On March 1-2, 2021, The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) presented, with strong support from the private and public sectors, the First Canadian Women-only Virtual Business Mission to Taiwan.
The mission’s two-day public conference was held in the global lead-up to the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021. Following the successes of its Women-only Business Mission to Japan (2019) and Virtual Women-only Business Mission to South Korea (2020), APF Canada will continue supporting women entrepreneurs in Canada to diversify and expand trade opportunities into Asia Pacific markets.
The Taiwan mission focused on improving the health of people and the environment by showcasing innovative industry solutions in sectors where both Canada and Taiwan have priorities, including, but not limited to: Biotechnology, clean technology, agricultural technology, advanced manufacturing, smart cities, and digital health technology.
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Watch the Recordings of the Virtual Mission:
Day One
Day Two
Related Documents:
Closing Press Release from the Government of Canada
Mission Brochures:
Mission Details:
WHERE: Taiwan, virtual/in-person hybrid.
WHAT: While a virtual model cannot fully replace the value of an in-market mission, this Mission featured similar components, including a two-day conference with high-level speakers from Canada and Taiwan, personalized business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking for the 18 official delegates, and networking opportunities for attendees.
WHEN: March 1 & 2, 2021.
WHO: This exciting mission provided opportunities to 18 women-identifying entrepreneurs (owners or those leading Canadian SMEs) looking to grow their businesses by accessing Taiwan’s market. Companies in science, technology, engineering, and other sectors that are traditionally under-represented by women were prioritized for the mission.
WHY: Taiwan boasts the 20th largest economy in the world by GDP and is the world’s largest exporter of computers and computer equipment. Taiwan promotes the development of several innovative industries that are also actively supported by Canadian industrial policy. Prominent areas of overlap include: Biotechnology, clean technology, agricultural technology, advanced manufacturing, smart cities, and digital health technology.
As a gateway to Asia, Taiwan is uniquely positioned to facilitate growth and expansion both domestically and within the surrounding region. Taiwan consistently has the lowest level of gender-based economic inequality in Asia. With 38.6% of all Taiwanese SMEs led by women and a labour force participation rate of 91.8% amongst young women, the Taiwanese economy represents a progressive and dynamic destination for Canadian women looking to expand their business into the Asia Pacific.
OBJECTIVES:
- To mutually showcase technology innovations in Canada and Taiwan in the areas of bioscience and biotechnology, clean technology, agricultural technology, advanced manufacturing, smart cities, and digital health technology
- To provide networking opportunities for Canadian women in business with counterparts in Taiwan
- To provide an opportunity to share insights and best practices on women’s economic advancement
- To facilitate business partnerships between delegates and Taiwanese counterparts
Watch recordings of the Pre-Mission Training Sessions:
Taiwan Market Introduction & Government Supports for SMEs
For Mission inquiries, please contact:
A.W. Lee, PhD
Program Manager
Diversity and Inclusive Growth Strategy for
Women Entrepreneurs in the Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, Toronto
205-375 University Ave.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2J5
a.w.lee@asiapacific.ca
This mission was supported by contributions from the Government of Canada.
Presenting Industry Sponsor:
