Taiwan opens trade center in Kuwait 

(MENAFN - Arab Times) The Taiwan trade mission in Kuwait opened a new trade center in Kuwait at the Mazaya Tower 2, Sharq recently. The event was hosted by Chairman of Taiwan Trade Center, Chih-Kang Wang and Kuwait TAITRA Director Mike Tang at the Crystal Ball Room of Sheraton Hotel.

Several guests were present for the grand opening ceremony. Prominent among them were the member of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kuwait Free Trade Zone, Public Authority for Industry and Commerce and other Kuwaiti entrepreneurs.

The grand opening ceremony symbolizes a landmark of Taiwan and Kuwait trade relationship. Over the past decades, TAITRA has developed trade promotion, and it has an information network consisting about 1,200 trained specialists stationed in its headquarters in Taipei, 57 overseas branch offices worldwide. The Kuwait City office, at the Mazaya Tower 2, Sharq is the branch No. 57.

In the opening speech, Chairman Wang said, "Kuwait is among the top 15 trading partners of Taiwan. Taiwan exports to Kuwait mainly electrical equipments, cars, auto parts, and construction materials. On the other hand, Taiwan imports from Kuwait oil worth almost 80 billion annually.

From these numbers, "we can see that we share a very close trading partnership. Although the global economic crisis had a big impact on the world market in the past few years, the Taiwan-Kuwait trade and economic relationship has increased recently," he said.

The representative of Taipei Commercial Representative Office in Kuwait, Dr Liu stated, "I recall my two years experience in witnessing the enhancement of the bilateral relations between Taiwan and Kuwait, this due to not only the complementary needs of energy supply and technology renovation between two sides, but also mutual belief and trust to build a prosperous, people-loving government. Now Taiwan Trade Center is ready to provide you even more convenient service; which I have confidence that will contribute a great deal to our two countries' benefit."

The World Trade Center Association (WTCA) has over 330 members in the world, Gazi Abu Nahl, the Chairman of WTCA, participated in the ceremony. From Gazi Abu Nahl's vision and knowledge Kuwait will become one of most important international trading hub in the GCC region and beside TAITRA's establishment will provide Taiwan trading access throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Chairman of Kuwait Free Zone, Mansour Ashkonani added, "Tonight is the night where Taiwan and Kuwait will make a change in Global Trade in the region....Taiwan is the manufacturing hub and location for many world leading international mega brands, that make a difference in the global economy. Kuwait and Taiwan enjoy a warm and strong relationship and we will strive and continue to support TAITRA in all possible ways to expand its success. What matters is 'Made in Taiwan', he said.

Since the Taiwanese companies joining this mission belong to different industrial sectors, the local buyers will have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of high-quality products.

Among the items to be presented include consumer electronics and electrical products, hardware and building materials, auto parts and accessories, machinery, medical and health, food and beverage, and textiles & leather.

Chairman Wang asserted, "With the close partnership in trade between the two countries, we are committed to continuing and even speeding up our efforts in serving the market. We are proud and honored to announce that our new branch office will not only help Taiwanese companies promoting the Kuwaiti market, but also assist Kuwaiti entrepreneurs seeking business opportunities in Taiwan."