Issued by: The China Post (Taipei, Taiwan)
Issued on: 2008/10/08

Executives from 3M Taiwan, Alibaba.com, Audi Taiwan, Bayer Taiwan, Corning Display Technologies Taiwan, Hurco Manufacturing Taiwan, Kingston Technology Company, Malta Solar Energy, MoSys, Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, SHL Group, Siemens Taiwan, STEGIA Company, Telamon Corporation, and Voice Box technologies, signed the LOI during a special ceremony hosted by Minister of Economic Affairs Yiin Ching-Ming.

"The total amount of foreign direct investment approved from January to August 2008 was US$5 billion. However, with the financial challenges currently faced around the world, it is apparent that we need to work harder to attract foreign investment," said Yiin.

With the MOEA currently implementing the so-called Sky-Net Project, he noted that attracting foreign investment is a key first step.

The fifteen renowned companies expressed their intention to expand their operation or to establish a presence here in Taiwan. Among them, 10 companies will expand or increase investment, while 5 companies will make initial investment, and 6 companies will set up R&D centers in Taiwan.

He estimated that the total amount of future investment is estimated to be US$150-200 million.

"We would like to thank you for choosing Taiwan as your investment destination. By means of signing this Letter of Intent, companies and my Ministry will deepen existing cooperation," he added. In addition, Yiin announced the setting up of an Investment Task Force, in charge of "coordinating interministerial meetings" with an aim of facilitating investment by foreign companies and attract FDI more efficiently.

"Taiwan is strategically located in East Asia, and we are confident that more and more multi-national companies will consider Taiwan to be the place for their regional centers, their worldwide hubs for diverse purposes," he pointed out.

"We believe cross-strait deregulation and cooperation as well as new domestic infrastructure development will lead to more investment in Taiwan, and will benefit both foreign and local companies," he continued.

Addressing the LOI signature ceremony, Roger Samuelsson, founder & CEO of Scandinavian Health Ltd. (SHL), committed his company to a further US$100 million of investment in Taiwan over the next 5 years. SHL reportedly aims to expand our manufacturing facilities and improve our R&D capabilities in Taiwan, as well as to hire more local staff with a target of doubling in size over the next 3 years.

George Chao, managing director of 3M Taiwan, explained that with over a 800 employee in Taiwan manufacturing and marketing products servicing all major markets, 3M Taiwan operates through eight business groups, providing products from health care /personal care, traffic control material,electronics, electrical, construction, auto part, industrial safety, consuming household and office areas.

Also, Zwelakhe Sisulu, group chairman of Matla Solar Energy Ltd., proposed an investment of NT$780 million (US$ 25.2 million) into the establishment of a Photovoltaic Cell Manufacturing Facility in Taiwan, as one of the key investments by MATLA into the full Photovoltaic Supply Chain.

Matla further aims to invest NT$250 million (US$ 8.1 million) into a Taiwan-based research incubation company. The investment will be based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Matla and Taipei-based Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) on August 25, 2008, after more than 1 year of evaluations and discussions.

Refer to: httpwww.chinapost.com.twprint177771.htm

About SHL

SHL is the world’s largest privately-owned designer, developer and manufacturer of advanced drug delivery devices. We have over 1,500 staff globally (1000 staff in Taiwan), with our primary design centers located in the USA and Sweden and manufacturing centers located in Asia.

SHL supplies auto injectors, pen injectors and inhaler systems to global pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Significant investment in R&D has enhanced our broad pipeline of “next generation” drug delivery systems. These innovative devices include a range of disposable and reusable injectors with fixed or variable dosing, enhanced precision and the ability to accommodate high viscosities.

Our organization consists of three distinct group companies:

SHL Medical
Designs, develops and manufactures advanced drug delivery devices for leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies

SHL Healthcare
Develops and manufactures equipment solutions for home, hospital and long term care use

SHL Technologies
Provides contract manufacturing and engineering services for the production of complex medtech and industrial products

For additional information visit www.shl-group.com or contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it