possible support to connect them with the local government and business community in Maharashtra, which is the leading industrial state of India.

He pointed out, “AIAI has been working closely with TAITRA to promote bilateral trade through exhibitions and trade missions as early as 1987-88 and AIAI was one of the first Indian associations to envision a strong business partnership with Taiwan, when Indian industry was not convinced about the scope for bilateral economic collaboration. “

Dr. Kalantri further remarked, “Taiwanese firms can consider Maharashtra as the gateway to their entry into the Indian market as it is the most progressive state. Both the countries have huge scope for collaboration in semiconductor, printed circuit boards, white goods, medical devices and so on.”

Dr. Kalantri further added, “Today, bilateral trade has touched USD 10 billion mark and Taiwan is the 31st largest trade partner of India, with potential to be the 10th largest in the next few years. I am sure this meeting will lead to fruitful outcome in the form of increase in trade, technology exchange, joint-venture and investment between both the sides.”

Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director-WTC Mumbai proposed vote of thanks for the event. She pointed out, “WTC Mumbai is the first WTC in India established in 1970 to fulfil the vision of Bharat Ratna Sir Dr. M Visvesvaraya who dreamt of a world-class trade promotion organisation in the commercial capital of India. Today, the Center offers multi-dimensional trade support services through its world-class trade facilities, trade education programs, research and trade promotion initiatives.”

Ms. Naik invited the delegates to attend the 4th edition of World Trade Expo, which is scheduled on October 3-4 this year at WTC Mumbai.

The event was also addressed by Mr. Christian Li, Senior Specialist, TAITRA, Taiwan. The interactive meeting was followed by B2B networking session between the Taiwanese business delegates and their Indian counterparts. The members of the delegation represent strategic sectors such as electronic components, medical devices, electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems, which are the focus sectors of India’s Production Linked Incentives (PLI) schemes. At a time when India is aspiring to gain foothold in semiconductor manufacturing, Taiwan can be a potential partner for India in this area. The delegation members also represent industrial machineries, CCTV & surveillance, locks, surface treatment technology, smart home devices and other high-tech products.

Mr. Edison Hsu, Director, Taipei World Trade Center Liaison Office in Mumbai (second from left) addressing the interactive meeting. Also seen on the dais are (from left to right): Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President - All India Association of Industries (AIAI), Chairman - WTC Mumbai, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, World Trade Center Mumbai and Mr. Christian Li, Senior Specialist, TAITRA at Taiwan Trade Mission to India.

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President - All India Association of Industries (AIAI), Chairman - WTC Mumbai (5th from left) and Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, World Trade Center Mumbai (7th from left) with Mr. Edison Hsu, Director, Taipei World Trade Center Liaison Office in Mumbai (6th from left) along with members of the Taiwanese business delegation