News
Visiting US executives exploring drone cooperation
More than 20 executives from US companies that manufacture drone and anti-drone systems are visiting Taiwan this week to explore collaboration and trade opportunities.
The trip has been organized by the American Institute in Taiwan and the US Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration.
According to AIT, the delegation includes representatives from Northrop Grumman, AEVEX Aerospace and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. AIT says the business development mission will help foster the relationships between US and Taiwan companies that are needed to increase global supply chain resilience.
Members of the visiting delegation are meeting with representatives from Taiwan's industry, academia and military sectors and will be attending a forum on industry development and market cooperation in drone-related technologies.
A newly formed 50-member government-supported drone supply chain alliance has officially launched in Taichung. The alliance is headed by Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation Chairman Hu Kai-hong.
Hu said the alliance will focus on forging international links and building a domestic drone supply chain... he also called the group a demonstration of Taiwan's determination to develop an indigenous drone industry.
Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei has said the alliance will represent Taiwan in seeking international orders based on a government-to-government basis. It will be supported by his office through subsidies to promote the coalition's development.
Alliance members include companies like Evergreen Aviation Technologies, AirAsia, Mitac Advance Technology and Thunder Tiger. The group plans to hold monthly meetings hosted on a rotating basis by its seven co-chairs.
In other defence-related news, representatives from Taiwan's defence ministry are at the 2024 US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in Philadelphia this week. Attendees will cover five main topics during the event, including China's grey zone activities targeting Taiwan and the potential Impact of the 2024 US elections.
Taiwan's delegation is being led by Deputy defence minister Xu Yan-pu, who is scheduled to give a keynote address. The DPP, KMT, and Taiwan People's Party have all sent representatives to the forum.
Delegations include Hsiao Shun-wen, who is the director of the DPP's representative office in the US, KMT lawmaker Hsu Chiao-hsin, and the TPP's Vivian Huang.
The US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference is held annually and hosted by the US-Taiwan Business Council.
