President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, pointed out today (28th) that Taiwan possesses world-class semiconductor and information and communication technology capabilities, as well as a profound foundation in precision manufacturing. The government will continue to allocate resources and deepen cooperation with democratic partners to jointly build a more secure and resilient supply chain for drones, gradually promoting Taiwan to become the “Asian hub of the democratic drone supply chain”.
President Lai Ching-te went to Chiayi this morning to preside over the groundbreaking ceremony and the opening ceremony of the Minxiong Aerospace and Drone Industrial Park of the National Sun Yat-sen Science Research Institute. The event was attended by top officials including Secretary-General of the National Security Council David Tawei Wu, Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-hung, Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin, Director of the National Sun Yat-sen Science Research Institute Lee Shih-chiang, Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang, and several legislators.
During his speech, President Lai expressed his joy in witnessing the crucial milestone in the development of Taiwan’s aerospace and drone industries in Chiayi. The newly opened Minxiong campus on the east side of the National Sun Yat-sen Science Research Institute was completed with an investment of over 11 billion New Taiwan dollars. It will take on the research, testing, verification, and production tasks of military-grade drones.
He also mentioned that the groundbreaking ceremony for the industrial park on the west side received nearly 6.9 billion NT dollars in central government investment and is expected to be completed by 2028. This park will host production facilities, experimental equipment, test flight areas, and research spaces to attract domestic and international industries.
The inauguration of the Minxiong campus in Chiayi signifies the arrival of national-level research and production capabilities in the county. With the groundbreaking of the industrial park today, the technological energy will further spread to the private sector, propelling Taiwan’s drone industry towards industrialization. Chiayi will evolve from a research and testing base to a crucial hub for the national development of the drone industry.
President Lai highlighted the collaborative efforts between the central and local governments over the years. He emphasized the importance of unity in achieving the goal of Taiwan becoming the Asian hub of the democratic drone supply chain. He commended Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang and the county government for their foresight and execution in revitalizing existing school buildings to establish the AIC Center long before the drone industry was established.
President Lai stressed the strategic significance of this layout, emphasizing the increasing importance of international cooperation amidst changing global dynamics. By leveraging Taiwan’s world-class capabilities in semiconductors, information and communication technology, and precision manufacturing, the government aims to strengthen the drone industry and foster its development through substantial investments.
“In 2021, Taiwan’s drone industry reached a value of 12.9 billion NT dollars, more than 2.5 times the previous year,” stated President Lai. With over 267 businesses currently involved in system integration and key component manufacturing, Taiwan’s drone industry is rapidly growing. The government will continue to support research and development efforts, facilitate mass production, and assist companies in obtaining international certifications to establish Taiwan as a reliable provider of complete system solutions and trusted production capacity.
President Lai appealed to the Legislative Yuan, regardless of party affiliation, to support the National Defense Ministry’s proposed additional budget of nearly 60 billion NT dollars. This funding aims to boost domestic acquisitions and drive the independent development of the drone industry. He urged swift review and approval by the Legislative Yuan to propel Taiwan’s drone industry forward.
President Lai emphasized the need for Taiwan to deepen cooperation with democratic partners to create a more secure and resilient drone supply chain, providing solid support for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, with Chiayi serving as the core base for advancing this national strategy. He recognized Chiayi’s historical significance as a prominent agricultural county in Taiwan and highlighted the interconnected nature of the Taibao AIC Center, Minxiong campus of the National Sun Yat-sen Institute, Chiayi’s seashore drone testing sites, and the newly initiated industrial park that collectively form Taiwan’s most comprehensive drone development base.
Moreover, he announced the National Science Council’s expansion plan for the Chiayi Park, gathering opinions on the development of industries such as semiconductor, artificial intelligence, silicon photonics, quantum computing, and next-generation communications like 5G and 6G. He hoped that future leaders of Chiayi County and City would continue to collaborate to drive progress and prosperity in the region, undertake the responsibility for Taiwan’s security, and promote the development of advanced industries. President Lai extended his congratulations and gratitude to Chiayi County for assuming this pivotal role in promoting Taiwan’s drone industry.
He reassured that the central government will continue to work hand in hand with local authorities to support industry development, foster local talent, provide more young people in Chiayi with a platform for growth, and ensure that the benefits of major national strategies are shared by the people.
In conclusion, President Lai urged swift and high-quality operation of the Minxiong campus and timely completion of the industrial park. Following his speech, President Lai, along with the distinguished guests present, participated in the groundbreaking and opening ceremony, and proceeded to tour the facilities.