On 24th November 2022, we were honored to have Mr. Marcin Jaskula as our guest speaker for the course: ‘International Business Management’ – instructed by Dr. Ryan Brading. It is the first time Mr. Jaskula comes and shares his experience with IBMBA program students. As the CEO of Nomi Biotech, Mr. Jaskula kindly shared his experience and knowledge regarding importing products for the Taiwanese market and the challenges he has had to overcome during these processes.

Mr. Jaskula pointed out that, despite Covid-19 disruptions during the last two years, the company has successfully brought new commodities for the Taiwan market. Mr. Jaskula started sharing with us an overview of import dynamics. In Taiwan, the major imported products are related with ‘mechanical equipment’ and ‘steel’. The other import category which is expanding in Taiwan is ‘advanced medical system’ products. Apart from these main categories, Mr.Jaskula also pointed out the impressive demand of other imported products. Given these examples, Mr.Jaskula wanted to encourage students recognize the opportunities available by importing products to Taiwan if you find a niche market.

Nevertheless, bringing products into Taiwan could be difficult as Government Agencies in general, enforce strict and complex requirements. Mr. Jaskula explained that for his company, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration under the Ministry of Health and Welfare is very critical because it imposes very difficult and excessive standards. The process would be lengthy and complicated when his company – for example wants to introduce – new medicines. In general, companies also need to comply with the requirements from other Government Agencies, such as the Custom Administration under the Ministry of Finance, the Bureau of Foreign Trade, and the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine.

Furthemore, Mr. Jaskula also emphasized some essential strategies when importing any commodities. Firstly, it is vital to understand the products. Importers must measure the shelf life and storage conditions before shipping. Choosing suppliers is also crucial in securing a solid ‘Supply Chain’ to sustain the business. These products must arrive on time, goods need to be well-packaged, and concise communication needs to be available so logistical operations go smoothly. Distribution channels must be well-planned by having a clear marketing plan. As much as possible, testing the market and pre-sell your products – is also fundamental – to secure a solid distribution network. Lastly, all business leaders should constantly monitor the control of costs. Making an efficient arrangement for the resources equals better profit.

Mr.Jaskula also introduced successful Polish brands in Taiwan, and shared popular Polish chocolates in the class. These examples help the students observe the advantages of overseas brands and realize many Polish brands that are easily accessible in Taiwan. To wrap up all the lessons from today’s lecture, he lays out a table of products from specific countries and asked students to research by applying the strategies he introduced earlier. All groups in class learned to pay attention to key points of importing practice, including the import tariffs, Governmental bureaucratic regulations, competitors, distributions and barriers.

We all enjoyed listening and discussing with Mr. Jaskula his practical knowledge and experiences. He strongly encouraged the students to keep exploring with business elites worldwide, and hoped that some in the class would be confident to create substantial business opportunities by taking an active role by importing commodities to the Taiwanese market. We highly appreciate Mr. Marcin Jaskula’s effort for coming down to Kaohsiung and share his experience as a successful entrepreneur in Taiwan.

Guest Lecture - Products, Passions, Barriers, and Profits