President Tsai Ing-wen said Feb. 2 that the government is working to transform Taiwan into a top global investment destination, especially for international semiconductor firms seeking to establish local production and R&D bases.
“Taiwan is widely recognized as one of the world’s most vibrant markets,” Tsai said, adding that key semiconductor industry players like homegrown Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and Winbond Electronics Corp., as well as ASML Holding of the Netherlands and Micron Technology Inc. of the U.S., have increased local investment.
It is expected these strategic investments will help sustain the domestic economy and enhance Taiwan’s international competitiveness, the president said.
Tsai made the remarks while meeting with Ajit Manocha, president and CEO of U.S.-headquartered Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International, at the Office of the President in Taipei City. SEMI promotes the development of the global electronics supply chain and influences the growth and prosperity of its nearly 2,000 corporate and 1.3 million individual members.
According to the president, Manocha made a deep impression on her during their previous meeting last September when he talked about the impact of free trade, talent, tax and technology investment on the semiconductor industry.
The government has made good progress in improving the situation in this regard, Tsai said, citing the passage in November 2017 of the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. Other measures include expanding foreign trade relations, making infrastructure improvements and slashing the undistributed earnings tax rate from 10 to 5 percent, she added.
Tsai said the government is committed to providing all requisite assistance to ensure Taiwan continues growing in appeal as a leading destination for institutional investors. (JSM)
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