Thriving Together
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Taiwan leverages technological expertise and leadership to drive regional prosperity.

Taiwan is recognized around the world for its technological prowess, with innovation in electronics, semiconductors and information technology raising its international profile. High-tech expertise plays a crucial role in the country’s active participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), where it has been sharing solutions to address regional challenges for over three decades.

A prime example is the precision fishery initiative, which employs artificial intelligence (AI), drones and smart sensors developed by Hsinchu County-based Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in northern Taiwan and the Metal Industries Research and Development Centre in the southern port city of Kaohsiung to modernize both fishery and aquaculture practices. The project is overseen by Chiang Tsun-chieh (蔣村杰), deputy general director of ITRI’s Information and Communications Research Laboratories, who spent the summer fine-tuning the system at an aquaculture site near Hsinchu’s Nanliao Fishing Port. “I gathered feedback from the farm operator and made adjustments to optimize performance,” Chiang said. “I wanted to ensure it was working at peak efficiency before inviting international guests to attend an on-site observation.”

Personnel demonstrate the use of a Taiwan-developed drone for distant water fishing. (Photos Courtesy of Industrial Technology Research Institute)

In October representatives from eight APEC member economies—including Japan, Peru, Thailand and the United States—witnessed the system firsthand after attending an APEC forum on precision fishery management in Taipei City. Taiwan also showcased the technology at an APEC event held in August in Lima, Peru, demonstrating how it could benefit both the aquaculture and distant water fishing sectors. Such exchanges highlight the country’s leadership in applying advanced tech to critical industries, as well as its commitment to improving livelihoods throughout the Pacific.

Deep Impact

Taiwan’s involvement in APEC not only allows it to be attuned to global trends but also offers a platform to engage with other international organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. “Through APEC, Taiwan gains insight into other economies’ priorities, which is vital given its exclusion from global bodies like the U.N.,” said APEC Study Center Deputy Director Grace Chung (鍾錦墀). “The country’s participation in around 150 APEC meetings annually underscores the importance the government places on such interactions.”

Jonathan C.Y. Sun (孫儉元), director general of the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MOFA) Department of International Organizations, noted that APEC is one of the most important international organizations for Taiwan. “We’ve demonstrated our willingness to share experience and help other members build capacity by donating resources, organizing meetings and undertaking projects,” he said.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs’ International Trade Administration (TITA) Director General Cynthia Kiang, left, and Jonathan C.Y. Sun, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of International Organizations, speak at an APEC meeting in August in Lima. (Courtesy of International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs)

Since joining in 1991, Taiwan has consistently contributed to the forum’s goals. Between 2021 and 2023, 31 completed APEC-sponsored projects were proposed by Taiwan, more than any other member. This year alone, the country is leading 19, with five focused on science and technology under the APEC Policy Partnership for Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI), including the precision fishery initiative.

“A project accepted by PPSTI must show technological maturity and significant benefit to other APEC members,” said Chiou Chyou-huey (邱求慧), director general of the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ (MOEA) Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT). “Our fishing know-how offers valuable insights to economies dependent on aquaculture and distant water fishing.” Methods for the latter often involve manned helicopters searching for fish over vast stretches of ocean—an expensive and time-consuming process. With the country’s smart technology, the search is safer, more efficient and costs up to 65 percent less.

Taiwan’s contributions extend far beyond the fishing and aquaculture industries.  It has spearheaded APEC-approved projects spanning food waste reduction, smart hospitals and intelligent cloud platforms. Chung noted that Taiwan also plays a key role in various working groups, focusing on areas like transportation, human resource development and agricultural cooperation.

Agenda Setter

Beyond its involvement in specific projects, Taiwan exerts significant influence on the direction of APEC discussions. Connie Chang (張惠娟), director general of the National Development Council’s Department of Overall Planning, emphasized how the country has successfully steered the forum’s focus toward digital governance. As convenor of APEC’s Public Sector Governance Friends of the Chair group, she has drawn on Taiwan’s experience to facilitate dialogue.

Taiwan and representatives from eight countries give a thumbs-up during an APEC forum on precision fishing in the Asia-Pacific in mid-October in Taipei. (Photo by Chin Hung-hao)

Last year, Chang introduced the topic of “just transition,” which works to ensure that no one is left behind in the shift toward a low-carbon economy. “This issue has gained increasing attention in Taiwan,” she said. “Exchanging views with other APEC members has also informed our own policymaking and engagement with nongovernmental organizations.”

Cynthia Kiang (江文若), director general of the MOEA’s International Trade Administration (TITA), plays a similar role, using APEC meetings to raise government concerns on regional and global issues like sustainability and the proposed Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. Taiwan’s work to promote environmentally friendly practices, such as helping businesses adopt alternatives to petrochemical packaging, demonstrate its commitment to fostering a greener future, Kiang said.

Expanded Influence

Inclusiveness is another important focus for Taiwan at APEC. TITA has long championed Indigenous empowerment, echoing this year’s theme of “Empower. Include. Grow.” set by host country Peru. Initiatives include training and education in trade for Indigenous people and promotion of Indigenous companies’ products through platforms like Taiwantrade, an online English-language marketplace, and international trade fairs.

In 2021 APEC host country New Zealand advocated for greater Indigenous participation in the regional economy. Following deliberation among representatives from the MOEA, MOFA and Council of Indigenous Peoples with counterparts from Australia, Canada and New Zealand, Taiwan joined the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Agreement (IPETCA) in 2022. “The multilateral pact is the first of its kind globally, demonstrating the efficacy of APEC as an incubator of new ideas,” Kiang said, adding that the IPETCA Work Plan established in May outlines concrete steps to deepen collaboration over the next three years.

Young people take part in a training camp in Taipei, after which some will attend November’s APEC Voices of the Future Program in Peru. (Courtesy of APEC Study Center)

Taiwan continues to foster regional partnerships through initiatives like the one proposed by the DoIT at a PPSTI meeting earlier this year. “The plan aims to connect tech startups with venture capitalists across APEC economies, encouraging innovation and accelerating the spread of new technologies,” Chiou said. An online APEC meeting in November will provide a platform for matching startups and investors, which the official anticipated will help young Taiwan entrepreneurs learn how to attract international financial backing. In addition, eight young people from Taiwan will travel to Lima this November for the APEC Voices of the Future program, where they will engage with peers from across the region to discuss shared opportunities and challenges. “Taiwan’s proactive involvement in APEC ensures its voice is heard on the global stage while continuing to offer meaningful contributions to the region’s growth,” Chiou said. “As a dynamic member of the APEC community, Taiwan remains ready to share its expertise and collaborate for the collective growth of the Asia-Pacific.”  Write to Oscar Chung at mhchung@mofa.gov.tw