TAIPEI (TVBS News) — German Institute Taipei Director-General Jörg Polster commended the enduring ties between industries in Taiwan and Germany on Friday (Oct. 27), following TSMC's confirmation that it will open its first European factory in 2024.
Polster emphasized that the Taiwanese government's approval of the Dresden-based semiconductor fabrication plant is "a big step" for relations between the two countries. He also noted that Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) is actively seeking suppliers in Germany to support its development in electric mobility.
Addressing the challenges faced by TSMC at its U.S. plant in Arizona, Polster said German officials are taking steps to accommodate the needs of Taiwanese engineers who will arrive in Germany next spring. "We are aware of the existing issues and are striving to avoid similar problems," he added.
With 250 German companies currently operating in Taiwan, Polster underscored the vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises as the backbone of Germany's economy. These companies "can adapt to any changes in the overall environment," he said, expressing optimism about an increasing number of German firms coming to Taiwan.
Discussing bilateral cooperation, the German envoy emphasized the need to build an "ecosystem," particularly in the semiconductor sector. "It will grow with the help of our suppliers, but it will also grow with the help of Taiwan's suppliers," Polster said.
In addition, Polster revealed plans to send students from the German state of Saxony to Taiwan in 2024 for a six-month training program in semiconductor technology, hosted by a Taiwanese university and TSMC. "Seeing is believing," Polster remarked, saying the student exchange will "narrow the cultural gap as much as possible and foster mutual understanding."
As the global business landscape grapples with geopolitical uncertainties, Polster believes that supply chain management will remain critical for business development.