PHOENIX — Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is traveling to Taiwan this weekend for a diplomatic and business trade mission focused on strengthening Arizona’s booming semiconductor and high-tech industries.
During the trip, Hobbs will meet with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, leaders from TSMC, and executives from cutting-edge tech and AI companies. The goal is to deepen Arizona’s economic ties with Taiwan and attract new investments in semiconductors, AI, and advanced manufacturing.
“Arizona is leading the way as a national hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation,” Hobbs said. “This mission is about building on our momentum in the semiconductor sector and expanding our global partnerships. Arizona is the best place in the world to do business—and I’m excited to take that message to Taiwan.”
Joining Hobbs on the trip is Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, who praised Arizona’s long-standing partnership with Taiwan in areas like technology, defense, and supply chain development.
The mission comes just weeks after TSMC announced a $100 billion expansion in Arizona, including three new semiconductor fabs, advanced packaging facilities, and an R&D center—projects expected to create 40,000 construction jobs and tens of thousands of permanent tech jobs.
Governor Hobbs’ visit also follows Arizona’s historic semiconductor growth, including:
Amkor’s $2 billion semiconductor packaging facility in Peoria
LG Energy Solution’s $5.5 billion battery plant in Queen Creek
ASM’s new R&D and manufacturing center in Scottsdale
American Battery Factory’s $1.2 billion gigafactory in Tucson
Intel’s $32 billion investment into Chandler fabs
Sunlit Chemical’s U.S. facility supporting semiconductor materials
ASU Research Park named one of three CHIPS for America R&D Flagship Facilities
Hobbs is expected to meet with AI industry leaders and suppliers during the mission as Arizona positions itself at the forefront of next-generation technology and innovation.
