GrindingHub 2026 wrapped up successfully last week at Messe Stuttgart, bringing together leading players from across the global grinding technology sector. It was particularly encouraging to see ten Taiwanese companies in attendance, underscoring the growing strength of Taiwan–Germany ties in the precision machinery industry.

It was also a pleasure to engage more deeply with our Taiwanese partners, as I had the honor of being hosted by both the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). Our discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in the railway and aerospace sectors—do read on for the full recaps.

Looking ahead, I will be traveling across Germany next month, with several opportunities to connect—whether at trade fairs or alongside conferences for one-on-one consultations. For German companies exploring expansion into Taiwan, this is an excellent chance to gain first-hand insights into the island’s dynamic market and growth potential. You can find details on how to pre-register below.

We are also still accepting registrations for our highly anticipated German Riesling Night on June 4. With only a few spots remaining, be sure not to miss out!

I would also like to highlight an exclusive service offered by the German Chambers of Commerce: their arbitration court (SGH), which enables companies to resolve commercial disputes quickly, digitally, and confidentially, with internationally recognized rulings.

In recent news from Taiwan’s economy and business, growth continues to be driven by AI-powered industries, rising wages, and strong semiconductor investment, alongside expanding renewable energy capacity. Companies are also accelerating energy-efficient solutions to meet increasing demand for sustainability and advanced computing.

Wishing you a productive and inspiring week ahead!

GrindingHub 2026 wrapped up successfully at Messe Stuttgart last week, bringing together key players across the global grinding technology sector.

Amid rising demand, Taiwan’s imports of precision machinery from Germany grew by 24.1% year-on-year, reaching USD 635 million in Q1 2026. Against this dynamic backdrop, 10 Taiwanese companies showcased their cutting-edge capabilities—highlighting Taiwan’s vital role in the global precision manufacturing and machine tool supply chain.

Through platforms like GrindingHub, Taiwanese companies continue to strengthen international partnerships and unlock new business opportunities worldwide.

The exhibition spanned the entire grinding value chain—from machines and tools to automation, metrology, software, and digital solutions—offering a comprehensive look at next-generation industrial applications and emerging trends.

As one of Europe’s premier platforms for grinding technologies, GrindingHub drew a highly international audience, with 38% of visitors from overseas. Notably, 82% of attendees were directly involved in purchasing decisions, underscoring the event’s strong business impact.

Mark your calendar: the next GrindingHub will return to Stuttgart from May 16–19, 2028. For more information, please contact Ms. Bo Fung from the Trade Fair Team.

Last Wednesday the German Trade Office Taipei had the great honor of meeting with Minister Chen of Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), together with representatives from Taiwan Railway Corporation, the Railway Bureau, the Railway Technology Research & Certification Center (RTRCC), as well as multiple MOTC departments covering public transportation, railways, highways, road safety, industrial development, and international affairs.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to exchange views on bilateral milestones and explore future cooperation opportunities in railway transportation, public transit, smart mobility, and transport resilience. We were pleased to introduce InnoTrans as the world’s leading platform for transportation innovation and global industry exchange, and cordially invited Minister Chen to lead a Taiwanese delegation to InnoTrans 2026 this September in Berlin.

We are also excited to witness the launch of the very first “Taiwan Railway Resilience Pavilion,” initiated by the Railway Bureau and jointly curated with the GTO and DEinternational Taiwan Ltd. The pavilion is currently expected to feature more than 10 Taiwanese exhibitors showcasing the latest railway resilience, smart mobility, and innovative transportation solutions from Taiwan. In addition, we introduced InnoTrans Asia as an important gateway platform for the Asia-Pacific market, highlighting how Taiwanese companies can benefit from the region’s rapidly growing railway and public transportation opportunities.

A sincere thank you to Minister Chen and all participating representatives for the productive and constructive exchange. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Berlin this September!

