Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce Forum Highlights U.S. Investment Opportunities

Taipei: Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of North America (TCCNA) President Eugenia Henry emphasized the commitment to support Taiwanese businesses in maximizing their investments in the United States at a forum held in Taipei. The forum underlined Taiwan's substantial investment pledges in the U.S., amounting to hundreds of billions, as part of the new economic collaboration between the two regions. According to Focus Taiwan, the forum attracted officials and representatives from five U.S. states, centering on the challenges and opportunities for Taiwanese businesses, including the strategic aim to establish supply chains independent of Chinese components. Key areas of discussion included smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, energy and battery storage, biotechnology, defense, strategic supply chains, and agriculture. Overseas Community Affairs Council Minister Hsu Chia-ching highlighted Taiwan's strategic efforts to enhance its presence in the U.S. defense sector. Hsu referred to the Taiwanese Cabine t's proposal of a NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.12 billion) special defense budget, emphasizing that a significant portion would bolster domestic defense initiatives in tandem with procuring arms from the U.S. Hsu stressed the budget's global significance and expressed optimism for its swift legislative approval. Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee promoted Maryland as a prime destination for Taiwanese investments, highlighting incentives, prestigious universities and medical institutions, and its strategic location near Washington. Lee mentioned a December 2025 partnership aiming to mobilize up to US$50 million in co-investments in areas like AI, robotics, semiconductors, agri-tech, and biotech, involving the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, TAIIDA-APAC Investment and Innovation Development Association Taiwan, and SangFroid International Capital. Maryland's "whole-of-government" approach seeks to position the state as a gateway for Taiwanese businesses entering the U.S. market. U.S. representatives Zachary Nunn from Iowa, Scott Fitzgerald from Wisconsin, Julie Fedorchak from North Dakota, and Jefferson Shreve from Indiana also participated, offering brief remarks and engaging with attendees.