The opening ceremony of the Palau-Taiwan Trade Show 2023 was held on the morning of October 23 with the attendance of more than 40 distinguished guests including President Surangel Whipps, Jr., Vice President Uduch Sengebau Senior, Minister Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, and senators etc. Ambassador Jessica Lee mentioned that Taiwan is one of the top 20 trading nations globally, and a key player in the world’s semiconductor supply chain. Nevertheless, small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of Taiwan’s economy. She hopes that Taiwan’s high-quality products can provide Palau people with more product choices and deepen the bilateral economic cooperation. In 2019, Taiwan Trade and Investment Delegation visited Palau and has successfully brought in Taiwan’s beverage brand – Chatime coming to Palau’s market. Following the 2022 Palau-Taiwan Trade Show, many Palau businesses had placed orders to buy more Taiwan products. This year, 16 companies are participating the Trade Show including 6 vendors participating in person. They brought wide range of products including auto parts, trolleys, non-woven products, Taiwanese agricultural products, jade, tea, jewelry, diving equipment, fishing tackle, food and beverages, etc.
President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. said that he was glad to see many distinguished guests participating in the Trade Show. The cooperation in 2019 was a beginning, he hopes to cooperate more with Taiwanese companies through the Trade Show in the future. Even though Palau is a small country, there are many opportunities for cooperation. He is looking forward to having more business communication and to increasing bilateral economic cooperation. President also hopes that Palau products can be imported to Taiwan in the future and to create more business opportunities to the two countries.
Minister Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl mentioned that Palau and Taiwan are important partners to Palau before, during, and after the pandemic, the travel bubble and now two flights a week are the testimonies. Taiwan is always supporting what Palau needs. Taiwan and Palau are close partners, and he hopes that the Palau Chamber of Commerce can cooperate with Taiwanese businesses to continue to enhance bilateral economic exchanges and achieve mutual prosperity and growth.
Palau-Taiwan Trade Show 2023 will be a four-day exhibition at the Palau Hotel from October 23 to 26, 2023. The Trade Show is welcoming all people to visit from 10 am to 5pm during Oct 24 to Oct 26 at Ming’s Hall of Palasia Hotel. Welcome!