Poland Becomes Taiwan's Gateway to Europe, Attracting Major Technology Firms
Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Poland is positioning itself as a gateway for Taiwanese businesses to enter the European market, highlighted by the Taiwan Expo Europe 2026 held in Warsaw.
- The expo, previously held in Berlin, is the second in Europe and aims to showcase Taiwan's strengths and services, particularly in smart city applications, renewable energy storage, and drones.
- Taiwan sees significant opportunities in Central Europe due to Poland's strategic location, its role in connecting Eastern and Western Europe, and its proximity to Ukraine, which is undergoing reconstruction.
Poland is emerging as a crucial hub for Taiwanese businesses seeking to expand into the European market, a role underscored by the recent Taiwan Expo Europe 2026 held in Warsaw. This event, the second of its kind in Europe after a previous edition in Berlin, aims to highlight Taiwan's technological prowess and diverse service offerings to a European audience.
We observed very close cooperation between Taiwan and Poland in the last 2-3 years, and our investments in Western Europe have already matured. Central Europe is now at the center of our activities. You have a very good geographical location. You connect Western and Eastern Europe. You have a gateway to the Baltic countries, and moreover, you are close to Ukraine, and the reconstruction of this country is now very important for international allies.
The expo showcases Taiwan's strengths in various sectors, including smart city applications, renewable energy storage, drones, and products bearing the Taiwan Excellence mark. Beyond technology, the event also features aspects of Taiwanese lifestyle, such as tea, beverages, and sweets. The choice of Warsaw as a venue reflects a strategic shift, with Taiwan's "New Southbound Policy" initially focusing on Southeast Asia and later expanding to the U.S. before recognizing new opportunities in Europe.
Taiwanese officials emphasize Poland's strategic geographical advantages, including its position connecting Western and Eastern Europe and its proximity to Ukraine. The ongoing reconstruction of Ukraine is seen as a significant opportunity for international collaboration. Polish companies are highly valued by Taiwanese businesses, which have already established joint ventures and manufacturing facilities in the country. The expo also aims to foster cooperation between Taiwanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their Polish counterparts.
The EU has undertaken two transformations: digital and green transformation, which are also in line with Taiwan's policy. We are very strong in ICT, semiconductors. I don't know if my Samsung has chips from Taiwan, but my children's iPhones certainly do. Everything is embedded in chips produced in Taiwan.
Furthermore, Taiwan's economic strategy aligns with the European Union's focus on digital and green transformations, as well as strategic autonomy and 'friend-shoring.' Taiwan's strength in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and semiconductors, which are integral to modern products like iPhones, positions it well within the EU's evolving economic landscape. Over the past decade, Taiwan's direct investments in the EU have surged by 650%, making the EU its largest foreign direct investment destination. This reciprocal relationship benefits both regions, as Taiwan encourages its companies to invest abroad while maintaining its most advanced technologies domestically under its 'rooting in Taiwan' policy.
Yes, and over the last 10 years, our investments in the EU alone have increased by 650%. The EU is now our largest destination for foreign direct investment. Good for us, good for you.
Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.