The Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council have launched a NT$200 million project to market Taiwanese food products abroad. The plan comes amid import bans and strict customs controls in China, which have disrupted operations of Taiwanese companies selling their products in the country. The plan hopes to help 2,000 companies expand their markets and export their goods to 13 countries around the world.
Representatives from South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam are greeted in their own language at this online promotional event. In recent weeks, Taiwanese companies have been told by trading companies and freight forwarders to comply with China’s rules requiring products to be labeled as being from “Taiwan, China.” In addition, the Chinese government has imposed import bans on thousands of Taiwanese food products. To help affected Taiwanese companies, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and TAITRA have launched a plan to market Taiwan’s processed food products to Asia and the world.
Chu Yu-ing
Food manufacturer
At the beginning, China’s measures did have some effect on our operations. After all, our customers abroad couldn’t buy our products. But we hope that this plan will make our revenue grow and grow.
Hou Shuang-chun
Food manufacturer
Maritime shipping is perhaps not as reliable, so it might indirectly affect our output. But this program can increase our exposure.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is right around the corner, so the first batch of products promoted abroad include seasonal delicacies such as egg yolk pastries and pineapple cakes. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, the options include bubble-tea inspired snacks or wafer rolls. If you want a salty snack, there’s ingredients such as miso paste, spice packets and soy sauce. All these products will be available at shopping centers in many countries, allowing local shoppers to get a taste of Taiwan.
Simon Wang
TAITRA
Data can be used to understand consumer behavior. That requires digital marketing operations. We are offering guidance in 13 projects.
Chiang Wen-juo
Bureau of Foreign Trade
From August to December, we will be focusing on holding a lot of promotional events in 13 countries. We estimate that will result in more than US$60 million in business opportunities.
The government has readied a NT$200 million strategy to promote Taiwan’s food products abroad, in hopes of reducing manufacturer’s reliance on the Chinese market.