TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chiayi County Government on Thursday (June 27) to develop Taiwan’s drone industry.

The signing took place at the “Drone Taiwan” forum in Chiayi, with TAITRA Chair James Huang (黃志芳) and Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁) in attendance, per CNA. The agreement calls for national industries to improve supply chains for components needed to manufacture drones domestically, per Liberty Times.

In a CNA interview, Huang said the drone industry has exploded worldwide in recent years.

“TAITRA has developed a specific plan for future development, which includes creating a dedicated Taiwan drone exhibition pavilion at the Taipei International Electronics Show (Taitronics) and the Taiwan International AIoT Show,” the chair said. “This pavilion will showcase Taiwan's drone industry as a strong sector to the international community.”

Huang added that global demand for drones is currently high. By integrating industries and forming international collaborations, Taiwan can accelerate the advancement of its drone industry, he explained.

Weng said that he and the Ministry of Economic Affairs led Asia Silicon Valley Development Agency (ASVDA) manufacturers to the U.S. in April to showcase Taiwan's excellent technology and latest R&D achievements. The exhibition received international attention and recognition, the magistrate said.

The Chiayi County Government said that amid the global trend of supply chain decoupling, it has integrated industry, government, academia, and research units through the ASVDA to form a national drone team. The county government said it hopes to encourage all drone manufacturers and suppliers to strengthen Taiwan’s drone industry.