On the afternoon of the 12th (U.S. time), Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai led a city delegation to visit the Arizona State Government, where he met with Governor Katie Hobbs and signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting Economic Exchange between the City of Kaohsiung, the Kumamoto Prefectural Government, and the State of Arizona. Kumamoto Governor Kimura Takashi not only appointed Vice Governor Takeuchi Shingi to lead a delegation in person, but also joined the ceremony online to witness the signing of the trilateral MOU.
This milestone signifies the establishment of a “semiconductor strategic triangle” among Taiwan, the United States, and Japan, and marks a pivotal moment in which local governments, through industrial linkages, collaborate to safeguard the global supply chain and strengthen the resilience of the democratic alliance.
In his remarks, Mayor Chen emphasized that TSMC’s investment across the three locations represents not only economic and technological cooperation but also profound political and strategic significance. He noted that semiconductors are not only a symbol of the world’s most advanced technological capabilities, but also of the values of freedom upheld by democratic societies. Through TSMC’s fabs in Kaohsiung, Arizona, and Kumamoto, the three regions are now closely connected. With the signing of the MOU, a key “semiconductor strategic triangle” has been formally established in the Indo-Pacific region, with future cooperation to be deepened in industry, technology, and cross-border talent development, thereby strengthening the resilience of global supply chains.
Governor Katie Hobbs extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegations from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and Kumamoto, Japan. She noted that the long-standing partnerships among the United States, Taiwan, and Japan reflect a strong and shared commitment to mutual strengths and the value of cooperation. In a time of rapidly changing global dynamics, she emphasized, closer trilateral collaboration will help build a more secure, stable, and prosperous future.
Governor Hobbs also highlighted that continued collaboration among industry, government, and academia will further drive technological innovation and talent development, while reinforcing the critical role of the United States, Taiwan, and Japan in the global semiconductor industry. “This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation, enabling our three regions to deepen partnerships, foster innovation, and strengthen the resilience of semiconductor supply chains. Together, we will create new opportunities, support economic growth, and reinforce our technological leadership.” Governor Kimura Takashi noted that since Kumamoto Prefecture and Kaohsiung established sister-city ties in 2017, the two sides have continued to build closer cooperation in tourism, education, and culture, with the 10th anniversary of their partnership approaching next year. The signing of this MOU among Kumamoto, Kaohsiung, and the State of Arizona marks an important step forward in semiconductor industry collaboration.He further stated that Kumamoto, Kaohsiung, and Arizona have become key global semiconductor hubs through TSMC’s investments and fabs. Going forward, the three parties will work together to strengthen supply chain resilience and deepen cooperation in semiconductor applications and high-tech talent cultivation. Through this MOU, they will also further integrate the strengths of government, industry, and academia to advance cross-border industrial collaboration, promote regional economic development, and jointly enhance the stability and resilience of the global semiconductor supply chain.
Director-General Chang Yen-ching of the Department of Administrative and International Affairs expressed appreciation for the strong mutual trust among partners in the State of Arizona and Kumamoto Prefecture. She noted that, prior to the visit, the three parties held multiple virtual meetings for intensive communication and preparation, building a shared consensus for cooperation. Looking ahead, Kaohsiung will continue to work closely with international partners to foster more opportunities for exchanges and collaborations in areas such as economic security, urban governance, and sustainable development, while deepening practical dialogue and cooperation between cities.