Executives of leading photovoltaic (PV) technology makers in Taiwan – the second largest manufacturer of PV cells in the world – announced a variety of new developments this week at a press conference at the Solar Power International 2013 exhibition in Chicago.  The event was organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan and implemented by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Baushan Ger, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, observed that the global solar industry has jumped from 50 gigawatts of solar capacity to just over 100 gigawatts in the past 2-1/2 years due to rising concern about environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and the finite nature of petroleum supplies.  An additional 100 gigawatt increase is expected worldwide by 2015, nearly doubling capacity again.

“Both Taiwan and the USA play important roles in the global solar power market,” Mr. Ger noted. “The USA is the world’s fourth largest solar market. Taiwan, meanwhile, possesses abundant capabilities to manufacture high quality solar cells as well as a complete supply chain, including materials and components, solar cells, panels as well as system installation. We look forward to seeing more cooperation between our two sides in the solar 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. Please visithttp://www.taiwantrade.com.tw/ for more information.