TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An Ecuadorian business delegation visited I-Mei Foods’ Longtan factory in Taoyuan on Thursday to explore cooperation in food safety, food processing, drone technology, and trade.
The delegation was led by Quito Chamber of Commerce Chair Monica Jaffa Heller Rappaport and Pichincha Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises Chair Francisco Xavier Vergara Ortiz. The group toured the factory and watched technology displays by I-Mei partner 7A Drones.
I-Mei showed drones used for target tracking, heavy transport, and farm spraying. It said the technology could be used in agriculture, industry, and rescue work.
The delegation also visited I-Mei’s Bong-Khang wind tunnel testing site, which is 45 meters long and 5 meters wide. The site tests drones in strong wind, rain, high heat, and low heat, and also tests robot dogs on gravel, sand, mud, and water.
At the company’s drone and robot dog research center, I-Mei showed machines designed for inspection, rescue, and industrial work. It said the robot dogs can move on rough ground, cross water, and carry loads.
The visitors later tried I-Mei’s dried fruit products. I-Mei said its drying process removes water while helping preserve the food’s flavor and nutrients.
The delegation also toured I-Mei’s food safety laboratory. The company said the lab studies ways to extract nutrients from raw materials such as soybeans and sesame for health food development, and also has equipment for cell research.
Speaking with Taiwan News, Vergara said Ecuador and Taiwan have industries that can support each other. He said Ecuador produces quality cocoa, pineapples, bananas, shrimp, and tuna, while Taiwan has strong food processing skills that can add value to Ecuadorian products.
Vergara said Ecuador is not a large country, but its products are high quality and should enter the Taiwan market at fair prices. He said Ecuador also hopes to receive technology and products from Taiwan to help improve local industry.
“Taiwan and Ecuador can build a trade relationship that benefits both sides,” Heller told Taiwan News. She said Ecuador can sell shrimp, cocoa, and tropical fruit to Taiwan, while Taiwan can sell processed food, machinery, and technology products to Ecuador.
Heller said she was impressed by the quality and standards of Taiwanese products after visiting I-Mei. She said private companies in Ecuador are interested in Taiwan goods and hope to expand trade and cultural exchanges.
* I-Mei Foods is the parent company of Taiwan News
