Tokyo-based semiconductor equipment supplier Takaoka Electric Manufacturing inaugurated its Taichung City factory on October 23, further bolstering economic ties between Taiwan and Japan.
The plant, which produces testing equipment for the information communications technology market, is expected to make its first deliveries in November. Other products set to be turned out at the site include charging stations for electric vehicles and water purifiers.
Christophe Lai, chief executive officer of the ROC InvesTaiwan Service Center, said he hopes the factory’s inauguration encourages more firms from Japan to follow suit.
“Taiwan is open for business and offers numerous opportunities for Japanese companies given its central location, highly skilled workforce and robust business climate,” he added.
Echoing Lai’s remarks, Takaoka President Isao Ozaki cited the strong local semiconductor sector and warming Taipei-Beijing relations as key reasons for the firm to invest in Taiwan.
“Machinery is one of the sectors subject to cross-strait tariff concessions,” he said. “We anticipate leveraging this significant advantage and expanding our presence in Asian markets.”
According to Ozaki, Takaoka approached the agency for assistance in March this year, signing a letter of intent during a Ministry of Economic Affairs investment promotion tour to Japan three months ago.
“Japan’s small and medium enterprises are keen on expanding their reach globally, but many of them lack the expertise and resources for such strategic planning,” he said. “InvesTaiwan Service Center can play a central role in helping those firms realize their goals.”
