By Danielle Gabriel
MUTUAL benefits for Taiwan and Philippine economies can be expected as Taiwan launches the third installment of its Taiwan Excellence Campaign here in the country.
Taiwanese Ambassador Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin said trade relationship between the two sides have been growing over the past several years.
Lin said that more partnerships should be expected as Taiwan pledges to make the Philippines a “priority” in the areas of trade and investment under a recent policy of new president Dr. Tsai Ing-wen.
“The relationship between the Philippines and Taiwan is stronger and stronger day by day. Trade has grown significantly over the recent years. Philippines is the second-largest export partner of Taiwan among Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] countries,” Lin said.
He added: “The Philippines is an important gateway to the Asean market for Taiwanese products. In the new south bound policy, the Philippines was selected as one of the priority countries for Taiwan to strengthen bilateral relations.”
Meanwhile, Taiwan External Trade Development Council Deputy Director Scott Yang attributed the strong trade partnership between the two economies to the good quality products pushed by the annual excellence campaign and the active exchange of ideas and innovation on both sides.
“Taiwan Excellence is given to the best of the best products selected from nearly 2,000 entries every year. The ultimate goal of the campaign is to increase awareness of Taiwan’s good quality products to the consumers,” Yang said.
With the Philippines and Taiwan enjoying close and robust trade relations, Yang said his organization is also inclined to strengthen the network between Filipino and Taiwanese businessmen.
“The Philippines is a significant strategic partner for Taiwan, especially in trade cooperation. We look forward to working with the Philippine officials, business leaders and communities for mutual economic growth and prosperity,” Yang said.
With increased consumer spending as a result of a growing Philippine economy, Yang said Taiwanese brands are ready to go “head-to-head” with other foreign competition adding that they know well the taste of Filipino consumers.
“We’ll be facing products quite a competition with foreign brands, but we know the Filipino consumers and Filipinos know we can compete head-to-head in terms of design innovation, quality and reliability,” Yang said.
The Taiwan Excellence Campaign was first launched in the Philippines in 2014 to build trust and awareness for the Taiwanese products among Filipino consumers.
This year’s campaign brings 54 brands from ICT, home and living products, leisure and sporting goods to the country.
Image credits: Roy Domingo