Taiwanese keen on investing in Pangasinan
AFTER THE SOUTH KOREANS
LINGAYEN–A 22-man mission from Taiwan were in town last week to look into investment opportunities in Pangasinan.
The group, led by Senator Lu Hsuen-Chang, are keen on doing business in the province, citing recent developments such as the planned seaport in Sual town.
Taiwanese businessmen who were part of the delegation said they are interested in buying mineral resources from Pangasinan for export to their country, through the seaport.
Lu, through an interpreter, said copper, gold and nickel are in huge demand in Taiwan, adding that nickel is very much needed by their country’s semi-conductor industry.
“If that port can be built as soon as possible, I can foresee that there is a big possibility that these mineral resources can be exported to Taiwan,” said Lu.
The port is a joint project of the Department of Transportation and Communication, Philippine Ports Authority, provincial government and the municipality of Sual.
AGRICULTURE
Another area of interest is agriculture given that Pangasinan is a major agricultural province.
Lu sees the possibility of Taiwanese businessmen setting up factories that will manufacture modern agricultural machineries to be sold to local farmers and for export.
The delegation also expressed keen interest to bring Taiwan technicians to Pangasinan to teach local farmers modern techniques for planting and fish farming to help fill in market demand.
He added that Taiwan may also import some agricultural products from Pangasinan or enter into joint ventures, particularly mango processing for export to Japan and China.
TOURISM
Lu also expressed optimism that their visit to Pangasinan may lead to more frequent cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Pangasinan, which could perk up the tourism industry.
While here, the mission was briefed on the planned eco-tourism zone in Lingayen facing the Lingayen Gulf that could accommodate an 18-hectare golf course, a retirement village and a host of other eco-tourism facilities.
They also visited the tourism spots in western Pangasinan.
The Taiwanese mission included officials of Hsin Chu City, officers of the Taiwan and Shin Pu City Farmers Associations, and Taiwan’s Thermo Plus Technology Inc.
Noting that the Philippines is Taiwan’s fifth biggest trading partner with US$7.2 billion dollars worth of exchanges last year, Lu expressed hope their visit could open more windows of opportunities in the future between Taiwan and Pangasinan in particular.
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