A private plane landed at Taoyuan International Airport on Dec. 13. The Ministry of Economic Affairs confirmed that the plane carried Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger. He entered Taiwan under the "economic bubble" program. In a pre-recorded video, he explained the reason for his visit to Taiwan.

Pat Gelsinger, CEO, Intel: “The shortage that we are all grappling with has highlighted the importance not only of semiconductors but of supply chains. Our longstanding relationship with TSMC... TSMC has unlocked the magic of silicon for us and others in the industry in so many ways.”

Gelsinger is expected to keep a low profile while in Taiwan, and will not make any public appearances. Economic Affairs Minister Wang Mei-hua said Gelsinger won't be meeting with her. Recently, Gelsinger tried to stop the US government from giving TSMC subsidies to establish a fab there. He also said, "Taiwan is not a stable place." In the video, he said Intel and TSMC's relationship is close and also praised Taiwan.

Pat Gelsinger, CEO, Intel: “...Taiwan, home to an entire, vibrant ecosystem that weaves together technology... together, as a hub in our industry. It is nothing short of amazing what Taiwan has become in the last several decades.”

Lin Chuan-neng, Vice Economic Affairs Minister: “I believe he (Pat Gelsinger) will have many topics to discuss. As for which manufacturers he invited, I think TSMC must be one of them.”

It's believed that this trip is an attempt to resolve next year's chip supply crisis. There are reports that Intel and TSMC will reach an agreement on orders of 3-nanometer chips. The Taiwan Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association said the chip shortage problem is expected to improve in the second half of 2022, and the supply will return to normal for electrical and electronics manufacturers.

Richard Lee, Chair, Taiwan Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers Assoc.: “Of course, there is an effect, although we feel there has been an improvement. Things will continue improving in the first half of next year and should return to normal in the second half. ”

The association said that as demand increases, the shipping momentum of Taiwan's electronics supply chain will continue to grow, especially with regards to 5G and IoT applications where chip demand is high. If the pandemic situation doesn't have an effect, electronics exports in 2022 will be able to drive Taiwan's economic growth.


●Origin：公視新聞網
●Link：https://news.pts.org.tw/article/558493