7 September 2023

The 2023 EU-Taiwan Investment Partnership Forum on Semiconductor Clusters took place on 7 September at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 2. This event marked a significant milestone by hosting the largest-ever delegation of EU semiconductor representatives from nine European semiconductor clusters spread across EU Member States, including Belgium, Poland, Italy, Finland, Germany, France and the Czech Republic. Their participation showcased their unique industrial ecosystems, developmental trajectories, and an overview of investment opportunities.

The primary objective of the European clusters was to explore potential partnerships for investment and research and development (R&D) collaboration with Taiwan. This forum ran in parallel with the 2023 SEMICON Taiwan, providing EU semiconductor companies with an opportunity to exhibit their capabilities through dedicated European pavilions, including representatives from Poland, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic.

Head of the European Economic and Trade Office, Filip Grzegorzewski, Director General of the Industrial Development Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ching-Chang Lien, and President of SEMI Europe, Laith Altimime, lent their support to the forum with opening remarks.

The event served as a valuable platform for Taiwanese enterprises to exchange insights and experiences related to European investments. Notably, the Taiwanese company Universal Global Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd (ASE Group), along with representatives from nine European semiconductor clusters in EU Member States, shared their expertise and perspectives.

The forum attracted an impressive turnout, with over 150 participants representing both public and private sectors, as well as research institutions.

The partnership between the European Union and Taiwan is rooted in shared values and mutual economic interests. In particular, both parties are deeply committed to advancing the semiconductor industry. In alignment with this objective, the EU has introduced the "European Chips Act," a strategic initiative aimed at mobilizing over €43 billion in combined public and private investments to bolster the semiconductor ecosystem within the EU.

This Act is poised to provide valuable support to businesses operating within the EU, facilitating their investments in the semiconductor sector and thereby enhancing their competitive edge. Mr. Grzegorzewski, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office, extended an invitation to Taiwanese enterprises, encouraging them to assume a pivotal role in this transformative endeavour by investing in Europe—an established market known for its openness, transparency, and predictability.

The forum was a collaborative effort of the European Economic and Trade Office, the representative offices of the EU Member States in Taiwan, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and SEMI.

Further advancing the dialogue, the EETO will organize the fourth edition of the 2023 EU Investment Forum on Thursday, 12 October. Mark your calendar for the event that this year will cast a spotlight on investment opportunities within the EU’s ICT industries.

The event agenda is available here. 

Press contact person: Angela Hsiao Email: angela.hsiao [at] eeas.europa.eu () 

Read more about the ECCP Matchmaking event in Taiwan that took place last May here.