Premier Cho Jung-tai Meets Canadian Representative, Hopes for AI and Defense Industry Cooperation

Premier Cho Jung-tai met with Marie Louise Hannan, Representative of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, on the 25th. Cho expressed his hope to combine Taiwan's semiconductor advantages with Canada's AI R&D capabilities to accelerate bilateral AI industrial applications. He also proposed leveraging Canada's first 'Defense Industrial Strategy' to promote cooperation in the defense sector, including drone supply chains.

Cho noted that Hannan has a deep connection with Taiwan, serving as a microcosm of bilateral people-to-people exchanges. He welcomed her back to Taiwan, noting her past experience studying Chinese and working in diplomacy there. Cho highlighted the complementary nature of Taiwan-Canada trade, rooted in shared democratic values. He pointed to the 2023 Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, which facilitated WT Microelectronics' acquisition of a Montreal-based electronics firm, and expressed hope for the swift signing of a Trade Cooperation Framework Agreement.

Cho also expressed gratitude for Canadian naval vessels transiting the Taiwan Strait and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific. Hannan emphasized that she feels very comfortable and familiar with Taiwan. She highlighted recent cooperation, including cybersecurity efforts and the upcoming participation of 30 Canadian companies in Computex InnoVEX, the largest delegation to date.