REGION SPOTLIGHT ON
REGION SPOTLIGHT ON TAIWAN TAIWAN – EXPORTS SLOW, BUT INNOVATION ON RISE Taiwan’s economy currently faces a slight slow-down in economic growth. GDP grew at 2.7% in 2018, and is expected to be around 2.2% in 2019. Taiwan’s exports, which account for around 77% of its GDP, have this year been hit by a fall in demand for electronic components such as computer chips amid weaker device sales and slower global economic growth. The Taiwanese government is forecasting a decline of 1.17% for exports in 2019, following 5.9% growth in 2018. Electronics make up more than 40% of Taiwan’s exports, and as growth in the global smartphone sector is weighed-down by market saturation, the effect will flowon to Taiwan’s economy. Demand from the mainland China market is also slowing, particularly in the fields of automotive and telecommunications equipment. Tzer-Ming Chu, Taiwan’s Minister of the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, is reported to have stated that the slowing of exports is due to decreasing global trade and a slowing global economy, not because of the trade war. On the other hand, there are some underlying positives for the Taiwan economy, as the share prices of tech companies continue to rise. Google, Microsoft and other major global tech companies are growing their presence in Taiwan, training local staff, which will result in a long-term benefit. FOXCONN DRIVING BUSINESS The past couple of years have seen Foxconn very active on the international front, with Taiwanese company’s subsidiary, Foxconn Interconnect Technology (FIT) buying the US tech player Belkin – the mother company of Linksys and Wemo, for a reported US6m in March last year. In an official statement, Sidney Lu, CEO of FIT said, “Integrating Belkin’s best-in-class capabilities and solutions into FIT, we expect to enrich our portfolio of premium consumer products and accelerate our penetration into the smart home.” Interesting to note also, with the arrival last year at IFA of the Shift Automotive conference, is that in 2016, Foxconn, together with Tencent and luxury-car dealer Harmony New Energy Auto, founded Future Mobility, a car start-up that aims to sell all-electric fully autonomous premium cars by the end of this year, under the “Byton” brand name. The vehicle has been described as a “driveable electric concept car”. The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion will again be present at IFA this year – Hall 25 / 415 KEY FIGURES 2.2% forecast economic growth in 2019 77% of Taiwan’s GDP comes from exports 40% the part of Taiwan’s exports taken up by electronics goods SELECTED TAIWAN EXHIBITORS AT IFA ASUS WINS 21 RED DOT PRODUCT DESIGN AWARDS In April 2019, Taiwan-based ASUS announced wins of 21 Red Dot Awards for outstanding product design, setting a new company record for the number of Red Dot Awards won in a single year. According to ASUS Chief Design Officer, Mitch Yang. “By continuing to break records with more Red Dot Award wins each year, the entire ASUS team is clearly demonstrating our ‘In Search of Incredible’ spirit of continual innovation with the goal of delivering the best products” ADATA UNVEILS HM800 EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE ADATA Technology’s HM800 external hard drive is a must-have for users who own a smart TV. Not only does the HM800 playback users’ favourite binge-worthy TV shows, movies, and sporting matches on their TV, but also lets them record this content. They can record to their heart’s content with 4, 6, and 8TB of storage capacity and can easily backup their files with the One-Touch Backup function HALL 12 / STAND 107 ASUS ROG Phone – one of this year’s Red Dot Award winners HALL 12 / STAND 110 ADATA HM800 External Hard Drive 38
© Thomas Keller HOSPITALITY / RESTAURANTS / BARS CLUBS / EVENTS / SHOPPING / CULTURE Berlin: celebrating historic milestones in 2019 Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Michael Müller, welcomes IFA Berlin guests in a year when the city celebrates 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall — among numerous special anniversaries. We asked him what makes Berlin a special travel destination in 2019. Michael Müller Mayor of Berlin Berlin is a destination for cultural discoverers and connoisseurs. Life here is colourful, diverse and fascinating. No wonder we are in the top five of European destinations. Highlights this year are certainly the big anniversary celebrations. We celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift in June, during which West Berlin was blockaded by the Soviet Union; and in November, we celebrate the “Peaceful Revolution” marking the fall of the Wall 30 years ago. In addition, 2019 is “Humboldt Year,” especially in Berlin where the 250th birthday of scientist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt will be celebrated on September 14 — parallel to the opening of the new Humboldt Forum, a new exhibition and experience space in the heart of Berlin. How has Berlin changed since the fall of the Berlin Wall, and how exactly will the city celebrate the milestone? Berlin has undergone tremendous change, yet will not cease to change. That alone is a reason to visit year after year. From the 4th to the 10th of November we will celebrate the Peaceful Revolution and the fall of the Wall with a big festival. Important events in the history of 1989/90 are told and experienced in the places where they happened on the “Berlin Route of the Revolution.” In addition, countless events, exhibitions — and many surprises — await guests. Just one more reason to visit the German capital this autumn. How does Berlin try to promote sustainability? We want a sustainable metropolis for all, for the guests of our city and of course for all Berliners. Sustainable tourism means that the authenticity of Berlin, which attracts millions of visitors every year, is preserved — and that tourism is co-designed with Berliners. There are always new ideas in Berlin, projects that are developing in new places in the city and that are becoming highlights and attracting many people. But it can lead to an overload on certain hot spots. The new tourism concept therefore seeks to relieve the burden on such places so that more of Berlin on the whole comes alive. We are therefore improving the tourism infrastructure in all twelve districts so that Berlin’s high quality of life and experience is maintained. What is your main tip for IFA visitors who might be exploring Berlin for the first time? Look less at your travel guide or on your smartphone and instead experience Berlin, the neighbourhoods, the life in the streets and its unique history. www.ifa-international.org IFA International • Monday 2 September 2019 39
