Bilateral Trade and Investment Cooperation Advanced at Eighth Taiwan–Czech Economic and Technical Consultation

Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Cynthia Kiang and David Müller, Director General for EU and Foreign Trade at the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade, co-chaired the 8th Taiwan–Czech Economic and Technical Consultation Meeting via videoconference on September 15. In addition to exchanging views on global economic developments, both sides engaged in discussions on trade promotion, investment, industrial cooperation, and economic security.

Kiang noted that although global trade and the economy have faced significant uncertainty in recent years, international forecasting institutions remain optimistic about Taiwan's economic growth in 2025. Confronted with three major challenges—geopolitical shifts, reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, and restrictions on critical materials and technologies—the government has engaged in intensive dialogue with industries and introduced support measures. At the same time, Taiwan is advancing its "Five Trust Industries" and "Trusted Supply Chain" initiatives to build mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation with democratic partners such as the Czech Republic.

Müller remarked that as the international landscape continues to evolve, and in light of the United States' reciprocal tariff policies, the Czech Republic is actively seeking to expand partnerships with like-minded countries such as Taiwan. He emphasized that such collaboration will not only deepen bilateral economic and trade exchanges but also enhance the global competitiveness of both sides' industries.

During the meeting, both sides discussed trade-related issues. The Taiwanese delegation shared its initiatives on driving digital transformation and carbon reduction in the exhibition industry. The Czech side expressed strong appreciation for these efforts and voiced its interest in drawing on Taiwan's experience to attract more Czech companies to participate in trade fairs in Taiwan, thereby fostering greater bilateral trade exchanges.

On investment cooperation, the Taiwanese side highlighted that the Taiwan Trade and Investment Center in Prague has officially commenced operations and stands ready to work with Czech counterparts to support the needs of Taiwanese businesses. In response to concerns raised by Taiwanese investors regarding electricity supply, the Czech side expressed its commitment to addressing the issue. The Czech delegation also underscored its support by noting that Taiwan was added to its list of countries eligible for work visa exemptions in March this year, reflecting the importance it places on Taiwanese investment.

In terms of industrial cooperation, both sides agreed to continue promoting semiconductor collaboration through the Taiwan–Czech Resilient Supply Chain Plan. They also acknowledged the critical role of artificial intelligence in the global technology supply chain and committed to strengthening policy exchanges to enhance industrial competitiveness. The two sides will further encourage smart city enterprises to organize delegations for overseas visits and exchange innovative solutions.

On economic security and critical minerals, both parties welcomed the use of working-level meetings to share best practices in critical mineral recycling.

Amid the evolving global economic landscape, both sides expressed the hope of continuing to strengthen cooperation and build a mutually beneficial economic and trade partnership.

According to statistics from Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Czech Republic was Taiwan's largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe in 2024, with bilateral trade reaching US$2.37 billion, representing an annual growth of 94.79%. On the investment front, as of the end of July 2025, Taiwanese investment in the Czech Republic was concentrated in the ICT sector, with a cumulative amount of US$220 million, ranking ninth among Taiwan's investments in EU member states.