In support of the government’s policies of speeding up investment in Taiwan and 5+2 industry innovation, the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC)  invited overseas compatriot entrepreneurs with an interest in cooperating with Taiwan’s chain and franchise industry, investing in or helping related domestic companies expand their overseas market to take part in the 2018 OCAC Taiwan Chain and Franchise Industry Investment Observation Program for Overseas Compatriot Entrepreneurs, held October 1-5. The aim of the Program was to allow participants learn about the current situation of Taiwan’s chain and franchise industry and future development, promote interaction between overseas compatriot entrepreneurs and domestic chain and franchise business operators, and facilitate joint development of the franchise industry’s overseas market. 36 entrepreneurs from 10 countries (Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, Canada, US, Brazil and Paraguay) in different industries came to Taiwan to search for business opportunities as part of the Program. Director General Wong Shu-hwa of the OCAC Department of Business Affairs, encouraged Program members to spend money at Overseas Compatriot Card specially—engaged stores while in Taiwan.
    Two keynote lectures were arranged for the Program members, titled Taiwan Chain and Franchise Industry-Trends and Development and How Taiwan’s Chain Brands Developed Internationally, respectively. The Program members were also accompanied to the Taipei World Trade Center’s Taipei International Chain and Franchise Autumn Exhibition by a specially appointed guide and made onsite visits to eight successful domestic chain enterprises; namely: Sun Spark Group, JK Food Co. Ltd., O Health Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Hongya International Enterprise Co. Ltd., Hsieh Lung Electronic Precision Machine Co., Ltd., King Yo Deliciousness Co., Ltd., Louisa Coffee, and Easy Way Station Co., Ltd.. The company persons in charge or dedicated persons discussed operating practice, possible cooperative investment projects and business opportunities with the Program members; on October 5, a business opportunity exchange meeting was also held at which the visitors discussed business opportunities with representatives of 16 domestic chain and franchise enterprises. Program members all stated that they had spent a very productive time during their time in Taiwan and had gained a good understanding of the franchise industry situation in Taiwan at present and policy promotion directions. They had obtained the latest industry news and been able to feel the business pulse; two-way interaction and exchange also allowed an exchange platform to be built which will facilitate cooperation between domestic and overseas chain and franchise industries. Participation in this OCAC Program will be of great help in managing their overseas businesses in the future and they can also assist domestic chain and franchise industry businesses expand in their countries of residence, stimulating both domestic and overseas investment.

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