Vice Foreign Minister Alexander Tah-ray Yui addressess officials, industry representatives and other VIPs attending the Taiwan Expo 2021 opening ceremony Nov. 4 in Somaliland. (MOFA)
Taiwan Expo 2021 was staged successfully Nov. 4 to 5 in Horn of Africa partner Somaliland, representing the effectiveness of government efforts aimed at strengthening the bilateral trade relationship while growing the country’s economic footprint in East Africa.

Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taipei City-based Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei and Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland, the event showcased more than 400 products made by 73 homegrown businesses spanning sectors such as auto parts, food, information and communications technology, medical and solar energy.

MOFA Vice Minister Alexander Tah-ray Yui said during the opening ceremony that Taiwan and Somaliland can serve as respective gateways for those seeking to tap regional markets. The government is committed to capitalizing on this solid foundation in expanding mutually beneficial exchanges with East African countries like Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda based on the shared values of freedom and democracy, he added.

Other highlights of the expo included the launch of a business matchmaking program for importers from East Africa, as well as the the signing of a memorandum of understanding on joint cooperation by IEAT, Somaliland Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture, Ethiopia-based Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations and Uganda-headquartered Kampala City Traders Association, according to the MOFA.

In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Vice Minister Yui presided over the launch of the #Taiwan Expo 2021 in #Somaliland. The event spotlighted an array of the country’s high-quality products & our friend’s standing as a strategic gateway to the lucrative East Africa market. Our thanks to @SaajinSaad for the support!” (YCH-E)

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