Dear Subscriber,

With the Mid-Autumn Festival just around the corner, a time traditionally dedicated to reunion and togetherness, we wish all our readers a relaxing holiday with their families and loved ones. Before the long weekend begins, we are delighted to share some recent developments and highlights from our office.

Last week, we published the GTO Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2025/2026, showcasing the initiatives of 21 German companies in Taiwan. From environmental protection and science education to charitable fundraising, the report highlights how German businesses are contributing to Taiwan's sustainable development beyond their core business activities.

In addition, we are pleased to share updates from our exchange with the Taichung City Government that highlighted the strong complementarities between Taichung's industrial base and Germany's technology expertise. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between government and industry, with particular attention to smart manufacturing, infrastructure, defense, security, and the drone sector. 

The importance of dialogue was also reflected in a recent gathering with around 30 representatives from our Business Alliance as part of our 45th anniversary celebrations. The event provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the evolving business environment and discuss future initiatives.

Wishing you a great week and festive weekend ahead!

Dr. Eva Langerbeck
Chief Representative & Executive Director

Recently, we were honored to meet with Taichung Deputy Mayor Mr. Huang Kuo-jung and other representatives from the city government, together with representatives from German companies operating in Taichung.

The exchange highlighted opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between government and industry, with a shared focus on urban livability, infrastructure quality, national defense, security, and the drone industry.

Main Topics:

Public-Private Cooperation – Strengthening platforms between public institutions and German businesses to exchange perspectives and address shared economic priorities.

Industrial Complementarity – Taichung’s well-established clusters in precision machinery, machine tools, semiconductors, and smart manufacturing provide strong synergies with Germany’s technology-driven SME sector.

A Warm Welcome to Oktoberfest – We were pleased to invite Taichung’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor to this year’s German Oktoberfest in Taichung, which will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the German Trade Office Taipei and mark the event’s second consecutive year in the city.

We appreciated the opportunity for this constructive dialogue and look forward to continuing our cooperation to support sustainable growth and innovation in Taiwan.

Joining the discussion were representatives of leading German companies in Taichung:

Mr. Gorden Lai, Director of E-Chain Systems, igus Taiwan

Mr. Phylex Ong, General Manager, Beckhoff Automation Taiwan 

The latest edition of the GTO Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2025/2026 is now available.

Featuring the sustainability and community engagement initiatives of 21 German companies in Taiwan, the report showcases how businesses are turning their expertise into meaningful action. From financial literacy and science education to environmental protection, renewable energy, and charitable fundraising, the projects highlighted demonstrate a shared commitment to creating long-term positive impact in Taiwanese society.

Some highlights include:

• Coastal conservation and environmental education initiatives

• Financial literacy, science education, and STEM programs reaching thousands of students

• The German Companies Charity Soccer Tournament and Christmas Goose Dinner, which together raised more than NT$480,000 for charitable causes in 2025

We warmly invite you to join our annual Christmas Goose Dinner to celebrate the traditional German holiday custom and savor the festive charm of the Christmas season. Enjoy a meticulously prepared dinner and have the chance to win exclusive prizes in our charity lucky draw. We invite everyone, from German and Taiwanese business people to expatriates and cultural enthusiasts, to take part in our tradition.

Event Details

• Date: December 9, 2026
• Time: 18:00 – 22:00
• Venue: Humble House Taipei
• Address: 5F, No. 18, Songgao Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
• Price: 3,800 NT$
   

Tickets include a set menu featuring a traditionally roasted German Christmas goose, paired with premium German white and red wines.

Following our tradition, the event includes a charity lucky draw. This year, all proceeds from the lucky draw will be donated to the Taiwan Foundation for Rare Disorders (TRFD). The foundation supports people with rare disorders and their families in Taiwan by helping secure medical care and advocating for supportive laws. 

