Deepening Taiwan–Germany Industrial Partnership: Taichung Economic Development Bureau Delegation Visits Germany to Promote City Exchanges, Industry–Government–Academia–Research Collaboration, and European Expansion

To further strengthen international industrial exchange, Taichung City Government’s Economic Development Bureau Director Fong-Yuan Chang led a delegation to Germany. The itinerary covered key cities including Dresden, Zwickau, Berlin, Cologne, and Munich. Through visits to government agencies, exchanges with universities and research institutions, site visits to Taichung-based companies operating in Europe, and participation in international exhibitions, the delegation showcased Taichung’s industrial strengths and expanded its global cooperation network.

Visits to Government Institutions to Deepen City and Industrial Cooperation

The first stop was the Dresden City Government, in the city often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of Europe.” The delegation was personally received by Deputy Mayor Jan Pratzka, who acknowledged Taichung’s comprehensive supply chains and strong industrial clusters in semiconductors, precision machinery, and machine tools. He also expressed interest in strengthening cooperation and invited Taichung companies to participate in the “Silicon Saxony Days 2026,” creating more direct and long-term collaboration channels.

The delegation also visited the Taipei Representative Office in Germany and met with Ambassador Klement Ruey-sheng Gu (谷瑞生). Discussions covered Germany’s industrial development background, urban construction experience, the current state of Taiwan–Germany trade, and future cooperation opportunities. The delegation also expressed appreciation for Ambassador Ku’s willingness to assist in promoting potential sister-city partnerships between Taichung and German cities. The Taichung City Government will continue to advance bilateral cooperation with a pragmatic approach, enhancing Taichung’s visibility and competitiveness in the European market.

At the Munich Office, the delegation exchanged views with Director Yan-Ching Chao on festival-driven economic development and city marketing. They learned about the successful model of Oktoberfest, which attracts more than six million visitors and generates approximately €1.5 billion in economic output annually. The event’s integration of culture, tourism, and industry offers valuable insights for Taichung as it promotes city branding and develops events such as the Taichung Shopping Festival.

Visits to Universities and Research Institutions to Promote Talent Development and Technology Collaboration

To advance industry–academia cooperation and talent exchange, the delegation also visited several German universities and innovation research institutions.

At the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau (WHZ), the delegation was received by President Jan Pratzka and toured the newly established Microelectronics High-Tech Center. In the future, Taichung’s manufacturing capabilities could be combined with WHZ’s research strengths in microelectronics and engineering, expanding opportunities for bilateral industrial cooperation and technological exchange while strengthening the Taiwan–Germany high-tech industrial supply chain.

The delegation also visited UnternehmerTUM, the innovation and entrepreneurship center of the Technical University of Munich and the largest innovation and startup hub in the European Union. There they studied Germany’s comprehensive startup ecosystem, which involves more than 17,000 participating students annually, generates over 1,000 project initiatives each year, attracts around €2 billion in venture capital (about one-third of Germany’s total), and maintains partnerships with more than 300 companies such as BMW and Infineon. These experiences will serve as valuable references for promoting industrial upgrading in Taichung.

Visiting Taichung Companies in Europe to Understand Global Market Strategies

The delegation also visited locations of Taichung companies operating in Germany to understand how they have successfully established a presence in the European market. Discussions also focused on how automation technologies connect East Asia’s semiconductor, machinery, and energy equipment industries, injecting new momentum into Taichung’s industrial upgrading.

Hung Bing Enterprise combines Taichung’s precision manufacturing strengths with Nordic aesthetic design to create a cross-regional collaboration model of “Danish design, Taiwan manufacturing, and German marketing.” Through its proprietary brand DesignBite, the company has proactively adopted sustainable materials and aligned with European market demands for low-carbon footprints and sustainable procurement. This represents an important example of Taichung’s transition from traditional manufacturing to high value-added branding, demonstrating the city’s potential as a global hub for design and manufacturing.

In addition, Beckhoff Automation has subsidiaries in 41 countries worldwide and has established its Taiwan headquarters in Taichung, positioning itself in the East Asian semiconductor, machinery, and energy equipment automation markets. Its leading advantages in software algorithms and AI integration technologies are expected to become key collaboration opportunities for upgrading Taichung’s precision machinery and semiconductor supply chains.

Attending the Cologne International Hardware Fair to Support “Made in Taichung”

Taiwan’s hand tool industry ranks among the world’s top three exporters, with an annual output value exceeding NT$100 billion and employing approximately 50,000 workers. About 70% of the industry is concentrated in central Taiwan with Taichung as its core. To support the industry’s international market expansion, the Economic Development Bureau attended the global hand tool industry event—the International Hardware Fair Cologne (EISENWARENMESSE).

More than 200 leading Taichung manufacturers participated in the exhibition, demonstrating their precision manufacturing capabilities and conveying the high-quality image of “Made in Taichung” to the world. Moving forward, the city government will continue to support businesses in securing international orders through concrete actions, driving industrial upgrading and regional economic development while strengthening Taichung’s role as a global sourcing hub for hand tools.

Taichung’s industries have long participated in international exhibitions in Germany, including the Frankfurt Bicycle Show, the Hannover Machine Tool Exhibition, and the Cologne International Hardware Fair, maintaining strong interactions with Germany. Moving forward, the city government will continue to deepen ties with Germany and European partners through expanded exchanges and collaboration among government, academia, and industry.

Advertorial by Economic Development Bureau, Taichung City Government.