A delegation representing Taiwan’s artificial intelligence and quantum computing industry recently visited the U.S. East Coast for a several-day investigation, focusing on the microelectronics industry ecosystem and bilateral investment opportunities. This visit serves as a prelude to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s “SelectUSA Investment Summit.”
The delegation, consisting of 15 members, covers a wide range of fields including quantum computing, cybersecurity, communications, IC design, data centers, semiconductor materials, and electronic manufacturing professionals, representing key enterprises and institutions in Taiwan’s microelectronics critical technology sector. From May 5th to 6th, the delegation visited relevant facilities in Massachusetts, and then from May 7th to 9th, they headed to New York state to focus on the industrial cluster in the Albany area, planning to exchange technology and business opportunities with members of the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Center (NORDTECH).
On the evening of May 7th, the delegation attended a welcome dinner hosted jointly by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York and the Orange County government of New York. Attendees included Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Christian Koschil of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Taipei Office, Kevin Younis, Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Department of Economic Development (ESD), Conor Eckert, President of the Orange County Economic Development Corporation, Lin Ching-fu, President of the New York Taiwan Chamber of Commerce, as well as representatives from the local business community and Taiwanese expatriates, totaling over 30 individuals.
Director of the Representative Office Dr. Lee Chih-chiang emphasized in his speech that New York serves as an important gateway for exchanges between Taiwan and the United States, highlighting the close economic and trade connections between the two regions, which include 2 Taiwanese airlines, 2 shipping companies, and 9 Taiwanese banks with operations in the Greater New York area. He noted that the County Executive of Orange County visited Taiwan in March and participated in the Smart City Expo, further facilitating the establishment of a sister city relationship between Orange County and Kaohsiung in April, symbolizing the initial achievements of city diplomacy.
County Executive Neuhaus stated that the U.S. continues to strengthen its cooperation with Taiwan and emphasized the support of the U.S. “CHIPS Act” for the semiconductor industry. He pointed out that this year the U.S. defense budget has surpassed one trillion dollars for the first time, demonstrating a high level of emphasis on technology and industrial security, highlighting the strategic importance of cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. in the high-tech field.
Orange County, home to West Point Military Academy, also boasts facilities such as Woodbury Outlets and the world’s largest LEGO theme park. When introducing the local investment environment, the county government and local economic organizations emphasized that its geographical location facilitates access to the U.S. East Coast market, and they look forward to attracting more Taiwanese companies for investment and development.
Deputy Commissioner Younis of the State Department of Economic Development stated that the state is committed to building a complete semiconductor industry chain, viewing it as the foundation for the development of artificial intelligence and quantum technology. He praised Taiwan’s industrial strength in related fields and revealed that he had taught English in Taiwan during his youth, holding deep feelings for Taiwan.
After concluding their visit to New York state, the delegation is expected to travel to Washington D.C. to participate in the SelectUSA Investment Summit, continuing to promote the integration of technology and industry between Taiwan and the U.S.