A Ministry of Economic Affairs-organized tour to the U.S. that concluded Aug. 5 generated pledges from firms to invest NT$6 billion (US$195.9 million) in Taiwan, the MOEA said.
 
Led by MOEA Deputy Minister Kung Ming-hsin, the eight-day tour was aimed at strengthening ties between Taiwan and U.S. companies in the semiconductor sector and those covered by the government’s five-plus-two industrial innovation program.
 
The ministry signed letters of intent with artificial intelligence company Graphen Inc., semiconductor firm Lam Research Corp. and software giant Synopsys Inc. These include plans by Graphen to set up a R&D center in Taiwan and for Lam Research to build partnerships with Taiwan’s semiconductor firms.
 
The delegation of officials and business representatives visited the headquarters of industry heavyweights such as aircraft manufacturer Boeing Corp., biotech firm Celgene Corp. and pharmaceutical enterprise Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.
 
A memorandum of understanding was also inked with the nonprofit Chicago Taiwanese American Professionals to encourage their members to come to Taiwan and explore economic opportunities.
 
Three seminars aimed at showcasing Taiwan’s investment environment and government programs each attracted around 100 participants from top firms and generated fresh interest from U.S. companies, the ministry said.
 
The five-plus-two industrial innovation program aims to foster the development of the biotech and pharmaceuticals, green energy, national defense, smart machinery and Internet of Things sectors, as well as the circular economy and a new paradigm for agricultural development. (KWS-E)
 
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