Dear Subscriber,  

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Mayor of Taoyuan for the third time since taking office, joined by representatives from three leading German companies in Taiwan. Our discussion once again underscored the strength of industry–government cooperation in fostering a dynamic and supportive business environment in the region. 

June is right around the corner—and so is our annual Riesling Night on Thursday, June 4! I’m truly excited for this special evening filled with exceptional wines, great food, and even better company. We’re down to just a handful of seats, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this relaxed and memorable gathering - sign up now!

Our DE International team was also on the ground at Interzoo 2026, where we co-organized the Taiwan Pavilion together with CPFAA. Seven Taiwanese exhibitors showcased the country’s innovation in pet food, supplies, and smart manufacturing—be sure to check out the highlights and photos below. Looking ahead, two major trade fairs are coming up in Germany this June: ILA Berlin 2026 and The Smarter E Europe 2026. We’re pleased to offer discounted tickets for ILA and free entry to The Smarter E—feel free to reach out for details.

In addition, our colleague Dr. Jürgen Maurer at Germany Trade & Invest has published a new analysis on Taiwan’s push into silicon photonics, exploring how the island aims to lead in this emerging field and the role German companies are playing. Within our Business Alliance, igus continues to expand its RBTX platform into a hub for affordable automation, while Reinhausen Taiwan is currently recruiting two Order Processing Engineers in Taipei—excellent opportunities to join a global leader in sustainable power grid solutions.

In the latest news from Taiwanese business and industry, firms are advancing into new frontiers—from potential satellite broadband launches and global drone partnerships to improved startup ecosystem rankings—while strong AI-driven demand is boosting economic growth, albeit with widening gaps between thriving tech sectors and struggling traditional industries.

That's all from us - have a good week!

Last week, German Trade Office Taipei Executive Director & Chief Representative Dr. Eva Langerbeck led representatives of German companies in Taiwan to meet with Taoyuan Mayor San-Cheng Chang for exchanges on urban development, industrial cooperation, and international collaboration.

This also marked Dr. Langerbeck’s third delegation visit to Taoyuan, highlighting the strong interest of German businesses in the city’s industrial potential and future cooperation opportunities. The participating German companies represented diverse sectors ranging from design and certification to urban cleaning solutions — reflecting how Taiwan–Germany cooperation continues to expand into new and broader industrial fields:

• Sean Kuo, General Manager of Häfele Taiwan Ltd., shared potential ideas for participating in the “2026 Taiwan Design Expo,” aiming to bring German expertise in design and spatial planning into future urban aesthetics and public space concepts in Taoyuan.
• Jason Chang, Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland Taiwan, exchanged views on how to support Taiwanese companies in obtaining international certifications across industries ranging from manufacturing and technology to the satellite sector, further enhancing their competitiveness in entering the German and global markets.
• Simon Lee, Head of Sales at Kärcher Taiwan, introduced German experiences in urban cleaning, public facility maintenance, and heritage restoration — from smart street-cleaning equipment to specialized cleaning technologies for historic buildings — demonstrating how German companies combine technology with sustainable urban governance.

The GTO will continue to serve as a platform for Taiwan–Germany industrial exchange, fostering concrete cooperation opportunities between German companies, Taiwanese local governments, and industry partners while further strengthening bilateral economic and city-level partnerships.

Interzoo 2026 was successfully held from 12–15 May at Messe Nuremberg in Germany, bringing together 2,400 exhibitors from 70 countries, 39,000 visitors, and marking the largest and most international Interzoo in the show’s history.

This year, the German Trade Office Taipei and the Pets Foods & Appliances Association R.O.C (CPFAA) jointly organized the Taiwan Pavilion, bringing together 7 Taiwanese exhibitors showcasing Taiwan’s strengths in pet food, pet supplies, smart manufacturing, and innovative product development. Through Interzoo, Taiwanese companies explored new business opportunities across the European and global markets.

On the opening day, Ching-Ting Hung, Director of the Economic Division at the Taipei Representative Office in the Federal Republic of Germany, Frankfurt Office, visited the Taiwan Pavilion to engage with exhibitors and show support for Taiwan’s pet and ornamental aquatics industries.

In addition, the Agricultural Technology Research Institute (ATRI) presented the Taiwan Ornamental Aquatics Pavilion, bringing together five Taiwanese companies and featuring live aquatic displays that attracted strong interest from international buyers and industry professionals.

The next Interzoo will return to Nuremberg from May 23 – 26, 2028, and we look forward to welcoming more Taiwanese companies to this leading international platform. For more information, please contact Ms. Erika Li from the Trade Fair Team (li.erika@taiwan.ahk.de / +886-2-7735-7524).

