Date：February 17, 2018
MAC Press Release No. 018
Members of the 2017 Taiwan Delegation of Young Entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Macao were deeply impressed by the innovation and vitality of Taiwan's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). "It's quite a novel approach for the government to provide a venue like the Taiwan Air Force Innovation Base (TAF) for potential innovative entrepreneurs to develop," remarked one member, while another observed that, "Hong Kong and Macao can learn from the creativity and diversity of industries in Taiwan," reflecting the general impressions among the group. The delegation members also remarked that the visit was highly fruitful and helped them to grasp the economic and trade pulse and trends in Taiwan.
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) launched the Taiwan Delegation of Young Entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Macao program in 2016 to familiarize young entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Macao with Taiwan's industrial environment, as well as to enhance interest in investing and starting businesses in Taiwan. The 2017 delegation was joined by 12 young entrepreneurs from various industry backgrounds in Hong Kong and Macao.
Delegation members held exchanges with creative studios at the TAF, including Blue Seeds, Man Fair, and the IoT Platform Company. They were deeply impressed by the development of social enterprises and smart technology in Taiwan and felt it could have an even greater economic impact with additional capital or business integration. During a panel discussion with outstanding young entrepreneurs in Taiwan, some members suggested that Taiwan's experience in gaming industry development could be transplanted to Macao to promote substantive cooperation and exchange between Taiwan and Macao.
The delegation also visited Chang Gung Health and Culture Village in Linkou. The group was amazed at the level of healthcare development in Taiwan and suggested that related industries could step up international promotion to attract foreign "DINKS" and tap new markets and customer segments.
The itinerary also included visits to Taiwanese enterprises in various industries, including GFun Industrial Corp., Jazz Hipster, W&W Museum of Jewelry (which is transforming jewelry for the tourism industry), and the E Tai Sanitary Tourism Factory. The delegation members generally believed that Taiwan has a solid industrial base, while Hong Kong has an edge in financial, logistics, and professional services. They also noted that Macao has boosted its national income and actively promoted industrial diversification in recent years. Cooperation would certainly create win-win business opportunities, they concluded.
The MAC entrusted the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs, ROC to carry out this year's delegation program from December 6 to 9, 2017. The delegation members came mainly from the trade, tourism, food, construction, and cultural and creative industries in Hong Kong and Macao. The MAC will continue to strengthen contact and interaction with young entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Macao in the future.