TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The inaugural Taiwan-France High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue took place on Tuesday (March 26), led by Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, where topics such as semiconductors, AI, and electric vehicles were discussed.
The dialogue focused on supply chain cooperation opportunities in such sectors, including renewable energy and the space industry.
Despite the ongoing legislative session and recent electricity price issues, Wang attended the dialogue, thanks to the efforts of representatives from both Taiwan and France, including Franck Paris, a former advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron.
French officials agreed to integrate the previously separate industrial and economic cooperation meetings, which have been held 30 and 11 times, respectively. Wang also attended in her capacity as Minister, a significant upgrade from the previous director-level meetings.
Preparations for the high-level dialogue were handled confidentially by the International Trade Administration. However, media exposure of the French itinerary due to offshore wind power discussions caused internal tension but did not affect the crucial economic talks.
The dialogue focused on three main areas: cooperation in IC design and semiconductor manufacturing and packaging, France's leading role in the global space industry, and the development of a cooperation roadmap. A follow-up schedule and a September visit by French industry officials were also agreed upon.
During her visit to France, Wang also visited Taiwanese businesses, the Eutelsat Group, the French Automobile Industry Alliance (PFA), Total Energy, and Engie, and hosted a "Corporate Roundtable Forum."
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), bilateral trade between Taiwan and France reached a record high of $60.9 billion last year. In terms of investment, Taiwanese businesses invested $720 million in France in 2023, while French businesses invested $230 million in Taiwan, both setting new annual investment records.