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Review: Focus Taiwan 2025 – Bridging Futures: Opportunities for New Zealand and Taiwan in a Changing Global Economy

Focus Taiwan 2025 took place in Auckland amid ongoing changes in the global trade environment, influenced by US import tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical events.

Charles Finny, Chair of NZ Trade and Enterprise, discarded his prepared presentation to provide an updated overview of international trade conditions and his outlook for the future. He was optimistic for growth in the New Zealand-Taiwan economic relationship, citing trade figures between New Zealand and Australia, a country with similar population to Taiwan, for comparison.

Resilience was a central theme throughout the summit. Representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Kendra Chen and Howard Song, highlighted the adaptability of the Taiwan economy and the longstanding bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Taiwan. They referred to the complementary nature of both economies, historical trading ties, and the solid foundations provided by the ANZTEC free trade agreement.

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell discussed efforts to foster economic and cultural connections between Rotorua and Pingtung County, Taiwan. She pointed to similarities in the economic drivers of tourism, agriculture, geothermal activity and high indigenous populations. Her message of a shared cultural heritage as the basis for potential cooperation resonated strongly.

Clean tech entrepreneur Wayne Mulligan is elevating New Zealand-Taiwan collaboration in powerful ways through his company’s joint venture with Taiwanese partners. NZ Bio Forestry Ltd combines New Zealand’s plentiful wood/wood waste resources with Taiwanese industrial technology to produce biochemicals without fossil fuel inputs.

Export NZ Executive Director Josh Tan addressed the role of the food and beverage sector in New Zealand’s exports and identified opportunities for small and medium enterprises in Taiwan. His presentation included insights from Business NZ CEO Katherine Rich, based on her recent experience attending the Food Taipei trade show.

Steven Chang from JB Were outlined the major role of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the opportunities this presented for New Zealand investors.

The event included opening remarks from Carlos Cheung (MP for Mt Roskill), Helen Chiang, (President of the Taiwanese Business Association of NZ) and Chris Tse (Chair of the NZ-Taiwan Business Council). Jenny Zo served as master of ceremonies during the six-hour programme.

Focus Taiwan 2025 emphasised that international trade and investment relationships are built on solid foundations, mutual trust and enterprise. The discussions indicated a need for ongoing business forums to further develop bilateral ties and capitalise on emerging opportunities in sectors like clean technology and AI.