Premier Chen Chien-jen on Monday received a delegation from the U.S. city of Phoenix, Arizona led by Mayor Kate Gallego. The premier said that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd (TSMC) has invested US$40 billion in Phoenix to build two semiconductor fabrication plants, which promises to transform the city into a major hub of U.S. chip production. The premier is confident that through the joint efforts of both sides, Phoenix will become a shining example of Taiwan-U.S. high-tech supply chain collaboration.
Taiwan and Arizona already enjoy extremely close trade, cultural and educational ties. Taiwan is Arizona's ninth-largest export market and the state is also home to a vital training base for Taiwanese F-16 fighter pilots, the premier said. In March 2023, Arizona officially opened a trade and investment office in Taiwan, which has already begun to play an important role in facilitating deeper exchanges and cooperation between the two sides. Including Arizona, currently 14 U.S. states and the U.S. territory of Guam have established offices in Taiwan, strengthening bilateral commercial relations and further proving Taiwan's importance as a strategic base for U.S. states who wish to expand into Asian markets.
In her remarks, Mayor Gallego said the relationship between Taipei and Phoenix has only grown stronger in the 44 years since the two established a sister city agreement, and she expressed thanks for TSMC investing and building its home in Phoenix. Phoenix is proud to be the largest autonomous vehicle zone in the world, she said, which is only possible thanks to technology from Taiwan. The city has welcomed the presence of the Bank of Taiwan, as well as Taiwanese investments, such as in health care, with Mandarin-speaking physicians. The mayor hopes to continue welcoming Taiwanese companies to Phoenix, and she likewise believes Taiwan is the best location for companies in Phoenix looking to enter Asia. The mayor also expressed hope to expand on cooperation in semiconductors, health care, biosciences and electric vehicles. She said the City of Phoenix is working to make it easier for the two countries to do business—expressing hope for a direct air service between Taipei and Phoenix—and said her city continues to facilitate youth exchanges that support the sister city partnership.