Sure! Here's a Top 10 List of Interesting Things About Taiwan, with a good mix of facts about its culture, politics, economy, people, and more:
The blue stands for liberty and justice, the white sun symbolizes democracy and equality, and the red field represents the blood of those who fought to overthrow the Qing Dynasty, symbolizing the people's livelihood.
It is officially the flag of the Republic of China (ROC), the government's formal name.
The New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) is the official currency, commonly abbreviated as NTD or TWD.
Coins come in denominations from NT$1 to NT$50, and bills range from NT$100 to NT$2,000.
Taiwan is a democratic republic with free elections.
The current President is Lai Ching-te (William Lai), elected in 2024.
The president is both head of state and commander-in-chief, elected directly by the people every four years.
Taiwan is home to TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), the world's largest contract chipmaker.
Taiwan produces over 60% of the world’s semiconductors and over 90% of the most advanced chips, making it strategically vital to global tech industries.
Due to pressure from the People’s Republic of China, most countries do not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation.
However, Taiwan operates like a fully independent country with its own government, military, economy, and foreign relations (through unofficial channels).
Over 70% of Taiwan is mountainous, including the Central Mountain Range and Yushan (Jade Mountain), the highest peak in East Asia.
Taiwan also has lush forests, beautiful coastlines, and is famous for its hot springs, thanks to its volcanic geology.
Taiwan’s night markets are famous for street food, shopping, and socializing.
Dishes like stinky tofu, bubble tea, oyster omelets, and beef noodle soup are must-tries.
Shilin Night Market in Taipei is one of the largest and most popular.
Taiwanese culture blends Han Chinese customs, 16 recognized indigenous tribes, and Japanese influences from colonial rule (1895–1945).
Festivals like Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, and Ghost Month are widely celebrated.
Taiwan has one of the highest literacy rates in Asia (over 98%).
It boasts a strong emphasis on STEM education, contributing to its booming tech industry.
Internet penetration is over 92%, and digital literacy is high.
Taiwan’s economy is heavily export-driven.
Main exports include:
Semiconductors & integrated circuits
Computer parts & accessories
Machinery & equipment
Optoelectronics (e.g. LCD panels)
Key trading partners: China, the U.S., Japan, and the EU.
Would you like a shareable infographic or visual version of this list?
Here are 2 key competitive advantages that Taiwan offers for international business, based on the topics you mentioned:
Taiwan is a global leader in high-tech manufacturing, especially in:
Semiconductors
Electronics
Computer components
Key Points:
Home to TSMC, the world’s most advanced chipmaker.
Robust R&D infrastructure supported by government and private investment.
Extensive high-speed internet, modern transportation, and efficient logistics.
Clusters of technology parks and innovation hubs (e.g., Hsinchu Science Park) make it easy for foreign companies to plug into the supply chain.
Benefit for business:
International companies benefit from cutting-edge tech capabilities, fast production, and reliable infrastructure, making Taiwan an ideal partner for high-value manufacturing and innovation.
Taiwan offers a rare combination: a highly educated, skilled labor force that is also relatively cost-competitive compared to countries like Japan or South Korea.
Key Points:
Literacy rate over 98%, with strong emphasis on STEM education.
Large pool of engineers, scientists, and tech workers.
Labor costs are lower than in other developed East Asian countries, yet with comparable productivity.
Workers are generally bilingual (Mandarin & English) in business settings.
Benefit for business:
International companies can tap into a cost-effective, highly capable workforce, making Taiwan ideal for R&D, manufacturing, and service operations.
Let me know if you want these formatted for a slide or business proposal!
Great question. Let’s look at a strategic and specific type of international business that would make the most sense for a Canadian company entering Taiwan, based on the economic strengths and consumer trends in Taiwan.
Premium pork and poultry products
Plant-based meat alternatives (e.g. from Maple Leaf’s sub-brand Greenleaf Foods, which includes Lightlife and Field Roast)
Rising demand for high-quality imported meats due to increasing income and food safety concerns.
