Taiwan officials visit Arizona as Phoenix works to expand ties beyond semiconductors

After massive investments from chipmaker TSMC, the state and city of Phoenix have expanded their partnerships with Taiwan.

About two dozen Taiwanese officials stopped in Arizona this week to launch a U.S. visit.

The delegation was led by Taiwan’s political leader, Han Kuo-yu.

While Phoenix and Taipei have relations going back decades, the most notable project has been TSMC’s manufacturing complex just off Loop 303.

In October, Phoenix signed an agreement with a Taiwanese health research firm, signaling business ties are developing beyond semiconductors.

"While much of our recent collaboration has focused on semiconductors and advance manufacturing, especially TSMC, we see tremendous opportunity to deepen our relationship in bioscience, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare innovation," said Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington.

Numbers from the Arizona Commerce Authority show Taiwan became the state’s second-largest trade partner last year, just behind Mexico.

Hodge Washington says the city aims to make Arizona a hub for further Taiwanese investment in the U.S.

“We welcome Taiwan’s bioscience and pharmaceutical leaders to explore Phoenix as a gateway to the U.S. market and as a long-term partner in innovation. The next breakthrough in healthcare could come through a collaboration between Taiwan and Phoenix," Hodge Washington said.

Taiwanese media outlets say Han will go to Washington to meet with U.S. congressmembers.