Back in Montréal after an inspiring Canada–Taiwan Trade Mission in October 2026, I returned with valuable business connections, fresh perspectives, and an even stronger conviction that Québec and Taiwan have tremendous opportunities to collaborate. Born in Taiwan and established in Montréal for nearly 30 years, I have dedicated much of my professional life to connecting people, cultures, businesses, and investment opportunities between Canada and Asia.
Taiwan: A Technology Powerhouse and Capital-Rich Economy
Taiwan is globally recognized for its semiconductor industry, advanced manufacturing, and entrepreneurial dynamism. According to the Allianz Global Wealth Report 2026, Taiwan ranks fifth worldwide in net financial assets per capita, ahead of Canada in seventh place. This financial strength, combined with technological expertise and a dynamic business environment, presents significant opportunities for Canadian companies seeking international investment, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
Connecting Canadian and Taiwanese Business Leaders
Our delegation brought together entrepreneurs and business leaders from British Columbia, Ontario, and Québec, alongside medical researchers from McGill University. We visited several Taiwanese cities and were warmly welcomed by municipal representatives, business organizations, and innovative companies. Through Momentum Taipei, Energy Taiwan, Net-Zero Taiwan, and meetings with real estate developers, we explored Taiwan’s approaches to economic development, technology, investment, and urban planning. These exchanges reinforced the importance of international collaboration and building relationships based on mutual trust.
Real Estate Development: When Land Values Differ by 250 Times
As a commercial real estate broker in Greater Montréal, I was particularly fascinated by the differences in real estate markets. During our meetings, we encountered examples of industrial land valued at approximately $5 per square foot in Québec compared with $1,250 per square foot in Taiwan, representing a difference of 250 times. These figures reflect specific examples presented during our discussions rather than comparable market averages. Nevertheless, they raise important questions about how Taiwanese developers maximize land productivity, optimize building density, manage construction costs, and achieve financial viability. Understanding these strategies could offer valuable lessons for real estate development in Québec.
Urban Development: Taichung Through a Québec Lens
The scale of urban development in Taichung was another striking discovery. Comparing its impressive skyline and high-rise developments with a Québec city such as Trois-Rivières highlighted dramatically different approaches to urban growth. Parts of Taichung reminded me more of New York than of a typical mid-sized Québec city! Although population, geography, and economic conditions differ significantly, the experience encouraged me to reflect on how Québec could better balance urban density, housing development, infrastructure, and quality of life.
Government Support and Economic Competitiveness
One of my strongest impressions came from the proactive approach of Taiwanese government and municipal representatives, who actively welcomed investors, facilitated business introductions, and supported potential development opportunities. This contrasted with the regulatory complexity, lengthy approval processes, and financing challenges frequently encountered by real estate developers in Québec. My experience reinforced the importance of clear economic development strategies, predictable regulations, and effective collaboration between governments and businesses to encourage investment and innovation.
Innovation, Energy and Strategic Partnerships
Our participation in Energy Taiwan and Net-Zero Taiwan highlighted opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, sustainable construction, advanced manufacturing, and energy-efficient buildings. Taiwan’s technological expertise complements Québec’s energy resources, infrastructure, and real estate development opportunities. I see particularly promising potential in construction technologies, industrial and logistics properties, data centres, commercial real estate investment, and cross-border business partnerships. The objective should be to create opportunities that move in both directions across the Pacific, generating lasting economic value for both economies.
Beyond Business: Lessons in Respect and Urban Living
Some of my most memorable observations extended beyond business. On public transportation, priority seats remained available even in crowded train cars. People lined up patiently without pushing, and public spaces were remarkably clean and orderly. These everyday gestures of respect and consideration reminded me that successful cities are not measured solely by impressive buildings, infrastructure, or economic performance, but also by how people treat one another and share their communities.
Building Stronger Bridges Between Québec and Taiwan
Canada and Taiwan already maintain important economic relationships, with opportunities to deepen cooperation in investment, technology, and real estate development. After nearly three decades of connecting Canadian and Asian businesses, I remain convinced that cultural understanding, personal relationships, and mutual trust are essential foundations for successful international partnerships. This trade mission strengthened my commitment to connecting entrepreneurs, investors, developers, and innovators across both markets.
I returned to Montréal with wonderful new relationships, renewed entrepreneurial energy, and a desire to transform these exchanges into concrete opportunities. Two places I call home, two dynamic economies, and countless possibilities to connect, collaborate, and create value together!
Chia-Yi Tung
Founder & Commercial Real Estate Broker
CHIA REAL ESTATE | Montréal, Québec, Canada