It was a pleasure to meet with Deputy Minister Chin-Tsang Ho of Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs last week, together with representatives from relevant department units, to exchange views and explore how Taiwan–Germany cooperation in aerospace technologies can be further deepened.

Our exchange highlighted the increasing importance of resilient and trusted industrial ecosystems. In Germany and across the EU, concepts such as “trusted supply chains”, “technological sovereignty”, and “cyber resilience” are becoming central to industrial and procurement strategies. These priorities open up valuable opportunities for closer collaboration and greater participation of Taiwanese companies along the value chain.

These developments underline the strong complementarities between Taiwan and Germany—from advanced manufacturing and aerospace expertise to strengthening supply chain resilience and driving future mobility solutions.

We also discussed potential mechanisms between German Trade Office Taipei and Ministry of Economic Affairs to facilitate more regular and meaningful exchanges in the field of aerospace, as well as ways to provide mutual support whenever appropriate.

It was a productive and constructive exchange, and we look forward to continuing the dialogue with Deputy Minister Ho and the MOEA on a regular basis.

Last week we were delighted to welcome students from Walther-Rathenau Vocational School (WARA) in Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg to our office!

The group, currently studying electrical engineering and automation at WARA’s technical college, is on an exciting two‑week field trip to Taiwan—exploring the island’s culture and gaining first‑hand insights into its dynamic industries, with visits to the German Institute Taipei and leading companies along the way.

Our Executive Director, Dr. Eva Langerbeck, kicked things off with a briefing on Taiwan’s economy and industrial landscape, followed by an engaging Q&A session filled with thoughtful questions from the curious and motivated group. With WARA’s strong focus on innovation technologies—IT, automation, communications, as well as pharma and chemistry—it’s fantastic to see such strong interest in Taiwan among young professionals.

We wish the students an inspiring journey and hope they return to Germany with new perspectives, and a deep appreciation for Taiwan’s advanced industry and cultural richness. 

GTO Executive Director Dr. Eva Langerbeck is heading back to Germany this June for a packed agenda of trade fairs and conferences. There will be plenty of opportunities to connect at one of her public appearances, or for an individual consultation. If you’re a German company looking to expand into Taiwan, this is a great opportunity to gain first‑hand insights into the island’s dynamic market and growth potential.

Where to find us:

👉 June 10–12 | ILA Berlin. Europe's leading aerospace conference. Visit the official conference page to see the full program and book a ticket. 

👉  June 15–19 | Silicon Saxony Day, Dresden. A one-of-a-kind event for the semiconductor industry. Visit the official conference page to see the full program and book a ticket. 

👉  June 17 | IHK Stuttgart Asia Pacific Summit, a key forum for companies looking to strengthen their engagement with Asia. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Langerbeck, please contact Ms. Carina Neuschl at IHK Stuttgart in advance. Visit the official event website for the full program details and registration information.

👉  June 24 | IHK Düsseldorf Greater China Day. This conference will bring together experts and business leaders to discuss the evolving business landscape in Greater China. Registration and consultation pre-bookings are available via the official IHK Düsseldorf event page. 

Let’s explore Taiwan’s opportunities together — see you in June!

The Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK), which takes place every two years, is the platform for an overarching dialogue between Germany and the Asia-Pacific region, between politics and business. The event will draw over a thousand participants including high-profile figures like German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the President of the Republic of Korea, LEE Jae Myung, as well as other speakers from business, politics and academia.

The APK 2026 will place a special focus on innovation, industrial AI, corporate resilience and sustainable industrial cooperation, thereby underlining Germany’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Korea and the wider Asia-Pacific region. GTO Executive Director Dr. Eva Langerbeck, who also sits on the management board of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA), will be speaking at the event. We hope to see you there!

Event Details

• Date: 29 - 31 October 2026
• Location: Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas
• Language: English
• Attendance fee: The ticket price for attending the conference is € 2,050 (converted, plus 10% VAT). Early bird tickets are available until 30th June at € 1,850 (converted, plus 10% VAT).

Visit the event page for more details.

