An Arizona business delegation led by the Arizona Commerce Authority traveled to Taiwan and Japan last week to deepen ties with global semiconductor leaders, expand trade opportunities, and highlight Arizona’s growing role in advanced manufacturing and international commerce.
Visit to TSMC’s flagship Fab 15
The delegation visited the Newcomer Training Center at TSMC’s Fab 15 in the Central Taiwan Science Park in Taichung. Fab 15 is TSMC’s flagship manufacturing site, and its training center serves as a pipeline for developing skilled semiconductor talent. The visit allowed the delegation to observe firsthand how Taiwan is training the next generation of engineers and technicians, something that is of increasing importance for Arizona as the state continues to build out its own semiconductor workforce.
Engaging Taiwan’s industry leaders
The itinerary included a reception with Taiwan industry executives and leading trade associations, where discussions centered on strengthening investment flows, enhancing workforce partnerships, and fostering greater collaboration between Arizona and Taiwan’s thriving technology sector.
Delegates also participated in a reception hosted by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). Established in 1979 as a non-profit corporation following the U.S. shift in diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, AIT has long served as a key facilitator of U.S.–Taiwan economic and cultural relations. The gathering provided an opportunity to connect with both U.S. and Taiwan stakeholders committed to advancing shared business interests.
SEMICON Nexus Forum and SEMICON Taiwan
At the invitation of the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation attended the SEMICON Nexus Forum, a platform convening global leaders from government, industry, and academia to address the future of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies.
The Arizona group also took part in SEMICON Taiwan, the region’s premier annual semiconductor industry event. This year’s theme—“Leading with collaboration. Innovating with the world.”—underscored the global partnerships driving innovation in the sector.
SEMICON West will be held next month in Phoenix for the first time. Business community advocates say hosting this global trade show further strengthens greater Phoenix and the rest of Arizona as key hub for innovation and industry growth.
“Experiencing SEMICON Taiwan gave us a glimpse of just how monumental hosting SEMICON West will be for Arizona,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, who participated in the delegation. “From supply chains, to workforce development, to manufacturing processes, and more, landing SEMICON West is a major coup.”
As part of the program, the Arizona delegation joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony with China Airlines, which along with Starlux Airlines will soon begin nonstop service between Taipei and Phoenix. The new direct connections will strengthen Arizona’s ties to Asia and further position the state as a hub for international business and investment.
Arizona’s Role in the global semiconductor ecosystem
Seiden emphasized the strategic value of the mission.
“Arizona’s partnership with Taiwan is critical to our state’s economic future,” he said. “By engaging directly with industry leaders at TSMC, at SEMICON, and through forums with government and trade associations, we are ensuring that Arizona remains at the forefront of the global semiconductor supply chain. This trip helped build long-term relationships that will strengthen our workforce, attract new investment, and create opportunities for Arizona companies.”
New Tokyo trade office
From Taiwan it was on to Japan, where the group met with industry and government leaders including the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan (SEAJ), SEMI Japan, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
The Arizona Commerce Authority also formally opened the state’s newest trade and investment office in Tokyo.
“Arizona’s new trade and investment office in Japan represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen collaboration across high-tech sectors and expand growth opportunities for Arizona-based businesses,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said.
Fujifilm, Toyota Motors North America, JX Advanced Metals, NRS Logistics America, Pentagon Technologies, and Komatsu are among the many companies with significant operations in Japan and Arizona. In 2024, total trade between Arizona and Japan was nearly $4 billion
AloJapan.com