Wednesday 30 January, 2008

Taiwan cos looking to invest in Chennai

         Two of Taiwan's largest companies - ASUSTeK Computer Inc, a computer hardware manufacturer, and Formosa Plastics Group, with diversified interests including petrochemicals and energy, are committed to investing in Tamil Nadu, according to Mr Chuang Suo-Hang, Legislator from Taiwan.

         Mr Chuang, who is leading an industry delegation to India, told reporters here that ASUSTeK Computer is one of the largest players with a more than 50 per cent market share globally. They are looking at setting up a manufacturing facility in India. A presence here would help them more easily access the markets in Europe, West Asia and Africa.

         Similarly, Formosa Plastics Group, the largest private sector player in Taiwan, is looking at setting up a power plant in Chennai and examining the options. These companies are part of a 61-member delegation that is in Tamil Nadu to examine opportunities for investments here.

`Taiwan Desk' requested

         He said that Taiwan has represented to the Tamil Nadu Government that they would need a `Taiwan Desk,' single window clearance facility for the paper work and an exclusive SEZ region for the small and medium enterprises from Taiwan investing here.

         Earlier, addressing the Indo-Taiwan Bi-lateral Trade Relationship meeting organised by the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the Tamil Nadu Industries Secretary, Mr Sakthikanta Das, said the State Government would consider the request to ensure `concrete progress.' Mr Berton B.C. Chiu, Director General, Department of Investment Services, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan, said that Taiwan had identified seven industries that would look at investing in India.