Taiwan continues to expand semiconductor presence in Central Europe

Taipei, Feb. 8 (CNA) Taiwan continues to expand its semiconductor supply chain in Europe, forming strategic partnerships with Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

The expansion, driven by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s (TSMC) 10 billion euro (US$10.33 billion) investment in a new fabrication plant in Germany, aims to solidify Taiwan's role in Europe's semiconductor ecosystem, the ministry said.

TSMC began construction on a 12-inch wafer fab in Dresden last August, which is set to begin mass production by the end of 2027, focusing on automotive and industrial applications.

During his visit to Germany and the Czech Republic in December 2024 to promote industrial cooperation, Economic Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) mentioned various ongoing initiatives to help Taiwanese firms explore investment opportunities in the region.

Among these efforts is the recent opening of the Taiwan Trade and Investment Center in Prague, which will support collaboration in artificial intelligence and information and communication technology (ICT), according to Kuo.

Taiwan is also looking to expand its presence in Czech industrial hubs like Usti and Brno, the latter already being home to major Taiwanese electronics firms such as Wistron, Inventec and Acer, MOEA officials noted.

Czech Republic has launched a national semiconductor development strategy, which aims to collaborate with Taiwan's wafer foundries and connect them with the country's ICT design industry through a platform involving Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute.

Meanwhile, Polish officials highlighted that the country is leveraging its automotive and battery production strengths to integrate into the semiconductor industry.

Paweł Pudłowski, deputy chairman of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, told CNA that Poland's strong workforce, education system and infrastructure make it an attractive destination for foreign investment.

Poland currently has 14 economic zones across the country, offering reduced corporate taxes to companies entering these zones as a means of attracting investment, according to the Polish government.