Phoenix: Taiwan will open a representative office in Phoenix, Arizona, to strengthen exchanges with the United States in economics, technology, education, and supply chain cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced.
According to Focus Taiwan, Phoenix has become an increasingly important technology hub as Taiwanese semiconductor investment in the city expands. This growth has been partly driven by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker. TSMC's presence in Arizona has attracted more Taiwanese suppliers to establish local operations.
TSMC's first fabrication plant in Arizona began mass production in the fourth quarter of 2024, while construction of a second plant has been completed, with production expected to start in the second half of 2027. A third plant is currently under construction.
Earlier this year, Taiwan and Phoenix signed a memorandum of understanding to cultivate high-tech talent and deepen cooperation in AI-driven industries. However, the ministry did not provide a timeline for when the new office will open.
Once established, the Phoenix office will become Taiwan's 14th representative office in the U.S., joining those in Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, Houston, Chicago, Honolulu, Denver, Miami, and Guam.
This expansion signifies the strength and depth of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership, as highlighted by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) in a Facebook post. Arizona's emergence as a center of Taiwan's high-tech presence in the U.S. continues to attract a growing network of supply chain companies, reinforcing the thriving U.S.-Taiwan partnership in semiconductors and advanced technology.