If you would like to support the Lucky Draw Charity with prizes, you are welcome to contact our colleague, Mr. Sinan Ertugrul at ertugrul.sinan@taiwan.ahk.de

We are delighted to welcome CENTOGENE as the event partner for this year's Christmas Goose Dinner. CENTOGENE is a global molecular diagnostics company headquartered in Germany, with more than 20 years of expertise in rare and complex disorders.

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Great conversations, valuable insights, and a shared look ahead: We were delighted to welcome roughly 30 representatives from our Business Alliance for a special get-together as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of our office.

The presentation by GTO's Chief Representative & Executive Director, Dr. Eva Langerbeck, included a recap of our key activities and achievements over the past year. She also highlighted our planned increased engagement with government representatives and provided an outlook on new events and initiatives already taking shape for 2027.

Most importantly, the gathering provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from our members. In a rapidly evolving business environment, staying connected and exchanging perspectives is more important than ever. These conversations provide an opportunity to reflect on shared priorities and identify emerging opportunities within our business community.

We want to thank everyone who joined us and shared their insights. We look forward to deepening our exchange and continuing our cooperation!

The Business Alliance is our corporate partner network, providing members with increased visibility in the Taiwanese market, access to a strong business network, and opportunities for exchange with fellow member companies and key stakeholders.

German company ENTEX was among the exhibitors at TaipeiPLAS last week, presenting its decades of experience in extrusion technology. Its Planetary Roller Extruder offers precise temperature control, efficient mixing, and flexible modular configurations, making it suitable for a broad range of industrial processes.

From plastics and chemicals to adhesives, recycling, rubber and food processing, ENTEX’s technology demonstrated how innovative German engineering supported diverse and demanding production processes.

TaipeiPLAS is one of Asia's leading international trade shows dedicated to the plastics and rubber industries, showcasing advanced machinery, innovative materials, and smart manufacturing technologies. It serves as a major global sourcing platform with a strong focus on sustainability, automation, and circular economy solutions.

For our team, we are currently seeking a Law Intern (m/f/d) from early October 2026 for a period of 3 to 4 months. This internship offers exciting insights into German-Taiwanese business relations, with a focus on:

• Private, commercial, and corporate law
• Advice on German & Taiwanese commercial law, and on establishing a business in Germany
• Assistance with mediation proceedings between German and Taiwanese companies
• Data protection and compliance

Your Profile

• Currently enrolled in a law degree program at a university in Taiwan or a recent law graduate
• Fluent in English
• German/Chinese language skills are an advantage
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Please note: As there is currently no lawyer permanently based in our office, professional supervision and training will be provided by an experienced legal expert holding an LL.M. degree and extensive expertise in German-Taiwanese business law.

Interested? We look forward to receiving your application, including a cover letter, CV, and relevant supporting documents in English.

Contact:
Mr. Nico Cron
cron.nico@taiwan.ahk.de
Tel.: +886-2-7735-7506

Please feel free to share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested.

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Will we see you at Bavaria’s largest international trade event at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Munich?

Meet experts from the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) covering more than 60 markets and get answers to your questions about doing business internationally. Join practical expert sessions and connect with companies, exhibitors and international partners.

The event is designed for businesses of all sizes – whether they are new to international markets or already experienced abroad. This year marks the 20th anniversary of IHK Trade & Connect.

Secure your ticket and book your one-on-one consultation appointments now!

The German Trade Office Taipei is delighted to invite you to our Taiwan–Germany Forum：Building Bridges in Robotics, taking place on November 12, 2026, at the Center for Public and Business Administration Education, NCCU, Taipei. 

As Europe’s largest robotics market and the fifth largest worldwide in 2024, Germany has strong expertise and innovative capabilities in the robotics industry. In 2024, Germany held a five percent share of the global robot installations. At the same time, Taiwan’s remarkable achievements in generative AI and its leading semiconductor industry offer significant potential for the future of robotics. Given the complementary strengths of Germany and Taiwan in robotics, our event provides a platform that brings together experts from across the robotics ecosystem.