Growing vegan and flexitarian market – Taiwan ranks as one of the most vegetarian-friendly countries in Asia.
Consumers in Taiwan value food safety, clean-label, and animal welfare, areas where Canadian companies already excel.
Canada is known for strict food safety standards, ethical meat production, and premium agricultural exports.
Canada has a favorable trade relationship with Taiwan. While not a formal FTA, Taiwan has reduced tariffs on some Canadian agri-food imports and is open to diversifying food sources.
Maple Leaf Foods could export premium pork cuts and processed meats (e.g., ready-to-eat deli meats or sausages) to Taiwanese supermarket chains such as PX Mart or Carrefour Taiwan.
Through its Greenleaf division, it could also offer plant-based sausages, burgers, and deli slices to Taiwan’s health-conscious and vegetarian market.
Partner with a local Taiwanese distributor or food service company for in-market logistics, marketing, and retail connections.
Low capital risk – exporting doesn’t require setting up offices or plants.
Access to a premium market segment willing to pay more for foreign-branded, safe, and ethical food.
Builds brand presence in Asia, which could later open doors to Japan, Korea, and Singapore.
If demand grows, Maple Leaf could consider setting up a joint venture with a local Taiwanese food distributor or food processor to expand distribution or co-develop Asian market-specific products.
A Canadian company like Maple Leaf Foods should export premium pork and plant-based protein products to Taiwan, capitalizing on Taiwanese consumers' demand for safe, high-quality, and ethical food. This approach minimizes risk while leveraging Canada’s global food reputation and Taiwan’s appetite for quality imports.
Would you like a second strategy involving Canadian technology or clean energy firms investing or partnering in Taiwan?
Absolutely! Let’s explore a high-tech manufacturing example involving a Canadian company, and what kind of international business strategy would make the most sense in Taiwan—a global hub for semiconductors and electronics.
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario
Industry: High-tech manufacturing and electronics (design, manufacturing, and supply chain solutions for tech firms worldwide)
Strategic Alliance or Joint Venture with a Taiwanese semiconductor or electronics company, such as:
Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry)
Quanta Computer
Pegatron
Or a supplier within TSMC's ecosystem
Taiwan is the world leader in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly advanced chips, accounting for over 60% of global foundry market share.
It has an extensive and integrated high-tech supply chain—from raw materials to final assembly.
Celestica is strong in advanced electronics design, smart manufacturing, and supply chain optimization.
Canada also invests heavily in AI, clean tech, and next-gen computing, which complements Taiwan’s hardware capabilities.
Celestica forms a strategic alliance with a Taiwanese electronics contract manufacturer to:
Co-develop high-value, niche products, such as electronics for aerospace, medical devices, or green energy systems.
Set up a design and innovation center in Taiwan's Hsinchu Science Park, where many tech firms are headquartered.
Leverage Taiwan’s manufacturing speed and Celestica’s design and global supply chain expertise to serve Asian clients faster.
Access to Asia’s largest electronics supply chain without building a full manufacturing plant.
Shared R&D costs and faster time-to-market for cutting-edge products.
Boosts Celestica’s presence in Asia while giving Taiwanese firms access to North American markets and expertise in specialized applications (e.g. aerospace, medical tech).
If the alliance proves successful, Celestica could eventually:
Expand operations in Taiwan by opening a regional design hub.
Partner on custom semiconductor packaging or green manufacturing initiatives, aligned with Canada’s climate tech goals.
Celestica Inc., a Canadian high-tech manufacturing firm, should pursue a strategic alliance or joint venture with a Taiwanese electronics or semiconductor company. This would combine Taiwan’s unmatched chip manufacturing capacity with Canada’s strengths in design, smart manufacturing, and specialized electronics, enabling both sides to scale and innovate in global high-tech markets.
Let me know if you'd like this in presentation format or need a second Canadian high-tech company example (e.g. in clean energy or AI hardware).
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