Indiana Commerce Secretary David · Rosenberg reportedly led an economic delegation to Taiwan this week to showcase Indiana's future-oriented economic vision and expand opportunities for collaboration to advance semiconductor R&D, production and applications in advanced manufacturing, technology and artificial intelligence. The visit also marked the official launch of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) new office in Taipei.
"Indiana has a growing reputation as an economy that is globally engaged and future-focused," Rosenberg said. We very much look forward to sharing our grand vision with industry and government leaders in Taiwan this week." The state's strategy to build a robust semiconductor ecosystem has already paid off significantly, especially in Indiana. Cooperation with regions with high-tech, high-growth economies, such as Taiwan, will bring more opportunities for innovation and industrial development. This visit, along with the new IEDC office in Taipei, will further solidify new growth opportunities in these areas and strengthen Indiana's supply chain strength.”
At SEMICON Taiwan, September 4-6 in Taipei, Secretary Rosenberg and his team will showcase Indiana's thriving semiconductor industry. SEMICON Taiwan is a premier microelectronics event hosted by SEMI, a global industry association. SEMI plans to host SEMICONEXPO In the Heartland in Indiana in 2025 and is expected to attract a record number of more than 1,100 exhibitors and 3,700 booths. This year's SEMICON conference focused on how the global semiconductor industry is working together to address the AI wave, with key topics including green manufacturing, heterogeneous integration, materials, testing, smart mobility, and workforce development.
Figure: IEDC opens new Taiwan office
IEDC's Taiwan office, which officially opened on August 1, builds on recent economic cooperation between Indiana and Taiwan. Previously, Governor Holcomb visited Taiwan in 2022 and signed a memorandum of understanding to promote cooperation in academics, economic development, investment, and supply chain resilience. Taiwan offers a unique opportunity for Indiana because Taiwan's industrial focus aligns well with Indiana's innovation and future-oriented economic development strategy.
The new office in Taipei will focus on strengthening investment opportunities in high-tech and high-growth sectors, particularly in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, agritech, and agri-biosciences. IEDC has appointed Stewart Randall as its Taiwan advisor, who will assist in the selection of IEDC's Taiwan directors in the coming weeks. Stewart has been working in international business development since 2012 and has a deep understanding of the Asian semiconductor industry.
In Governor Eric · Under · Holcombe's leadership, Indiana's semiconductor industry has made remarkable progress. Since 2022, the state has established the AMPD Task Force to work to provide a competitive environment for semiconductor companies to help them put down roots in Indiana. Since then, Indiana has attracted seven new semiconductor companies, earned the designation of Federal Technology Center for Microelectronics, and began construction of a 10-acre public-private microelectronics center, WestGate One, near the Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division.
While in Taiwan, Rosenberg and his delegation will meet with leaders in the semiconductor industry and visit several institutions, including MediaTek's headquarters. MediaTek had announced in 2022 that it would partner with Purdue University to build a new semiconductor design center in Indiana. In addition, the delegation will meet with the Taipei Computer Association, the Taiwan United States Chamber of Commerce and the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association, and visit Taiwan University and the Taiwan Foreign Trade Development Council.
The visit builds on the outcome of Governor Holcombe's August 2022 visit to Taiwan, where Indiana's continued growth in the semiconductor sector is strong. Currently, Indiana is home to 10 Taiwan companies, including the microelectronics company MediaTek. In 2023, Indiana's trade with Taiwan has exceeded $1.61 billion, mainly involving computers and electronics, chemicals, electrical equipment and parts, machinery and transportation equipment, etc.
