The Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), which was established by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) on January 1, 1969, is responsible for formulating Taiwan's international trade policies, promoting trade, and managing trade-related activities. Over the past few decades, the BOFT's role and responsibilities have undergone numerous adjustments to meet the demands of the ever-changing international business environment. Its primary duties currently include:

1. Formulating and implementing trade policies, rules and regulations;
2. Participating in the activities of international economic and trade organizations and enhancing bilateral trade relations;
3. Handling and coordinating trade negotiations, consultations and disputes;
4. Administering the import/export regime and providing trade consulting services to importers and exporters;
5. Promoting foreign trade and creating an environment conducive to the development of foreign trade by establishing international exhibition halls, introducing paperless trade and trade facilitation, setting up global trade information websites, etc.;
6. Contacting and coordinating with the MOEA's overseas offices;
7. Managing liaison and assistance concerning business-related entities and groups.