On the third day of her visit to Taiwan, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs met with key political and industry leaders. The visit included a high-profile meeting with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential Office and a tour of TSMC's headquarters in Hsinchu.
CC Wei and Katie Hobbs. Credit: Katie Hobbs
President Lai Ching-te welcomed Governor Hobbs and her delegation to the Presidential Office, emphasizing the close economic partnership between Taiwan and Arizona.
"Taiwan and Arizona share a robust trade relationship, and we hope to work together to make Arizona a model for Taiwan-U.S. high-tech cooperation and the creation of a non-red supply chain,"
Lai said. He highlighted Taiwan as Arizona's eighth-largest export market and fifth-largest source of imports, underscoring the mutual benefits of their collaboration.
Lai praised Governor Hobbs for visiting Taiwan shortly after taking office in 2023 and returning this year, calling it a testament to Arizona's commitment to the bilateral relationship.
He pointed to TSMC's massive investment in Arizona—described as the largest foreign direct greenfield investment in US history—as a cornerstone of this partnership. Earlier this month, TSMC announced an additional US$100 billion investment to expand semiconductor manufacturing and R&D facilities in the Greater Phoenix area, aiming to transform the region into a US semiconductor hub.
Katie Hobbs meets Taiwan President Lai. Credit: Taiwan President's Office
President Lai also outlined a key goal for Taiwan-US relations: signing a double taxation avoidance agreement. "This would incentivize Taiwanese companies to invest in the US, fostering a more complete industrial ecosystem, creating jobs, and delivering a win-win outcome for both sides," Lai said.
In her remarks, Governor Hobbs echoed the sentiment of shared success. "This partnership is built on common values, an appreciation for each other's cultures, and a commitment to innovation and economic growth," she said.
She traced the relationship back decades, noting that since 1996, Taiwanese fighter pilots have trained at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix. "From technology and workforce development to cultural exchange, we've built a strong foundation," Hobbs added, expressing excitement about the upcoming opening of Arizona's first Din Tai Fung restaurant.
TSMC visit reinforces historic partnership
Earlier in the day, Governor Hobbs visited TSMC's headquarters in Hsinchu, where she met with Chairman and CEO C.C. Wei and other senior leaders.
"We were honored to visit TSMC's headquarters and meet with Chairman and CEO C.C. Wei, along with other key leaders," Hobbs said in a statement.
"We're incredibly grateful for TSMC's unwavering collaboration and visionary leadership. Arizona stands firmly dedicated to supporting and nurturing this historic partnership."
TSMC's US$165 billion investment in Arizona has been a game-changer, driving advancements in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and solidifying economic ties between the two regions. Hobbs emphasized that this collaboration positions Arizona and Taiwan as leaders in the global semiconductor industry.
Governor Hobbs underscored her administration's commitment to strengthening Arizona-Taiwan relations in every possible way. "When Arizona and Taiwan succeed, we all succeed," she said. The delegation included Raymond Greene, Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Taipei Office, signaling strong US support for the partnership.
Arizona Governer Katie Hobbs and team visits TSMC in Hsinchu Taiwan. Cedit: Katie Hobbs
Article edited by Jack Wu
