Taiwan is planning major investments in India in the sectors of information technology, heavy machinery, telecom, financial services and telecom.
“We are late but we would now integrate with India more and more. Our purpose is not only to attract more investments in Taiwan but also to push for two-way trade and investments,” Christina Liu, minister of the Council for Economic Planning and Development of Taiwan said here on Monday. Liu, who is leading the largest business delegation from there so far, comprising 90 companies, also said although Taiwan was the second largest investor in Asia, India accounts for only 0.1 per cent of its total investment, at $1 billion compared to $200 bn FDI in China and around $500 bn worth of foreign direct investment in the Asean group of countries.
This visit is part of a series of conferences called ‘Taiwan Road Show’. During the tour, the delegation would also visit Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The strategic importance of Taiwan has also increased with its signing a Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with China. As a result, countries planning to do business with China can use Taiwan as a gateway.
“Businesses that are looking to do business in China can use us as their partners. The signing of ECFA has sent out a strong signal to the world that we have greater access to Chinese markets,” Liu added.
She also said there could be a significant amount of business deals in the areas of heavy machinery, information and communication technology, Wimax, biotechnology and medical tourism in the coming years.