The Secretary-General Mr. Peter W. J. Huang of The Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei (IEAT) offered an invitation to the CACCI Presidential Delegation to meet with its key officers at their headquarters in Taipei in the afternoon of May 18th 2023. In welcoming the visitors, Mr. Huang said that the IEAT is proud to be an Affiliate Member of CACCI, adding that the Association is celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2023.

He informed the CACCI delegation that the IEAT is the biggest association of importers and exporters in Taiwan, with its members registering a total import/export value of US$907 Billion. He pointed out that trade is important to Taiwan as it serves as the economic driving force of the island. With members composed of large and small enterprises, including start-up companies, the IEAT employs some 80 staff members to provide various services to its members. Following Mr. Huang’s welcome remarks, a video presentation was shown introducing the various services offered by the Association.

In response, Mr. McMullin cited the presence of many women in the IEAT staff, indicating that the Association is future-focused. He praised the business-like approach of Taiwan in dealing with other countries, and that CACCI, as a regional business organization, is comfortable with that approach. He added that this message from Taiwan – with its focus on resilient growth and sustainable development – resonates around the world. He stressed that the Presidential visits are a key part of CACCI’s program.

Mr. Huang informed the delegation that IEAT is ready to work with each of the chambers represented by the delegation members to promote mutual business opportunities. In response, the following comments were made by the visitors:

1. There is a need to explore possible ways of strengthening the connection between Pakistani businessmen and IEAT in order to establish close liaison and partnerships in sectors such as renewable energy, textiles and textile fibers, petrochemicals, tires, and luxury products, among others.
2. Many CACCI member countries are important sources of supplies for Taiwan, and vice versa, and therefore the possibility of signing MOUs with each other for this purpose as well as a regular sharing of market information (through their respective websites, for instance) should be considered.
3. In the case of Iran, Taiwan can consider promoting trade in non-sanctioned sectors and products (e.g., food industry) in order to help Iranian companies which are engaged in these products and sectors, adding that there is certainly enough room for trade of many products between Taiwan and Iran, as well as collaboration in the education sector.

Mr. McMullin and Mr. Huang exchanged tokens of Appreciation for the opportunity to meet with each other, thereby providing a forum for the CACCI delegation and key officers of IEAT to know each other better and explore possible areas of cooperation.

The full report of the CACCI Presidential Visit to Taiwan can be read HERE.