ICCA-WCO Global Summit debuts in Taipei

The International Corrugated Case Association and World Containerboard Organization Global Summit kicked off for the first time in Taipei City April 14, underscoring local efforts to expand Taiwan’s position in the global supply chain.

Jointly organized by Atlanta-based ICCA and Brussels-headquartered WCO in conjunction with New Taipei City’s Cheng Loong Corp., the biennial event is the largest gathering of the two industries in the world. More than 200 business leaders from 20 plus countries and territories will take part in the summit during its three-day run.

According to CLC Vice Chairman Frank Cheng, who took over as ICCA chairman in 2013, Asia accounts for over half the global production and sales of industrial paper products.

“The event provides a first-class opportunity for businesses around the world to address challenges facing the industry, as well as identify opportunities arising from e-commerce, digital printing, new applications and technology developments,” he said.

CLC General Manager Tsai Tong-ho said although Taiwan accounts for only 1 percent of global industrial paper consumption, it ranks fifth in the world on a per capita basis.

“The island’s export-oriented economy and increased private spending are the reasons for the 2.4 percent rise in local demand last year,” he said. “We expect this figure to gain another 3 percent in 2015 as conditions at home and abroad continue improving.” (SFC-JSM)