The Victorian Chamber’s immersive trade experiences help unlock business export potential and break into lucrative parts of Asia. 

In 2023 this initiative visited Taiwan through 2023 Taiwan Business Program (TBP).  

The TBP partnered with the Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei (IEAT), which has been the Victorian Chamber’s sister chamber in Taiwan for more than 30 years. It is the largest international trade body in Taiwan, with more than 60 per cent of its membership comprising importers. 

The program was tailored to help businesses: 

• Develop essential skills  
• Expand business connections and networks 
• Gain market and industry intelligence  
• Overcome barriers  
• Foster business matching opportunities with vetted distributors.  

Held from 22-28 October, delegates received business coaching including workshops customised to their needs, with professional business practitioners assisting doing business in Taiwan and preparing delegates for better engagement with local businesses. 

The trip included on-site visits, cultural tours and business matchmaking. A matching session organised by IEAT included more than 30 Taiwanese businesses, which expanded delegates’ business contacts and leads.  

Each delegate met at least four Taiwanese businesses relevant to their field, including food importers, distributors and manufacturers; department store chain; bio-tech; property development, architect and design, and more. 

Delegates 

The Victorian Chamber was proud to host the following delegates: 

• Alba Cheese – The well-known and respected Italian-style cheese manufacturing brand was able to meet a number of cheese importers and distributors.  
• Australian Garlic Producers – The health and wellbeing garlic supplement maker met with distributors of probiotics in Taiwan, which expressed their interest in collaborating.  
• Healthy Max – The premium honey producer met with companies to import retail pack products and bulk pack use as ingredients of their own products.  

• Jeavons Landscape Architects – A landscape architect firm that designs inclusive spaces for play, recreation, education and therapy, Jeavons met with an architect studio on shopping centre playground design collaboration and a resort developer on project opportunities. Also presenting and sharing information with the Public Works Department of the Taipei City Government.
• Joval Family Wines – A leading wine company, Joval had productive meetings with Taiwanese wine importers. 
• Pet Products Development and Services (PPDS) – An accredited manufacturer of pet treats, PPDS had a number of positive meetings on contract manufacturing opportunities. 
• Talyala Emu Farm – A producer of high-quality emu oil product, Talyala had meetings with companies with channels in TV shopping, health and well-being sectors.  

The TBP leveraged IEAT’s network in Taiwan and provided a seamless experience for delegates who spent a productive week in a new market, which would have been otherwise difficult to replicate through their own channels. 

Victorian Chamber International Business Development Manager Eddie Zhao said: “This program helped businesses build skills, gain first-hand market intelligence and experience, and benefit from contacts and relationships developed over decades that money couldn’t otherwise buy. 

“It demonstrated to members the value of being connected with the Victorian Chamber in offering business opportunities, support mechanisms, network and connections, and efficient entrance into the Taiwan market.”  

The Victorian Chamber provides tailored migration, visa and other international services to members. For more information contact on 03 8662 5234 or email ezhao@victorianchamber.com.au.