We cordially invite you to the 2025 German Riesling Night, hosted in collaboration with renowned German winery Peter Mertes. Join us at Guang Yi In Time Restaurant in the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park for an elegant summer evening of outstanding Riesling wines, a curated gourmet buffet, and a relaxed indoor‑outdoor setting enhanced by a gentle seasonal breeze.

Hailing from the heart of Germany’s famed Mosel Valley, Peter Mertes brings over a century of winemaking tradition and some of the country’s most celebrated Riesling vineyards—including the iconic Wehlener Sonnenuhr. Discover what makes Riesling one of the world’s most expressive and beloved white wines as we explore its rich history, distinctive terroirs, and spectrum of fresh, aromatic flavors.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
• Time: 18:00 – 21:00 (Registration opens from 18:00 to 18:30)
• Venue: Guang Yi In Time Restaurant
• Address: No. 133, Guangfu S Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City (in the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, the green building next to the Eco Pond)
• Regular Price: 2,500 NT$
• GTO Business Alliance Member Discount Price: 2,250 NT$

The hy-fcell – International Expo and Conference for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology will take place on March 3–4, 2027 at Messe Stuttgart, continuing to drive innovation in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry.

For the first time, hy-fcell will be co-located with Volta-X and eltefa, creating a cross-sector platform that integrates energy generation, storage, and electrical technologies.

The event will focus on key application areas including mobility, production technology, fuel cells and (the now even stronger) infrastructure, while  also addressing emerging energy solutions such as methanol. Alongside the exhibition, the H2 Colloquium Baden-Württemberg will bring together experts from industry, academia, and government to share insights on the hydrogen economy.

Exhibitor registration is now open, with early bird rates available until the end of May. We warmly invite Taiwanese companies to seize this opportunity to expand into the European market and build international partnerships.

Find more information on our website.

InnoTrans 2026 is the world’s largest trade fair for rail and transport technology, spanning 42 exhibition halls at the Berlin Exhibition Center and covering rail technology, infrastructure, public transportation, interior design, and tunnel construction. The outdoor track display area stretches 3,500 meters, creating an eye-catching dynamic stage featuring everything from engineering vehicles to high-speed trains! 

Taiwan – Rail Resilience Partnership Zone: Led by the Railway Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, this zone integrates government resources to showcase Taiwan’s capabilities in railway localization and business opportunities for Ukraine’s reconstruction, working together to secure international orders. 

Exhibition Dates | Times | September 22–25, 2026 

• September 22–24 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM 
• September 25 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 

Exhibition Venue: Messe Berlin 

Exhibition Plan 

• Number of Participating Companies: 7  
• Approx. 6㎡ independent display area per company, including exhibition fixtures, lighting, screen, power outlets, and 2 exhibitor passes  
• Shared public meeting and interaction areas  

Exhibition Fee: TWD 220,000 (excluding tax), covering booth rental, decoration, branding, and on-site event documentation. Exhibitors are responsible for: Travel expenses, exhibit transportation.

Eligibility | Deadline: Taiwanese companies that have completed registration under the “Regulations Governing the Registration of Import and Export Enterprises”  

Find more information on our website.

The Arbitration Court at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), known as the SGH, offers a modern and reliable way to resolve commercial disputes quickly, digitally, and confidentially. As an alternative to state court litigation, SGH arbitration delivers binding decisions in a private setting—helping businesses protect sensitive information while benefiting from streamlined, fully digital procedures.

Key advantages of SGH arbitration include:

• Speed & efficiency: Decisions typically within 12 months, or as fast as 6 months in urgent cases
• Confidentiality: Proceedings are private, safeguarding business secrets
• Flexibility: Parties choose arbitrators, language, and applicable law
• Cost transparency: Clear fee schedules and no multi-level court costs
• Fully digital process: Online case management and video hearings

Open to both domestic and international companies, the SGH is particularly well suited for complex commercial, technical, or cross-border disputes. Backed by all German Chambers of Industry and Commerce, it combines institutional reliability with efficient, modern dispute resolution. Learn more on our website.

