Australia and Taiwan forge closer ICT links

Stan Beer
Wednesday, 19 October 2005 20:36

IT Industry - Market

An industry delegation travelled to Taipei for a massive trade show last week to promote Australian ICT expertise and to boost trade opportunities with Taiwan, mainly in the software area.

The delegation attended the largest electronics exhibition held in North East Asia which showcased telematics, automotive and green electronics and IP telecommunications from around the world.

The delegation's attendance at the 2005 Taipei International Electronics Show, Taitronics, was organised by Austrade to promote Australian ICT expertise to Taiwanese businesses. Taiwan now produces over $130 billion worth of ICT products annually providing Australian companies with significant export prospects, particularly in the software sector.

Taiwan is Australia's seventh largest merchandise export market with Australia now selling about $4.9 billion worth of merchandise exports to Taiwan.

Executive Director of the Australian Business Centre in Taipei, Jeff Turner, said that Australia's trade relationship with Taiwan has been enhanced by the diversification of Australian exports into Taiwan.

"Taiwanese businesses are increasingly recognising Australia as a country that has the capacity to provide products and services as diverse as biotechnology, ICT, services, software, quality foods and beverages, designer fashion, luxury skin care and cosmetics as well as offering significant expertise in engineering, infrastructure and construction," Turner said.

The Australian and Taiwanese ICT industries signed an agreement in July to increase cooperation and develop their respective electronics and ICT sectors. The agreement was signed by the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association (AEEMA) and its Taiwanese counterpart, TEEMA, and provides a framework for a program of engagement and cooperation between the two countries.

The Australian Taiwan Electronics/ICT Strategic Framework Agreement (ATSFA) contains 67 projects agreed to by both Australian and Taiwanese industries, offering the companies involved new exporting opportunities.

The industry delegation was brought together under the Technology Australia banner through cooperation of Australian Government agencies Austrade and Invest Australia, AEEMA and with the support of the Victorian Government and led by state Manufacturing and Export Minister Andre Haermeyer.

The Australian companies represented included Dallas Delta, QNX Software, Intelematics Australia, Digimax Innovative Products, McSoft, the CRC for microTechnology and Clarinox.