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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: Michelle Reardon |
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Monday, July 17, 2000 |
302/577-8701 |
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Taipei, Taiwan - Stating that the "timing is ideal to take advantage of new opportunities in Taiwan," Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) Director Darrell J. Minott called the recent trade mission to Taiwan "a real success toward building lasting partnerships in East Asia." Director Minott led a trade mission of legislators and Delaware businesses that also included the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Continuing Education at Delaware State University. The purpose of the mission was to officially open the Delaware-Taiwan Trade Office in Taipei, conduct negotiations with the Provincial Governor of Taiwan to establish a sister-state relationship and assist Delaware businesses in penetrating the Taiwanese market. Taiwan ranks number one in the world in laptop computer production in the semiconductor and information technology industries. Like Delaware, Taiwan has recently begun an economic development concentration in the area of biotechnology. Optimum time to take advantage of business opportunities in Taiwan In the not so distant past, doing business in the Far East was based on following strict forms of protocol - correct ways to shake hands and exchange business cards are just two examples. For U.S. companies interested in doing business in Taiwan, opportunities were challenging to pursue, mainly because of the inter-connected relationship between Taiwanese businesses and the government. The recent election of a new president this spring coupled with a quickly evolving global economy that mandates speedy business decisions have changed the environment in Taiwan. Delaware's trade mission was planned specifically to take advantage of this new business climate. The following are results of the Taiwan Trade Mission:
Delaware-Taiwan Trade Office Grand Opening: Over 200 Taiwanese business, government and educational representatives attended the official opening of the Delaware-Taiwan Trade Office. The Trade Office, located in the World Trade Institute in Taipei provides Delaware with a full time presence in Taiwan. This office assists Delaware companies by providing access to Taiwanese businesses. Representatives' Roger Roy, Joe DiPinto and Bob Gilligan discovered the opportunities for Delaware businesses in Taiwan during a visit last year. Taiwan was selected because it fits the state's international economic development strategy to develop trade relations with countries with similar focuses in the areas of life sciences, information technology and advanced materials.
Sister-State Negotiations: The Delaware delegation, which included in part, Nancy Cook (D-Kenton), Senator Margaret Rose Henry (D-Wilmington East), Representative Roger Roy (R-Limestone Hills) and Representative Donna Stone (R-Dover South) also met with Dr. Chang Po-ya, Provincial Governor of Taiwan, to discuss creating a sister-state relationship between Delaware and Taiwan. In addition to fostering an increase in trade and business between the two countries, a sister-state agreement will foster cultural and educational exchanges as well as creating tourism partnerships. Dr. Chang expects to visit Delaware this fall and it is anticipated that an agreement could be signed then.
Mechanical Systems International: Mechanical Systems International (MSI), a Delaware business located in Newark, accompanied Director Minott to Taiwan in an effort to expand the business in the Far East. MSI works with heavy industry, including petrochemicals, steel, nuclear power, paper mills, ship builders and refiners to assist in the off-line repair work at the facilities. MSI has a patented tool that decreases the down time of these plants by 33%. The less time a plant is down, the more it can manufacture and sell. Examples of some of the companies that met with MSI include China Petroleum, China Steel, Tai Power, and China Shipbuilding. Chuck Rudd, President of the company said, "It took me two years of consistent work in mainland China, meeting with companies several times to establish a relationship of trust, honor and respect in order to gain business. Because I was accompanied by the official state delegation, I was able to accomplish in four days in Taiwan what it took me two years to develop in China." Mr. Ahmad Amer of Amer Industrial Technology, president of this Edgemoor-based company, also accompanied Director Minott on the trade mission. Mr. Amer met with power companies including Taiwan Power Company to discuss the possibilities of doing business together. Amer Industrial Technology designs and manufactures parts used by power plants and refineries.
Kent County Economic Development Promotion in Taiwan: Senator Nancy Cook, Representative Donna Stone, Dr.Hazell Reed, of Delaware State University Daniel Wolfensberger, Executive Director of the Central Delaware Economic Development Council were a powerful team in demonstrating to Taiwanese government and business leaders that 'Kent County Means Business.' "Kent County has land and space available. We think the Kent County Technology Business Incubator and the Garrison Oak Technology Park as well as the other business parks in Kent County create a unique opportunity for business development and growth," said Wolfensberger.
Draft Agreement Anticipated between State of Delaware and Taiwan Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Industries Program Office, Ministry of Economic Affairs: Delaware representatives met with Elan Liao, a former 10-year Brandywine Hundred resident who is now leading Taiwan's biotechnology initiative to discuss the similarities in the initiative approaches. Established in 1996, Taiwan's biotechnology initiative has successfully promoted 21 start-up biotechnology companies out of an incubator process. It was agreed that a partnership should be established between the Delaware Economic Development Office and the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs as well as the creation of an educational partnership between the Taiwan Biotechnology Office and Delaware State University. Further announcements of the outcome of these discussions will be available in the near future.
Delaware State University engages in partnership discussions with Taiwan universities - anticipates student, faculty and collaborative research exchanges: Dr. Hazell Reed met with representatives from three Taiwanese universities: the National Tsing Hua University, National Chiao Tung University and National Taiwan University. Delaware State University (DSU) had three goals: to foster a relationship and agreement with the Taiwanese universities to begin student and faculty exchanges and collaborative research exchanges. Delaware State University has returned with a draft agreement with National Chio Tung University to commence student, faculty and research exchanges. This agreement will be finalized in the near future and more details will follow. In addition, an agreement is being drafted between DSU and National Taiwan University to create Dr. Reed said, "Delaware State University has much to offer in terms of educational opportunities for Taiwanese students - excellent educational programs as well as a strong tradition. We look forward to finalizing these discussions to provide new cultural and educational opportunities for our students and for the students of Taiwan. In this global economy, educational exchanges are going to prove to be an ever more vital component of a students total educational experience. In addition, as we begin to promote and develop the new Kent County Technology Business Incubator, collaborative research exchanges with Taiwan can only strengthen the goal of the incubator - to create a launching pad for technology business and research in Kent County." For more on any of these stories or for information on how to contact members of the trade delegation, contact Michelle Reardon at (302) 577-8701. |
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