Taiwan now 'clearly on the map' in France: BFT director

Taipei, Aug. 28 (CNA) Taiwan is attracting greater attention in France because of its strategic role in semiconductor production and broader economic development, the new director of the French Office in Taipei (BFT) said Friday.

Frédéric Laplanche, who arrived in Taiwan on Thursday, made the remarks at a media briefing on his second day in the country.

"The strategic importance of semiconductors means that Taiwan is clearly on the map now," Laplanche said, noting that shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic had highlighted Taiwan's importance to global chip supply chains.

Taiwan's rapid economic development beyond the semiconductor sector has also drawn growing attention in France, he added.

Laplanche said France and the European Union were seeking greater economic sovereignty by reducing excessive reliance on individual sources for strategically important products.

That does not mean pursuing complete autonomy, but rather working with trusted partners to build secure supply chains, he said.

Taiwan's democratic system and dependable industrial environment make it an important partner for France and French companies, Laplanche said, describing Taiwan as an "ecosystem of trust."

Asked about his priorities as BFT director, Laplanche said he hoped to advance economic and technological ties, as well as cultural, scientific and people-to-people exchanges.

"People to people, that's the key," he said.

Laplanche, who outlined his longstanding personal and professional ties with Taiwan in Mandarin during his opening remarks, first visited the country as a student in 1995 to study its democratization.

He returned in 2004 to help establish the European Economic and Trade Office, where he served as deputy head until 2008, before returning as head of the office from 2011 to 2015.

Laplanche has also served as France's ambassador to Malaysia and held senior positions at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Describing himself as a "son-in-law of Taiwan," Laplanche joked that fate appeared to bring him back to Taiwan roughly once every decade.

He said his latest assignment would allow him to continue building connections between the people of France and Taiwan.

Laplanche also said France will operate a pavilion at SEMICON Taiwan next week for the third consecutive year.

Ten French companies will exhibit at the French Pavilion, the largest number in the pavilion's three years at the trade show, he said.