New Southbound Policy Portal

Premier Cho Jung-tai (center) is joined by other officials and business representatives in opening the 2024 edition of SEMICON Taiwan Sept. 4 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Executive Yuan)
 

Premier Cho Jung-tai attended the opening ceremony of SEMICON Taiwan Sept. 4 in Taipei City, reiterating the government’s commitment to promoting the semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors through policy adjustment, regulatory easement and new guidelines.

Jointly organized by U.S.-based global industry association SEMI and Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association and running through Sept. 6, this year’s event features more than 1,100 exhibitors operating 3,700 booths, 12 country pavilions and over 200 featured speakers from corporate powerhouses around the world.

During his opening remarks, Cho said AI and semiconductors are both among the Five Trusted Industry Sectors unveiled by President Lai Ching-te during his May 20 inauguration speech. The event’s theme of “Breaking Limits: Powering the AI Era” is directly in keeping with Lai’s initiative, he said, adding that the government will spare no effort in cultivating AI professionals and building a friendly business environment to attract investment and related production from overseas.

The premier also took the opportunity to thank the event’s organizers for showcasing Taiwan’s semiconductor prowess. The country is fully cognizant of its responsibilities as a key player in global supply chains and will work hand in hand with all partner countries to advance the sector and forge a better future for all, he added.

Later the same day the premier met with a U.S.-Taiwan Business Council delegation led by Chair Keith Krach. Cho praised the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue and the Technology, Trade and Investment Collaboration for bolstering cooperation in investment, energy transition, 5G, telecommunication security and supply chains. It is hoped that the two sides will fast-track the negotiation of an agreement to avoid double taxation to pave the way for Taiwan’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, he added.

In response, Krach lauded Taiwan as a role model for democracies around the world. He said the Taiwan Center for Innovation and Prosperity sponsored by the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue University aims to promote two-way investment and enhance Taiwan’s global status, adding that he hopes to work with Taiwan to offer programs related to the government’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors on the Tech Diplomacy Academy platform, also sponsored by his namesake institute. (SFC-E)