The BOFT of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is working with the International Trade Centre (ITC) for the second time to help industries explore and to grasp global business opportunities during the pandemic. A briefing session, held at the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC) and video linked with ITC expert Mr. Dzmitry Kniahin, explained how “the market access map” and “the rule of origin facilitator” can help small and medium-sized enterprises utilize digital tools to identify potential markets and products buyers during the pandemic.

The BOFT stated that due to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries are suffering from severe economic and trade shocks. Thus, it is crucial to strengthen the use of digital trade to help businesses overcome obstacles caused by the pandemic. So as to help Taiwanese companies to access export market information, the BOFT invited the ITC to explain how the database can be used to obtain trade information, such as global market demands, import and export data, as well as to develop business opportunities in potential markets. In addition, the BOFT assists businesses with digital marketing and capacity building through digital trading and counseling programs, thereby driving digital transformation and development to counter more intense competition in the future.

“The market access map” and “the rule of origin facilitator” are currently established for small and medium-sized enterprises by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the ITC. Businesses can search for information on the export potential, tariff rates, import regulations and procedures, importer lists, trade remedy, regulatory measures, rules of origin, and administrative procedure for certificate of origin on this multifunctional trade database.

In response to the impacts of the pandemic, the BOFT also publicized the contents of this briefing in a live online broadcast to help more businesses at home and abroad to analyze export markets and industrial advantages. And Please check the a live online broadcast on the BOFT Facebook fan page.