2026-10-20
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held the 2026 Taiwan Business Alliance Conference today (October 20) under the theme “AI Taiwan．Connecting the Globe.” The event showcased Taiwan’s industrial innovation strengths and its position as a global AI hub. Premier Cho Jung-tai also attended the conference.
Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin said that the conference brought together investment plans from 27 companies, totaling approximately NT$666 billion. Of these, 13 companies signed letters of intent (LOIs) with the MOEA. The event also featured the launch of an MOU for future cooperation with the Houston Astros, highlighting new opportunities for investment and collaboration in the sports industry. Minister Kung said he expects foreign investment in Taiwan to become even more diverse in the future.
Minister Kung noted that Taiwan’s strong economic performance in 2026 is clear for all to see. Economic growth is expected to exceed 11%, with some forecasts reaching 12%. According to MOEA investment statistics, annual foreign investment in Taiwan averaged approximately US$5 billion in the eight years before 2016. This figure doubled to US$10 billion in the eight years following 2016, and is expected to exceed US$20 billion this year, reflecting growing confidence among foreign investors in Taiwan.
The MOEA stated that, amid the global AI boom, Taiwan’s strengths in advanced semiconductor manufacturing and AI server hardware are creating a new wave of economic growth. The 27 companies identified through this year’s conference are expected to invest approximately NT$666 billion, up 315% from 2025. Among them, 13 representative companies signed LOIs, with planned investment totaling approximately NT$62.1 billion, up 28.5% from last year. Eleven of the companies are signing LOIs for the first time, demonstrating the growing importance international companies place on the Taiwan market.
The companies include: Global chemical leader BASF is rapidly expanding its Kuanyin site in Taoyuan to increase local R&D and manufacturing capacity; Qnity Electronics, a leading provider of materials and technology solutions for the semiconductor value chain, is developing a new advanced semiconductor research and manufacturing facility to expand its production and R&D capabilities in Taiwan; Canon Semiconductor Equipment Taiwan, a global leader in semiconductor lithography equipment, has opened a new semiconductor training center; Lam Research, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and services, continues to expand and strengthen its R&D capabilities in Taiwan; Global performance advertising company Taboola will continue to expand its Taipei R&D center; Japanese semiconductor equipment company TAZMO is establishing an advanced packaging process demonstration and talent training center in Taiwan; RASA Technology Taiwan, WONIK Quartz Taiwan, and Taiwan Refine also plan to build additional facilities in Taiwan in response to growing market demand.
In the consumer services sector, U.S.-based third-party logistics company Crane Worldwide Logistics plans to expand its operations in Taiwan; Japan’s Nishimatsuya, a leading retailer of maternity, infant, and children’s products, entered the Taiwan market in 2026 and plans to expand to 50 stores across Taiwan.
Another major highlight of this year’s conference was the first time a Major League Baseball (MLB) club has signed an MOU in Taiwan. Witnessed by Premier Cho Jung-tai, Houston Astros Chairman Jim Crane joined Minister Kung and Administrative Deputy Minister of Sports Hung Chih-chang for the launch ceremony of an MOU on Taiwan–U.S. baseball industry cooperation and talent development. Taiwanese MLB player Kai-Wei Teng also attended as a special guest. The Houston Astros plans to leverage Taiwan’s technological capabilities to further strengthen this partnership, creating more opportunities for Taiwanese athletes as well as businesses in both markets.
This year’s Taiwan Business Alliance Conference attracted more than 200 senior executives from Taiwan and abroad, as well as chairpersons and CEOs from European, U.S., and Japanese chambers of commerce. For the first time, the conference also offered an exhibition tour for foreign companies after the event, which was well-received.
Spokesperson: Economic Counselor Chen, Department of Investment Promotion
Tel: 02-2389-2111 ext. 811 / 0966-882-783
Email: alchen@moea.gov.tw
Contact: Section Chief Chen, Department of Investment Promotion
Tel: 02-2389-2111 ext. 210
Email: yjchen2@moea.gov.tw
Source： Department of Investment Promotion, MOEA
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