Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Yiin Chii-ming (
Speaking at a public hearing sponsored by DPP lawmaker Hong Chi-chang (
Although the task might encounter huge difficulties in the initial stages because of the industry's technology- and capital-intensive characteristics, Yiin proposed that Taiwan traditional manufacturers transform into value-added businesses producing aviation parts and components.
As long as those traditional companies are quality-conscious and ready for technological upgrading, Yiin claimed that it would be entirely possible for some local firms to become major key parts suppliers within 10 years if the government is willing to assist in providing capital and technology.
Turning to strong competitors such as China and South Korea, the vice minister said that Taiwan still enjoys the upper hand, given the fact that domestic companies are receiving more orders from multinational companies, which mainly target the promising mainland market.
However, the leading promotor of the industry noted that Taiwan firms must further weigh how to deploy in the huge mainland market, despite the difficulties, otherwise the country will lag behind the mainland and South Korea in exploring the huge market.
In mid-September last year, four domestic aerospace firms and a research agency together signed a memorandum of understanding with Lockheed-Martin Co's Taiwan branch to cooperate in seeking aircraft maintenance orders from the ROC air force.
The signatories were the state-owned Aerospace Industry Development Corp, China Airlines Co, Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp, Air Asia Co and the Industrial Technology Research Institute.
In addition to seeking military aircraft maintenance orders, the six companies have also explored the Asia-Pacific military and commercial aircraft maintenance market. Lockheed-Martin Co is the manufacturer of F-16 jet fighters. The air force has 150 F-16s.
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