PHOENIX, AZ (May 4, 2026) – Building on strong economic momentum and record levels of international activity and investment, Arizona celebrated the opening of the Taiwan Trade and Investment Service Center in Phoenix.

On Friday, May 1, Taiwan Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Ming-Hsin Kung joined local officials, foreign dignitaries and international business leaders to announce the opening of the new trade center, which will serve as a platform to increase collaboration, trade and foreign direct investment opportunities between Arizona and Taiwan.

“This investment and trade center will serve as a bridge and a platform to connect Taiwanese business with state government and local government to further develop the investment environment here in Arizona,” said Dr. Ming-Hsin Kung, Taiwan Minister of Economic Affairs. 

The opening ceremony followed multiple days of high-level meetings, discussions, and engagements further strengthening collaboration between Arizona and Taiwan. 

“Arizona and Taiwan are leading in our collaboration across high-tech manufacturing, higher education, workforce development, and much more - shaping the development of next-gen technology and more resilient supply chains throughout the world,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. “With this new office, Arizona and Taiwan have the opportunity to take this productive partnership to the next level.”

On April 30-May 1, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) hosted the Arizona AI & Semiconductor Global Forum, supported by SelectUSA. The forum brought together Arizona partners and a delegation of over 100 business, government, academia, and community leaders from around the world to learn about Arizona’s advantages and explore investment opportunities ahead of the SelectUSA Investment Summit on May 3-6. 

On Thursday, April 30, the ACA and the Taiwan AI Alliance (TAIA), an investor network based in Taiwan with an emphasis on visionary founders leveraging AI, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish Arizona as a hub for Taiwanese AI startups and innovative companies to enter the U.S. market.

“This week has showcased the strength of the Arizona–Taiwan relationship, from the historic opening of the Taiwan Trade and Investment Service Center to days of meaningful dialogue and partnership,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “We are grateful to Minister Kung, TAITRA Chairman Huang, Vice Chairman Chyau, and all our Taiwanese partners for their continued leadership and collaboration as we build the future together.”

Joining the trade center celebration were officials from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles (TECO-LA), the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, state legislators, and statewide partners.

“Phoenix is proud to welcome the Taiwan Trade and Investment Center and to host global leaders through the Arizona AI and Global Semiconductor Forum,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “These efforts strengthen our international partnerships and reinforce Phoenix’s position as a premier destination for advanced manufacturing and innovations. As we deepen our ties with Taiwan and expand opportunities through SelectUSA, we are creating new pathways for investment, job growth, and long-term economic resilience for our residents and businesses.”

Last year, Taiwan became Arizona’s second‑largest trade partner, behind only Mexico. In 2025, Arizona exported $4.5 billion in goods to Taiwan, a 243.8% increase from 2024. During the same period, Arizona imported $16.7 billion from Taiwan, an increase of 369.7%. This year-over-year growth is driven in large part by expanded investment from Taiwanese companies, including TSMC, and Arizona’s continued momentum in semiconductors and high-tech manufacturing.  

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.