Economics Minister John Deng says that he hopes to see Taiwan’s chip design industry open up to investment from Mainland China during his term in office. He spoke about possible complementary measures on Thursday during an interview.
Deng said that Chinese investors are currently banned from investing in the design sector of Taiwan’s chip industry. But he said that as international competition heats up, the government will have to consider lifting the ban. He spoke about important issues the government must take into account if it decides to open up the industry to Chinese investment.
"If we’re working to open up to investment [from China,] we want to keep our technology from being transferred to China," Deng said. "The second thing we must consider is that Chinese investors might steal our business know-how. Thirdly, they might poach our talent. Fourthly, the whole industry might move to China. These are our concerns. Therefore, when we’re contemplating opening up to Chinese investment, we need to consider whether our complementary measures are complete."
Deng said the ministry does not have a timetable for allowing Chinese investment in the chip design sector, but he said he hopes to see the sector open up to Chinese investors soon.