The chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), James Huang, has announced Taiwan’s plans to transform the global tech landscape, with a particular focus on Nigeria.
He made these remarks during the 2024 Taiwan Technology Day, hosted by the Taiwan Trade Centre in Lagos on Friday.
Huang highlighted Taiwan’s leadership in Information Technology (IT), electronic manufacturing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), expressing a strong interest in forming innovative partnerships with African businesses and governments.
He noted, “Taiwan is a leading force in information technology and electronic manufacturing, and we play a critical role in AI. Taiwanese companies produce over 90 percent of the world’s computer servers and data centres.”
He emphasized the promising future for collaboration between Taiwan and African nations, especially Nigeria, noting potential in sectors such as petrochemicals, machinery, and consumer goods.
Huang explained that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest oil producer, aligns well with Taiwan’s strengths in the petrochemical industry, offering opportunities for cooperation in chemicals, machine tools, auto parts, and consumer goods.
Huang also pointed out that the rapid advancement in technology across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, presents significant opportunities for Taiwanese companies.
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He added, “Nigeria’s large population and investment potential encourage us to attract more Taiwanese firms to set up manufacturing operations here. Currently, around 80 Taiwanese companies are already operating in Nigeria.”
Addressing potential challenges, Huang identified labour costs, land acquisition, and reliable electricity supply as key concerns for investors.
However, he acknowledged improvements made through collaborative efforts with Nigerian partners and praised the Nigerian government’s initiatives to enhance the ease of doing business.
Mr. Sola Obadimu, Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), emphasized Nigeria’s strategic importance in Africa and the need to proactively engage with Taiwan to maximize opportunities.
Similarly, Gabriel Idahosa, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), highlighted the long-standing trade and investment relationship between Nigeria and Taiwan.
He noted that Taiwan has consistently supplied Nigeria with high-quality, cutting-edge technology, materials, and services.
Idahosa added that as the partnership evolves, there has been increased collaboration in specialized areas where Taiwan excels, driving innovation and progress in key sectors.
This deepening cooperation is expected to further economic development, industrial advancement, and mutual prosperity for both nations.
