JETRO AnnouncementsJETRO and Kyushu Economic Federation Signed Memorandum of Cooperation with TAITRA
- Enhancing Efforts to Attract Taiwanese Semiconductor Companies to Kyushu -

Today, JETRO and the Kyushu Economic Federation signed a tripartite memorandum of cooperation with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) in order to promote investment by Taiwanese companies in Kyushu and foster collaboration between businesses in both regions.

Each of organizations brings unique strengths to the partnership—JETRO, with its expertise in attracting foreign companies; the Kyushu Economic Federation, with its extensive network among Kyushu-based companies and organizations; and TAITRA, with its strong connections to Taiwanese businesses. By complementing each other's roles, the three partners aim to further promote Taiwanese investment in Kyushu and strengthen business collaboration between Japan and Taiwan, thereby further invigorating economic exchange between them.

On September 1, JETRO established the Kyushu Regional Headquarters for Semiconductor and Related Industry Investment Promotion within JETRO Fukuoka. This new body will work in coordination with other JETRO offices in the region to accelerate efforts to attract related companies and support collaboration. Prior to this, in September 2023, JETRO Kumamoto launched the Invest Kumamoto Semiconductor Business Support Desk, with considering semiconductors as one of the critical sectors in its investment promotion strategy and is intensifying efforts to attract companies to Kyushu, a key region for the semiconductor industry.

The Kyushu Economic Federation is working toward the realization of a "New Silicon Island Kyushu" initiative. By collaborating with member companies, universities, government bodies, and various organizations and leveraging these diverse networks, it is actively tackling challenges and driving industrial development. Through support for Taiwanese companies entering Kyushu and by fostering collaboration between Japanese and Taiwanese firms, the Federation will be committed to further advancing regional industries.

TAITRA, in April of this year, strengthened its presence in Fukuoka by establishing the Taiwan Trade and Investment Service Center. This move aims to enhance its support systems in both sides of Taiwan and Japan for Taiwanese companies entering Kyushu and collaborating with Kyushu-based firms, particularly in the semiconductor sector.

"The signing of this memorandum marks an important step toward strengthening economic and industrial ties between Taiwan and Kyushu, particularly in the semiconductor field. JETRO has established the Kyushu Regional Headquarters for Semiconductor and Related Industry Investment Promotion in Fukuoka to enhance its regional investment promotion framework. We are currently supporting nearly 40 Taiwanese companies in their expansion into the Kyushu market. We will continue to actively promote the strengths and appeal of Kyushu's industrial ecosystem to a global audience."

"I am truly pleased to sign this memorandum with TAITRA and JETRO. Kyushu's proximity to Asia gives it tremendous potential for its international business development. I am confident that this collaboration will further stimulate economic exchange with Taiwan and enhance the competitiveness of regional industries, especially in the vital semiconductor sector. We will work together to build a new bridge to the future of Kyushu."

"I am delighted that we have established the Taiwan Investment and Trade Service Center in Fukuoka, enabling us to accelerate and deepen trade, investment, and technological exchange between Taiwan and Kyushu. Through strengthened cooperation among TAITRA, JETRO, and the Kyushu Economic Federation, I look forward to strategically advancing the close and friendly economic relationship both regions have cultivated over many years, with a focus on investment."