Austin: Economic Affairs Minister Kuo Jyh-huei met with Texas Governor Greg Abbott in Austin to discuss cooperation on semiconductor and artificial intelligence development, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

According to Focus Taiwan, Kuo’s visit with Abbott followed the opening of a wafer plant by Taiwan-based GlobalWafers Co. in Sherman, Texas, and was intended to build on a letter of intent Kuo signed with Abbott in Taiwan in July 2024. The letter targets collaboration on commercial initiatives in semiconductors, electric vehicles, energy resilience, and technology innovation. During their meeting, Kuo and Abbott explored ways to implement the agreement by facilitating bilateral investment and establishing closer partnerships.

Kuo also informed Abbott about Taiwan’s plan to open a trade and investment center in Texas later this year. The MOEA, however, did not disclose any further details regarding agreements made during their discussion.

In 2024, Taiwan ranked as the fourth largest source of imports to Texas, which boasts the second largest economy among U.S. states, according to the MOEA. Bilateral trade between Taiwan and Texas reached US$25.59 billion in 2024, marking a 19.91 percent increase from the previous year.