Taiwan-Japan Tech Cooperation Strengthens Following StartSphere Taipei Event

Taipei, Taiwan - Taiwan and Japan have reinforced their technology and startup cooperation following the successful conclusion of the StartSphere event in Taipei last week, marking a new chapter in the growing ties between the two economies.

The event, which took place in the first week of September 2024, showcased Taiwan and Japan's deepening relationship in the tech sector.

Bilateral trade between Japan and Taiwan totaled $75.7 billion in 2023, ranking Japan as Taiwan's third-largest trading partner. 

According to government data, Japan's exports to Taiwan amounted to $44.3 billion, while Taiwan's exports to Japan reached $31.4 billion.

Investment flows also underscore the strengthening relationship. 

Japan is Taiwan's fourth-largest source of foreign investment, with cumulative investment from 1952 to 2023 reaching approximately $26.5 billion across 11,870 cases, primarily in machinery equipment and electronic components.

The "Cool Taiwan" initiative, a key focus of the event, aimed to engage with Japan's Cool Japan policy and create new economic opportunities in digital transformation (DX) industries. 

The program highlighted connections in digital industry opportunities, particularly in tourism and consumer goods.

"We've successfully strengthened cooperation not just with Tokyo but also with regions in Western Japan, like Osaka," said a spokesperson for the Taipei City government, reflecting on the event's outcomes.

During the event, the New Economy Association, Taiwan (NEAT), an industrial platform comprising over 100 Taiwanese organizations, facilitated Japan-centric exchanges for Taiwanese digital, AI, software, and technology startups.

Taiwan's government also showcased its extensive AI-related efforts at StartSphere. 

The Taipei City Government presented its "AI-Driven·Smart City" vision, promoting AI smart city construction and highlighting several key facilities:

• Honghui Ruiguang Plaza (t.Hub): Taiwan's largest incubation center, focusing on AI, AIoT, Big Data, and Cloud technologies.
• Taipei Digital Industry Park (digiBlock Taipei): A cross-domain digital industry application and innovation base that integrates various digital technology sectors.
• Taipei Digital Content Innovation Center: This center is currently under construction and will include virtual-environment photography studios and digital experimental fields.

"The event allowed us to demonstrate how we're accelerating AI adoption in industries through our Digital Enterprise Development Center," a Department of Economic Development official stated, noting that the center offers up to NT$200,000 in counseling funds for AI-related technology adoption.

The official also highlighted the city's "Taipei Smart City Innovation Proof Subsidy Pilot Project," which solicits innovative AI solutions from the private sector for municipal needs.

Industry observers expect this cooperation to significantly impact the regional tech landscape in the coming months.