Taipei: The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) in Taiwan is planning to establish a trade and investment center in Fukuoka, located in the northern Kyushu region of Japan, to assist Taiwanese companies in expanding their operations within the country. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance economic collaboration between Taiwan and Japan.
According to Focus Taiwan, the MOEA's International Trade Administration announced on Tuesday that Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei met with a delegation from Kyushu, which included representatives from the Kyushu Economic Federation (KEF), to discuss mutual economic cooperation. The discussions highlighted the complementary nature of the Taiwanese and Japanese economies, with both parties expected to work together to promote economic development.
Minister Kuo elaborated that Taiwan plays a significant role in the global semiconductor industry, possessing a comprehensive production network. With Kyushu acting as a semiconductor hub in Japan, there is potential for collaboration between the two regions. The proposed Fukuoka trade and investment center aims to facilitate the establishment of Taiwanese businesses in Japan and consolidate resources to integrate the semiconductor industries of both nations.
Kuo emphasized the importance of leveraging the semiconductor strengths of Taiwan and Japan to extend cooperation into fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and drones. In response, Sumio Kuratomi, head of the KEF, mentioned that Kyushu had approved a "Silicon Island Kyushu" plan last year. This strategy focuses on using semiconductors to enhance infrastructure, develop a skilled workforce, and drive industrial innovation.
Kuratomi also highlighted Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s (TSMC) investment in Japan, specifically the construction of two advanced wafer fabrication plants in Kumamoto. These investments signify a new chapter in the Japanese semiconductor industry and create opportunities for collaboration between Taiwan and Japan.
Further discussions between the MOEA and the KEF delegation touched upon developments in artificial intelligence and electric vehicles. Both sides agreed to support small and medium enterprises in accessing international markets.
TSMC's initial plant in Kumamoto officially commenced operations on February 24, 2024, through the joint venture Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing, Inc. (JASM). This venture is a collaboration between TSMC, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp., Denso Corp., and Toyota Motor Corp.