During the event, robotics experts will share their knowledge about current developments and trends in industry. In addition, we will celebrate the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between a German and a Taiwanese company.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
• Time: 13:00–16:10 (Registration: 13:00–13:30)
• Venue: Center for Public and Business Administration Education, NCCU | 6F. A646 Lecture Theater
• Address: No. 187, Jinhua St., Da'an Dist., Taipei City 106304, Taiwan
• Language: Chinese
• Free Entry

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The German Trade Office Taipei is proud to host the German Christmas Market in Taiwan for the seventh consecutive year, bringing the festive spirit and traditions of a German Christmas to local visitors. Enjoy classic German sausages, pork knuckles, Christmas Stollen, German beers, mulled wine, and more. The market also features German goods and family-friendly stage performances.

2026 German Christmas Market – New Taipei

• Friday, December 4: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday, December 5: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday, December 6: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

New Taipei City Plaza, No. 161, Sec. 1, Zhongshan Rd., Banqiao Dist., New Taipei City (MRT Banqiao Station, Exit 3A)

2026 German Christmas Market – Taipei

• Friday, December 11: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday, December 12: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Sunday, December 13: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Corridor Plaza, Taipei Expo Park, No. 1, Yumen Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei City (Near MRT Yuanshan Station, Exit 1)

2026 German Christmas Market – Taoyuan

• Friday, December 18: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday, December 19: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday, December 20: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Taoyuan Arts Plaza, No. 1188, Zhongzheng Rd., Taoyuan Dist., Taoyuan City.

Find out more about our Christmas Market and other activities on our social media channels.
Scan or click on the QR codes to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more detailed insights into the Christmas Market.

German cleaning technology leader Kärcher is expanding its presence in Taiwan, driven by growing demand from the AI and semiconductor manufacturing boom, as well as rising public infrastructure investment. To support this growth, the company has opened its largest Taiwanese flagship showroom and service center in Taipei’s Neihu technology district, with Dr. Eva Langerbeck, Executive Director and Chief Representative of the German Trade Office Taipei, attending the opening ceremony.

Marking 30 years in Taiwan, the new facility combines commercial and consumer cleaning solutions under one roof, offering product demonstrations, professional consultation, equipment maintenance, and after-sales support. Kärcher aims to leverage its more than 90 years of global expertise to deliver localized cleaning solutions tailored to Taiwan’s industrial and consumer needs.

The flagship center showcases innovations ranging from robotic floor scrubbers and automated vehicle-wash systems to steam cleaners and portable cordless cleaning devices. Looking ahead, Kärcher will continue introducing next-generation cleaning products and solutions under its “Built for Life” brand philosophy, helping businesses and households meet Taiwan’s evolving cleaning and maintenance requirements.

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Following the success of GrindingHub in Germany, the exhibition series will expand to the United States with the launch of GrindingHub Americas 2027, taking place in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 18–20 May 2027.

Organized by VDW, Messe Stuttgart, and Swissmem, the event will focus on the latest grinding, precision machining, and surface finishing technologies. As the first dedicated grinding technology trade fair in the U.S., GrindingHub Americas offers exhibitors direct access to one of North America's largest manufacturing regions, connecting with thousands of potential buyers, engineers, and decision-makers.

For more information, please contact Ms. Bo Fung.

Find more information on our website.

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GTAI Deep Dive: Taiwan’s Robotics Sector Gains Momentum Through Physical AI

Taiwan is positioning physical AI as a strategic growth field, with robotics at its core. While the island is not a leading market for complete humanoid robots or autonomous systems, it plays a critical role in the underlying supply chain. Its strengths in semiconductors, printed circuit boards, sensors, precision components, and system integration make Taiwan an important partner for scaling physical AI applications.

