By Maya M. Padillo
Correspondent

DAVAO CITY — The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) wants to forge closer ties with Davao City and the rest of Mindanao through technological innovations in agriculture, among other sectors.

“In the past, we focused on Luzon island and we have direct flights via Cebu in Visayas, so Visayas has more exposure to Taiwan. Now we will actually work in Mindanao… This year, TAITRA chose Davao to be the place of holding the event as they have noticed the potential of Davao,” Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, said in an interview during last Friday’s opening of the Taiwan Expo 2019.

Around 100 exhibitors from Taiwan showcased their products, services, and techonology in agriculture, design, and medical care, as well as tourism.

TAITRA Chairman James C.F Huang said they see agriculture and fisheries as having the biggest potential for immediate collaborations.

Mr. Huang said Taiwan has expertise in agriculture technology that can enhance efficiency, both in crop and fish farming.

“The future of fishery is technology. Taiwanese companies have their latest technologies to help you upgrade and transform your fishery industry,” he said.

Mr. Hsu also said representatives from the Department of Agriculture’s Davao regional office will be going to Taiwan soon to learn about precision farming.

“We will show you our latest innovations. We believe Taiwan’s technology can fuel the Philippines’ growth and help your economy to thrive even higher,” Mr. Huang said.

Companies in healthcare services and information and technology were also among the exhibitors.

Among them were Geosat Aerospace and Technology Inc., which specializes in commercial drone systems for building smart cities, and consumer electronics manufacturer Cal-Comp Technology (Philippines).

“We want to transform Davao as smart city and we can offer our expertise… Here in this great city of Davao, we see new beginnings, new hopes, and new dreams,” Mr. Hsu said.

The TAITRA official also said that they are optimistic that bringing the Taiwan Expo to Davao would mark the start of more business-to-business partnerships as well as discussions for direct flights.

“Soon this connectivity will be established, and all that is needed is we have to understand each other and know each other better,” he said.

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