Our Business Alliance Member TÜV Rheinland Taiwan is seeking to hire a full-time Certifier at their office in Songshan District, Taipei. If you have experience in product certification and good language proficiency in German and English, then check out this great opportunity to work with a globally recognized German company in Taiwan.

Job Description

• Evaluation of Test and Assessment reports for Product Certification.
• Execution of the certification process according to ISO/IEC 17065 requirements.
• Monitor and verify staff qualifications of certification schemes to meet working instructions and accreditation body rules.
• Develop and deliver training to enhance certification knowledge across business lines.
• Support internal and external audits for lab. and certification personnel in TRTW and GCN region. Including following up the corrective actions.
• Provide technical consultancy to other department relevant to certification issues and support for further business development.

Your profile

• University degree in Engineering, Science, or related technical field
• At least 3 years of professional working experience in TIC (Testing, Inspection, Certification) industry.
• Fundamental knowledge in ISO 17025
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17065 standards is considered a plus but is not mandatory
• Knowledge of handling Quality management systems.
• Self-motivated, outgoing and resilient under pressure.
• Customer oriented, strong interpersonal and good communication skills.
  
  

About TÜV Rheinland Taiwan

TÜV Rheinland is a leading provider of testing and inspection services worldwide. Since their foundation in 1872, they have been providing safe and sustainable solutions for the challenges arising from the interaction between man, the environment and technology. Today, more than 28,000 employees in over 50 countries test, inspect and certify products, plants and processes, while also providing training for people in a wide range of professions. Since 1986, TÜV Rheinland has been an integral part of Taiwan’s industrial growth. From a modest start with just two German engineers, we have evolved into a major professional organization of 500+ employees. Today, our presence extends across Taiwan, with service hubs in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.

You can find the full job posting on the 104 Webpage.

In March 2027, the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie will embark on an exciting concert tour to Taiwan at the invitation of its esteemed partner orchestra, the National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan. Over the course of this special visit, three major concerts will bring together musical excellence, international exchange and the vibrant energy of a new generation of artists. The program features a piano concerto and the orchestral version of Johannes Brahms’ Piano Quartet in G minor—an evening that unfolds with the brilliance, vigor, and emotional depth of 19th- and 20th-century European music.

The JDPh is looking for organisations or individuals to be a part of this cultural exchange and help bring the musical journey to life. Feel free to contact the program coordinators to explore partnership and sponsorship opportunities.

• Maximilian von Aulock - Managing Director aulock@jdph.de
• Fritz Heil - Fundraising & Project Management heil@jdph.de

Real Regular Wage Growth in Taiwan Hits 11-year High in Q1

Taiwan’s real regular wages grew 1.45% year-on-year in Q1 2026, the fastest pace for a first quarter in 11 years, as pay increases outpaced inflation. Average monthly regular wages reached NT$48,706, while total earnings rose 1.98%, marking the strongest first-quarter gain in eight years.

Growth was partly driven by the AI sector, which boosted bonuses and overtime pay. However, officials warned that rising global energy prices could push up inflation, meaning future real wage growth will depend on whether pay increases continue to exceed price hikes.

(12.05.2026 / Focus Taiwan)

J&V Energy to Acquire 42 Solar Sites in Taiwan

J&V Energy Technology plans to acquire 42 operating solar power sites in Taiwan from Global Infrastructure Partners, expanding its renewable energy portfolio. The plants, located in central and southern Taiwan, generate about 270 million kWh annually—enough to supply roughly 80,000 households—and have a combined capacity of 187 MW.

The deal, expected to close in Q3 and potentially worth over NT$10 billion, will strengthen J&V’s position in Taiwan’s energy market. The company said the acquisition will also support its subsidiary’s green power trading and long-term resource management capabilities.

(13.05.2026 / Taiwan News)