Taipei: The Ministry of Economic Affairs has approved two applications from U.S.-based tech giant Google to invest an additional NT$27 billion (US$857 million) in Taiwan to expand its data processing and semiconductor-related businesses.
According to Focus Taiwan, the MOEA's Department of Investment Review announced that Google received approval to invest approximately NT$25.34 billion via its wholly owned subsidiary, Fructan Holdings Singapore Pte., in data processing and electronics information services.
Google has also been granted approval by the MOEA to invest an additional NT$1.74 billion through another wholly owned subsidiary, Connectds Singapore Pte., to manage semiconductor-related purchases. While the MOEA did not disclose specific details about these investments, local media reports suggest the funds will be allocated to settle debts incurred by Google in expanding its cloud business and establishing a data center at Changbin Industrial Park in Changhua County.
In addition to the Changbin data center, Google is planning to develop another data center in Tainan to bolster its AI business, as reported by local media. According to the MOEA, this marks the second consecutive year that Google has applied for investment approvals in Taiwan, following a NT$7 billion investment through its United Kingdom subsidiary in 2025.
In a recent interview with CNA, Rick Osterloh, Google's senior vice president of Devices and Services, emphasized Taiwan's pivotal role in Google's transition towards AI-based computing and the wider industry shift.
Meanwhile, the MOEA statement also revealed the approval of an application by Cayman Islands-registered KKcompany Technologies to remit US$55.20 million to Taiwan for acquiring an 88.72 percent stake in the online learning platform operator Taiwan Pressplay Inc. Regarding outbound investments, the MOEA approved four projects, including Compal Electronics' application to invest US$85 million in Virgin Islands-registered AC Advanced Tech L.P. for financial investments.