TAIPEI, Oct 7 (Reuters) – Taiwan’s Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua will visit the United States next week to respond to what her office has described as “concerns” about supply chains and geopolitical issues, and will also visit US tech companies , which are major customers of Taiwanese semiconductor companies.
A global semiconductor shortage has put chip powerhouse Taiwan in the spotlight, making supply chain management a bigger priority for governments around the world.
Taiwan’s position as a major chip maker has raised concerns in the United States that it is overly dependent on the island, particularly at a time when China is stepping up military drills to assert its claims to sovereignty.
Wang’s ministry said Friday that it will embark on a week-long trip on Sunday to promote more frequent exchanges with the United States and collaborate on global business opportunities.
It will also “respond to sides’ concerns about recent supply chain resilience and geopolitical issues through interaction and exchanges on the US side,” she added in a statement.
Wang will meet with U.S. companies and chambers of commerce to discuss ways to strengthen supply chain cooperation, the ministry said.
“In addition, she will also visit industry giants, which are headquartered in Silicon Valley and closely linked to Taiwan’s semiconductor supply chain, to exchange ideas, continue to attract investment, and strengthen the security and resilience of Taiwan’s supply chain.”
The ministry did not name the companies she would visit or any US officials she might meet, although she said she would be in Washington from Oct. 12-14 for an exhibition dedicated to Taiwanese products.
Taiwan is home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd, the world’s largest contract chip manufacturer and a key supplier to companies like Apple Inc.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said the island is committed to ensuring its partners have a reliable supply of semiconductors and urged allies to step up cooperation amid heightened threats from China.
But the government has also vowed to maintain Taiwan’s dominant position in chip manufacturing. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard)
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