The National Day reception held by Taiwan's representative office in Toronto placed its emphasis on trade, the economy and technology — a positive signal for Canadian firms looking to diversify their trade risk.

• The reception centred on economic and trade links, with more than 400 guests attending from Canada's business, political and academic circles as well as the overseas Taiwanese community.
• ASUS, Acer, MSI and Bora Pharmaceuticals set up booths showcasing Taiwan's strengths in computing, esports and biotechnology.
• Taiwan's economic growth rate reached 8.76% in the previous year and is expected to top 11% this year, with total stock market capitalisation rising to the fourth largest in the world.
• The Ontario Chamber of Commerce described Taiwan as Canada's best economic and trade partner, dovetailing with Canada's push for trade diversification.
• Tainan Deputy Mayor Chao Ching-hui led a delegation promoting agricultural products such as pineapple cakes and pomelos, pairing cultural soft power with semiconductor hard power.

Outlook: As Canada seeks to reduce its reliance on a single market, cooperation between Taiwan and Canada in technology, green energy and electric vehicle charging is expected to expand further.