Saxony Courts Taiwanese Companies at Chip Trade Show

Germany is attracting more Taiwanese companies with a growing presence at Semicon, the major semiconductor trade show in Taiwan. Eva Langerbeck, chief representative of the German Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, spoke of a new phase in cooperation in the semiconductor sector. The cooperation extends beyond major investments to include equipment, materials, smart manufacturing, skilled workers, and the entire supply chain.

The Free State of Saxony, in particular, is promoting itself as a business location. “We want to make Saxony a hub for Taiwan,” said Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Panter (SPD) at the trade show. He announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the city of Chemnitz and the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung. Panter emphasized that all of Saxony is interested in expanding its partnership with Taiwan. 

The ESMC factory is currently under construction in Saxony—a joint project between Taiwan’s leading chip manufacturer TSMC, Bosch, Infineon, and NXP. Production of chips for the automotive industry is scheduled to begin there in 2027. According to Panter, more than 20 Taiwanese companies have established themselves in Saxony as suppliers for ESMC. 

Supplier Plans to Set Up Shop in Dresden

Charles Lee, CEO of TSMC supplier Topco Scientific, told the German Press Agency that his company plans to open its first European branch in Dresden in November. The branch is intended to serve as a platform for Taiwanese suppliers entering the European market to jointly serve ESMC and possibly other customers. Germany has strongly supported the improvement of the investment climate, he said.

Semicon opened Wednesday in Taipei with more than 1,300 companies, 4,300 exhibition booths, and over 25 international forums. Taiwan also aims to strengthen its leading position in the global semiconductor industry through this event. According to the Chamber of Commerce, the German pavilion achieved record participation with 31 participating companies, cities, and economic development agencies. Last year, there were only 18.