Economics minister talks chip, AI cooperation with Texas governor

Taipei, May 17 (CNA) Economic Affairs Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) met with Texas Governor Greg Abbott in Austin on Friday to discuss cooperation on semiconductor and artificial intelligence development, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

In a statement, the MOEA said Kuo's visit with Abbott, which came a day after he attended the opening of a wafer plant by Taiwan-based GlobalWafers Co. in Sherman, Texas, was to follow up on a letter of intent Kuo signed with Abbott in Taiwan in July 2024.

That letter was aimed at collaboration on commercial initiatives in semiconductors, electric vehicles, energy resilience and technology innovation, and Kuo and Abbott discussed how to put it into practice by facilitating bilateral investment and closer partnerships, the MOEA said.

Kuo also told Abbott of Taiwan's plan to open a trade and investment center in the state later this year.

The MOEA did not provide any further details of what, if anything, was agreed upon during their meeting.

In 2024, Taiwan was the fourth largest source of imports in Texas, which has the second largest economy of any state in the United States, according to the MOEA.

Bilateral trade between Taiwan and Texas hit US$25.59 billion in 2024, up 19.91 percent from a year earlier.