Executives of leading photovoltaic (PV) technology makers in Taiwan – the second largest manufacturer of PV cells in the world – will discuss their newest products, efficiency gains and significance for the solar industry at a press conference organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan, during the Solar Power International 2013 exhibition running October 21-24 in Chicago. The press conference, implemented by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, is scheduled from 2:30-4 pm on Tuesday, October 22, at McCormick Place North Building-Level 4, Meeting Room N426b.

Each company will provide an eight-minute overview of current technologies and their significance to the solar power industry. Also speaking at the press conference will be Mr. Yueh-Chyou Wen, Director of Taiwan Trade Center Chicago, and Mr. Baushuan Ger, Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago. A tea reception will follow.

TAIWAN’S SOLAR INDUSTRY has been growing steadily since 1987, when Taiwanese firms began investing in solar cell R&D. Today the country has more than 200 PV companies, ranks second in the world in the total production of PV cells, includes three of the world’s top 10 PV cell makers, and covers the entire PV value chain from silicon wafers, to silicon and thin-film solar cells, to complete solar PV systems. The growth has been fueled by Taiwan’s expertise in manufacturing semiconductors, which share many characteristics with solar cells; industrial clusters of solar power companies that foster business development, productivity and innovation by geographically concentrating related businesses; and a series of investments and initiatives from the Taiwanese government designed to grow the renewable energy sector.

About Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)

The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) was founded in 1970 to promote Taiwan’s foreign trade and competitiveness in world markets. Over the past 40 years, TAITRA has played a key role in the development of the Taiwan economy. TAITRA is jointly sponsored by the government and commercial associations and is viewed by all as the business gateway to Taiwan for the international business community.