The market is still young but gaining momentum. Global demand for humanoid robots is expected to rise sharply by 2035, while Taiwan’s imports of industrial robots already point to growing automation needs. The government is responding with new alliances, innovation centers, and startup funding to accelerate commercialization and strengthen the island’s “AI Island” ambitions.

For German companies, Taiwan offers cooperation opportunities along the full value chain. Partnerships with robotics startups, semiconductor and electronics manufacturers, and industrial users appear particularly promising as Taiwan aims to position itself as a trusted non-Chinese supply hub. Companies that engage with Taiwan’s emerging physical AI ecosystem early on can leverage their expertise in components, manufacturing technologies, and system integration to support secure, scalable, and resilient value chains.

Discover how German companies can benefit from Taiwan's growing physical AI ecosystem in this article by Dr. Jürgen Maurer (in German).

ESMC Fab in Dresden Reaches Key Construction Milestone

TSMC-backed European Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (ESMC) marked a major construction milestone by celebrating the "Richtfest" (topping out ceremony) of its semiconductor fab in Dresden, Germany. According to ESMC President Christian Koitzsch, the project remains on schedule and within budget, with around 2,000 workers from 106 countries currently involved in construction.

The fab, a joint venture between TSMC, Bosch, Infineon, and NXP, is expected to install its first manufacturing equipment in the second half of 2027. According to Dresden Mayor Dirk Hilbert, the project could attract 15,000 to 20,000 workers to the region by 2030.

(15.09.2026 / Focus Taiwan)

Taiwan Drone Maker Targets U.S. Market Through New Partnership

Taiwan's 7A Drones and the North American Taiwan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Association have signed an agreement to promote Taiwan-made drones in the United States. The partnership seeks to leverage Taiwanese business networks across the U.S. to expand market access and capitalize on growing demand for alternative drone supply chains. 

Taiwan has established strong capabilities in small and medium-sized drones, complementing U.S. expertise in larger platforms, according to Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang, who said the sector could become a key industry as countries seek alternative and more resilient supply chains. 7A Drones CEO Dwayne Hsu highlighted Taiwan's strengths in integrating AI, communications, sensor technologies, and precision control systems, noting that local manufacturers are highly flexible in adapting products to customer requirements.

(20.09.2026 / Taiwan News)

Taiwan and Germany Deepen Semiconductor Cooperation

Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council and Germany's Ministry for Research, Technology and Space co-organized a three-day semiconductor forum in Munich aimed at strengthening cooperation in chip design, advanced packaging, and emerging semiconductor technologies. Battery research marked the beginning of the collaboration project in 2017. The initiative later led to the signing of a Science and Technology Arrangement in 2023, which now supports 23 joint projects.

More than 100 participants attended the forum, including representatives from academia and industry, with discussions focusing on semiconductor talent development, research collaboration, and supply chain resilience.

(17.09.2026 / Taiwan News)

Taiwan Advances NT$95.6 Billion Longtan Science Park Expansion

Taiwan's National Development Council has approved a plan to expand Taoyuan's Longtan Science Park by 104 hectares, paving the way for further growth of the semiconductor industry cluster in northern Taiwan. The NT$95.6 billion project is intended to meet rising demand from chipmakers and strengthen Taiwan's competitiveness in advanced technology industries.

The expansion is expected to generate annual output worth NT$550 billion and create around 4,500 jobs once completed. Development approvals and environmental reviews are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2028, with infrastructure construction expected to begin in 2030. Local media have previously reported that TSMC is seeking government approval to build an advanced wafer fabrication facility at the expanded site.

(17.09.2026 / Focus Taiwan)

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Imprint: 
Editing & Research: Christoph Lory, Lukas Schreckenberg
Publisher: German Trade Office Taipei
International Trade Bldg., 19F-9, No. 333, Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 110208, Taiwan
Tel.: +886-2-7735-7500
Fax: +886-2-7733-5280
info@taiwan.ahk.de