Taipei, Oct. 2 (CNA) A biennial convention for global Chinese traders is being held in Taipei to boost domestic investment and encourage international business opportunities among ethnic Chinese.
The 25th World Chinese Traders Convention, with the theme of "Creating Opportunities through Global Networking," is being held from Oct. 2-5 at the Taipei International Convention Center.
About 600 participants, including more than 300 local traders and over 250 traders representing 28 countries, will take part in the four-day event.
"With this convention, we are trying to create a 'triple-win' situation in which Taiwan, traders and the country of the [traders'] residence all benefit," said Chang Fu-mei, Minister of Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission (OCAC).
Chang pointed out that traditionally Chinese traders have excelled in the manufacturing industry but have gradually made their mark in other sectors as well. By increasing peer cooperation and investment in Taiwan among Chinese traders worldwide, everyone will benefit, he said.
The event seeks to play the role of "matchmaker" in business opportunities, said Hsu Chun-fang, deputy director-general of the Bureau of Foreign Trade, adding that 34 one-on-one business meetings have been set up already.
Several high-ranking officials and academics -- including president of the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research David Hong and deputy minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) Fadah Hsieh -- will deliver speeches and participate in various forums during the event's extensive two-day schedule.
The convention began in 1963 in Tokyo as the Asian Chinese Traders Convention. Later it was expanded and changed to the current name. The host city switched between Taipei and a foreign city biennially.
The previous convention was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2004.