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$

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.  We’re proud that Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Executive Director of GTO and Management Board Member of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA), will be representing us 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.

The global silicon photonics market is forecast to grow by over 30% annually through 2030, driven by the expansion of data centers and new communication technologies. Despite facing strong competition from China in sectors such as solar cells and monitors, Taiwan continues to expand its share of the optoelectronic materials and optical devices market.

Taiwan aims to secure an early lead in silicon photonics technology. The government has introduced strategic innovation programs to promote co-packaged optics (CPO), which integrate optical components directly with processor chips to boost efficiency and performance. Companies such as TSMC, ASE, and the ITRI research institute are actively driving this development forward. In 2024, the SEMI Silicon Photonics Industry Alliance was formed to promote commercialization and industry standards, along with plans for a Silicon Photonics Hub in southern Taiwan.

German companies play a key role as technology and cooperation partners, particularly in precision optics, sensors, and laser technology. They benefit from the rising demand for intermediate products and manufacturing equipment. Companies such as Zeiss, Micro-Epsilon, and Trumpf are firmly integrated into supply chains through long-standing partnerships. As Taiwan’s photonics ecosystem is evolving, more cooperation opportunities arise in fast developing applications like robotics and quantum technology.

Read the full article by Dr. Jürgen Maurer (in German) on the GTAI Website.

igus is expanding its Low Cost Automation offering by turning its RBTX platform into a full service hub. At Hannover Messe, it will present affordable robotics solutions—including humanoids from around €5,000, low-cost AMRs, and AI control systems that enable intuitive training via gestures and voice. D

Driven by skilled labour shortages, humanoid robots are emerging as flexible solutions for repetitive tasks. igus supports this with durable, maintenance-free components and cost-efficient systems like its “Iggy Rob” humanoid. Its RBTX platform now connects around 260 manufacturers, with most solutions implemented for under €18,000.

RBTX will evolve further into an end-to-end ecosystem, linking users with integration partners and complete automation solutions. igus is also advancing mobile robotics with the ReBeL Pallet Mover, an autonomous forklift offering fast ROI. Overall, the company aims to make robotics more accessible and scalable for businesses.

Read the full press release on our website.

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.

Reinhausen Taiwan is hiring two Order Processing Engineers in Taipei—one for Products and one for Service. Join a global leader shaping future-ready, sustainable power grids.

Your Role

• Support customers with technical inquiries and specifications
• Manage orders in SAP and coordinate execution processes
• Evaluate technical feasibility and project requirements
• Collaborate with international teams and assist in customer negotiations
• Service role: Lead maintenance, commissioning, and on-site service projects
• Products role: Oversee order processing, delivery, and invoicing

Your Profile

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 3–5 years’ experience in transformers or energy sector
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to travel internationally
• Fluent in English (Mandarin required for Products role)
• MS Office skills; SAP is a plus

Why Reinhausen?

A global leader in transformer technology, driving innovation for reliable and sustainable energy systems.

Read more and find out how to apply 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

Taiwan Rises to 20th in Global Startup Ecosystem Rankings

Taiwan rose to 20th place in the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, its highest ranking ever and five spots higher than last year, according to the National Development Council. The NDC attributed Taiwan’s improvement to coordinated efforts by the government, industry, and startup community, along with initiatives to attract talent and support innovation such as the Startup Island Taiwan program, and the Employment Gold Card program.

The report highlighted Taiwan’s strengths in hardware and IoT, where it ranked seventh, supported by its semiconductor industry and AI development plans. Taipei’s startup ecosystem also climbed significantly, while southern regions saw major gains. Despite strong growth and competitiveness, the report noted a key challenge in producing globally leading startups, as many firms remain behind-the-scenes suppliers rather than global brands.

(19.05.2026 / Focus Taiwan)

Taiwan Drone Sector Sees NT$1.3 Billion in Xponential Opportunities

Taiwan showcased its largest-ever presence at the Xponential 2026 drone exhibition in Detroit, generating an estimated NT$1.3 billion (US$41.22 million) in potential business opportunities, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The delegation included 35 companies and 130 representatives, with highlights such as Thunder Tiger securing a NT$240 million order and becoming the first Asian firm to gain Blue UAS certification from the US Department of Defense.

The event also sparked international cooperation talks with companies from multiple countries and marked Taiwan’s entry into the US drone supply chain. Additional agreements were signed with US partners, while domestically, Taiwanese firms have delivered over 3,000 drones under military contracts. The government aims to further strengthen the industry by integrating key sectors like semiconductors and communications while expanding global partnerships.

(21.05.2026 / Taiwan News)