TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An Estonian defense industry delegation visited Taiwan from Tuesday to Saturday to foster cooperation in the drone industry.

Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) and the delegation led by Estonia-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group Chair Kristo Enn Vaga attended a dinner hosted by the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance (TEDIBOA) on Thursday. 

Kuo said that Taiwan's strong technological R&D capabilities, skilled workforce, and robust semiconductor supply chain provide a solid foundation for the growth of its drone sector, per CNA.

The delegation explored Taiwan's technological capabilities and met with local drone manufacturers, Kuo said. It also toured the Asia Drone AI Innovation Application R&D Center in Chiayi on Tuesday.

Vaga praised the Taiwan government's efforts to promote technological innovation. He added that the delegation would discuss potential defense industry cooperation with Taiwanese officials.

The drone industry is expected to exceed NT$3 trillion (US$100 billion) in value within the next 10 years. Cybersecurity and national security concerns have led European and US governments to start banning Chinese-made drone components.

In September, the Ministry of Economic Affairs launched TEDIBOA to develop Taiwan's drone industry supply chain. Kuo said that Taiwan is the ideal partner for the "non-China supply chain" for drones.

Kuo said that Estonia is a leader in digital transformation and technological innovation, with significant advancements in technology, cybersecurity, and unmanned systems. He expressed hopes to strengthen partnerships in the drone and technology sectors.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) met with the Estonian delegation on Thursday morning and expressed hope for continued cooperation between the two countries.