In a strategic move to strengthen its position in the global life sciences sector, Taiwan is actively seeking partnerships with India to counter China's dominance in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and innovation.
A high-profile delegation from Taiwan, representing the Taiwan Industrial Biotechnology Association (TIBA), visited Hyderabad during the recently held BioAsia 2025 event to explore investment opportunities and collaborations with India's biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.
Led by Mindin Lin, President and Editor-in-Chief of Global Bio and Investment, the delegation emphasised Taiwan’s growing interest in India as a key partner in life sciences, medical technology, and pharmaceutical research. “While Taiwan has traditionally maintained strong ties with China, geopolitical factors have led us to seek new partnerships. India has emerged as a key ally due to its rapid advancements in pharma, biotech, and healthcare sectors,” stated Dr Gary Gong, Chairman of Innovation to Industry (i2i).
Taiwan has been actively promoting its biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries through the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry Promotion Office (BPIPO), which serves as the primary point of contact for the biomedical industry in Taiwan. The Taiwanese government has been vigorously working towards expanding its biotech footprint, providing robust support to new industry investors.
During their visit, the Taiwanese delegation toured Genome Valley in Hyderabad and expressed their admiration for its extensive research facilities. They also visited Bengaluru to explore further business and investment opportunities with Indian companies, reinforcing Taiwan’s commitment to deepening its engagement with India's life sciences ecosystem.
Shiing-Jer Twu, Chairman of the Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB), underscored Taiwan’s research and development strengths, noting that the country has over 400 dedicated R&D professionals driving innovation in preclinical drug development. The DCB has out-licensed over 20 technologies and established multiple spin-off companies, demonstrating Taiwan’s commitment to advancing pharmaceutical research. Established in 1984 as a non-profit R&D institute under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan, the DCB is actively working on new drugs, nucleic acid-based therapies, medical devices, ICT integration, clinical trials, regenerative medicine, precision medicine, and CDMO services.
Dr Gary Gong, Chairman of Innovation to Industry (i2i), highlighted Taiwan’s growing interest in India as a preferred partner in the fields of research, development, and healthcare. “While Taiwan has traditionally maintained strong ties with China, geopolitical factors have led us to seek new partnerships. India has emerged as a key ally due to its rapid advancements in pharma, biotech, and healthcare sectors,” he stated. The delegation engaged with leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and industry associations to explore future collaborations that could benefit both nations.
As Taiwan expands its global biotech and pharmaceutical footprint, its partnership with India is expected to drive innovation, enhance technological integration, and foster investment in both countries. With strong government and industry-led initiatives, Taiwan and India are poised to become strategic partners in shaping the future of life sciences and healthcare.
Image caption- Dr Milind Kokje (Centre), Chief Editor of BioSpectrum, MMActiv Sci-Tech Communications, along with Taiwanese delegation during BioAsia 2025 Event in Hyderabad, India
