The Czech Republic aims to establish an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing business-to-business collaboration model with Taiwan to leverage the complementary strengths of the two sides, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.
The ministry made the remarks after former Czech Chamber of Deputies president Marketa Pekarova Adamova led a delegation of Czech industry representatives on a visit to Taiwan’s Asia UAV AI Innovation Application Research and Development Center (朴子亞洲無人機AI創新應用研發中心) in Chiayi County’s Puzih City (朴子).
Department of NGO International Affairs Director Chiang Zhen-wei (江振瑋), director-general of the ministry’s drone diplomacy task force, said that Czech companies specialize in detection, propulsion and autonomous flight systems, while Taiwan is more proficient in information technology, semiconductors and overall manufacturing.
Photo: CNA
Chiayi County Commissioner Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁) welcomed the delegation and said he hoped the visit would help expand market opportunities for Taiwanese drone makers in the EU.
Both sides can benefit from each other’s expertise and Taiwan should continue to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation, Weng said.
The Chiayi County Economic Development Department said that the center was established as part of a central government program to develop the local drone industry, positioning the county as a national hub for research and development, and enabling on-site testing.
The department said that a drone park planned by the Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology in Minsyong Township (民雄) would complete the county’s manufacturing capabilities and complement the center’s research functions.
Elsewhere, a report by Semafor said that a new bill proposed by US senators Jeff Merkley, Ted Cruz, John Curtis and Andy Kim would establish a working group involving the US Department of State and the Pentagon to explore coproduction of drones and components with Taiwan.
The bill urges the US government to “form a broader partnership with Taiwan and other allies in Asia to promote China-independent drone supply chains.”
“Our bipartisan effort not only protects American strategic interests and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, but it also ensures that Taiwan is well-equipped to develop unmanned aerial systems in support of its own defense and our national security,” Merkley said in a statement.
It is unclear whether the legislation would advance in the US Senate, where there is broad bipartisan support for Taiwan, the report said.
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