BOFT drives Taiwan’s MICE industry to net zero emissions era

The Bureau of Foreign Trade has tasked the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) with implementing its “Sustainable MICE, Taking Strides Towards Net Zero” initiative as part of the MEET TAIWAN program in 2023.

A press conference was held on April 27th to promote sustainable MICE policies and methods, and to encourage MICE companies to use government resources to improve their corporate sustainability and transition towards a new era of net zero emissions.

The goal of the sustainable MICE project is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 while also addressing the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). The project is divided into three segments: evaluation and guidance, speaking out and taking action, and encouragement and honor.

The first segment, evaluation and guidance, offers three resources to help MICE companies reduce their carbon emissions: a Taiwan MICE Sustainability White Paper, assistance in obtaining ISO certifications, and support in producing corporate sustainability reports. These resources are designed to promote sustainability within the MICE industry. MEET TAIWAN provides tailored consultation services to assist companies in meeting their individual sustainability needs and transitioning towards a sustainable future.

The second segment, speaking out and taking action, focuses on promoting Taiwan’s sustainable MICE image globally. During COP 27, JMIC’s “Net Zero Carbon Events – Route to Net Zero” report made a significant impact on the MICE industry worldwide. This year, the Bureau of Foreign Trade and JMIC co-organized an event during COP 28 to jointly promote the net zero initiative for the global MICE industry, the Taiwan MICE Sustainability White Paper, and the carbon reduction efforts of Taiwan’s MICE industry. These efforts enhance Taiwan’s sustainable MICE image. The “100 x 100” campaign was also launched, calling for 100 MICE stakeholders to carry out 100 sustainable MICE actions to jointly engage in sustainable MICE.

The third segment, encouragement and honor, acknowledges Taiwan’s MICE companies for their efforts and contributions to sustainable MICE. The annual Sustainable MICE Awards will highlight SDGs and carbon reduction this year, with an SDGs Action Award and a Carbon Reduction Action Award. Companies are encouraged to submit the results of their sustainability actions for consideration, providing an opportunity to share and engage in exchanges with MICE peers while increasing exposure.

At the press conference, the Bureau of Foreign Trade declared this year as the year of carbon reduction and sustainability action for Taiwan’s MICE industry. Various action plans were introduced, demonstrating the importance that the Bureau of Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Economic Affairs place on sustainability issues. Stakeholders of the MICE industry were invited to participate in the event, and consultation services for sustainability action plans were provided at a service table staffed by personnel from the Industrial Technology Research Institute, KPMG, and Taiwan MICE Project Office. This increased the confidence of attending MICE companies and encouraged them to actively support sustainable MICE actions.

The Bureau of Foreign Trade provides customized guidance and is assisting Taiwan’s MICE industry in achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The Sustainable MICE, Taking Strides Towards Net Zero project will steer the growth and enhancement of MICE companies, contributing to Taiwan’s sustainable MICE and international image.

For more information visit MeetTaiwan.