Taiwan is renowned as an economic success. There is, however, more to this country than a society of busy workers. In terms of size, Taiwan is certainly small, but it is one of the world’s leading economies.
Most outsiders became acquainted with Taiwan in the 1990s through their “Made in Taiwan” CD players and walkmans. Yet, this nation has much more to give than cheap technology.
Taiwan, with its 23 million hospitable and hard working people, is a democracy where people enjoy freedom, quality education, good health care and comprehensive social welfare. Not only is this country an important trading nation but also a major source of international investment.
Agriculture has shifted from traditional crops such as rice and bananas to more refined products such as tea and mangos. Responding to the challenges of globalization and trade liberalization, agriculture in Taiwan has shifted to methods that integrate production with lifestyle and the environment.
Taiwan began by producing consumer items such as shoes and bicycles and went on to develop wireless communication, semi conductors, ship designs and manufacturing processors. It is now the world’s 16th largest exporter.
Hsinchu Science and Industrial Park is Taiwan’s main industrial and technological spot. Located in Taipei, it can be reached via the Taiwan High Speed Rail train, which runs at 300 km per hour. The trip takes 40 minutes.
The park is home to popular inventions and gadgets, reflecting the hard work and brilliance of the Taiwanese. Their professionalism and dedication to their country and work reveals why the three words “Made in Taiwan” is imprinted on many of our imports.
The park was established by the Taiwanese Government on Dec. 15, 1980 to improve the county’s economy and create jobs. By the end of 2003, a total of 370 high-tech companies — mainly involved in the semiconductor, computer, telecommunication, and optoelectronics industries — were housed at the park. The park is now one of the world’s most significant areas for semiconductor manufacturing.
Throughout the years, industrial and technological colleges were established to allow students to study and work at the same time. The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is one such institute located at the science park serving to strengthen Taiwan’s technological competitiveness.
Taiwan’s global marketing success can be attributed to the hard work carried out by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), whose executive director, Fang-miao Lin, explained how the council works as a messenger between Taiwan and other countries.
TAITRA was established in 1970 by the government in cooperation with local industrial associations and several commercial organizations to promote foreign trade. The Taiwan Commercial Center and Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) were established as sister organizations to help boost TAITRA’s work.
TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotion strategies. Every year, TAITRA participates in more than 100 exhibitions to help local factories and industries find new competitive markets.
If one is looking to buy the latest gadgets at a competitive price, then the monthly technology month fair is the place to go. The fair is where everything from international products like Sony and Apple to local Taiwanese brands such as Acer and HTC Pocket PC Phones can be purchased.
The crowded but incredibly well organized exhibition makes it more fun to walk around looking at new colorful notebooks, TV screens, mobile phones and more.
The Tourism Bureau at the Ministry of Transportation and Communication is particularly keen on attracting Arabs and Muslims. “We are trying to create a kind of a friendly environment so that we can invite Muslims to Taiwan,” said Christine Lai, senior executive official at the Tourism Bureau, adding that as a result imams are invited to ensure food is halal.
Although the majority of Taiwanese do not speak English and those who can are not very fluent, people are very friendly and helpful. Taiwan is also safe; one can go out in the middle of the night without any worry.
“We want to make brochures for Muslim tourists about where to eat and what kind of restaurants to go to. Some of our hotels have set some rooms for Muslims with the ‘qibla’ sign. We also have several mosques here,” Lai said.
