TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) welcomed Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego to Taiwan with a banquet on Tuesday evening.

Lin said Phoenix and the state of Arizona have become important hubs for Taiwanese companies in the US, and bilateral cooperation in high-tech industries continues to expand, according to the foreign ministry. Taiwan holds key advantages in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing, Lin said, which play an important role in global supply chains.

The foreign minister said Starlux Airlines’ launch of nonstop flights between Taipei and Phoenix would help increase the flow of people, goods, and capital and strengthen industrial linkages. Taiwan and Phoenix will continue promoting industrial cooperation and talent exchanges to build a more resilient high-tech supply chain, Lin said.

Gallego said her visit underscores the close partnership between Phoenix and Taiwan. She pointed out that following TSMC’s announcement of a NT$5.21 trillion (US$165 billion) investment in the US, Phoenix will continue to work with Taiwan to deepen high-tech cooperation. 

The mayor said she also looked forward to continued cooperation in education and training, as well as expanding opportunities in aerospace and biotechnology.

During her visit, Gallego will meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) and engage with representatives from the Tainan and Taipei city governments on bilateral trade and economic cooperation. She will also hold exchanges with leaders in Taiwan’s high-tech industries. 

Phoenix Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien said last week that she will visit Taiwan to finalize an agreement with the Industrial Technology Research Institute and other bodies to promote innovation and collaboration in fields such as AI and semiconductors.