Leaders from Southern Arizona and Southern Taiwan signed a six-party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 13 in Tucson to strengthen cooperation in the semiconductor, optics, and photonics sectors. The agreement brings together government, economic development, and academic partners from both regions, including the Arizona Commerce Authority, Pima County, City of Tucson, University of Arizona, Kaohsiung City Government, and National Sun Yat-sen University.
The partnership aims to boost the resilience of the global semiconductor supply chain while advancing joint research and workforce development in advanced manufacturing technologies. This collaboration is significant as both regions play key roles in the global technology ecosystem.
The MOU focuses on three main areas: industrial resilience through public–private partnerships; talent development via academic exchanges and joint research between the University of Arizona and National Sun Yat-sen University; and governance exchange among government leaders and institutions. Southern Arizona is recognized internationally for its leadership in optics and photonics—anchored by the University of Arizona’s College of Optical Sciences—while Southern Taiwan is known for its strength in semiconductor manufacturing.
Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, said: “This MOU marks an important milestone in strengthening the valued partnership between Arizona and Taiwan. By deepening collaboration between our regions—both essential to the global semiconductor ecosystem—this agreement expands opportunities to work together across workforce development, research, and expand semiconductor supply chains. We look forward to building on our long‑standing relationship and driving continued innovation and economic growth alongside our partners in Taiwan.”
University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella said: “International collaboration is vital for the University of Arizona’s role in advancing research and innovation that drive our state and global economies. This is particularly true for the semiconductor industry, which we are committed to supporting for Arizona’s economic future. I’m very pleased the university and our partners in this agreement will now have the opportunity to expand our impact together.”
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai said: “Pima County and Tucson are premier global centers for optical technology. Meanwhile, Kaohsiung is embracing advanced semiconductor processes and spearheading a long-term industrial transition. The core competitiveness of the semiconductor industry lies in its talent and ecosystem. Consequently, the partnership between Kaohsiung and Arizona is evolving beyond high-level policy support toward substantive integration among industry, academia, and research institutions. The core objective of this six-party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to establish a stable and high-quality international talent pipeline. By leveraging a powerful alliance between National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) and the University of Arizona (U of A) in the fields of electrical engineering, materials science, and optics, both regions aim to capitalize on their deep-rooted industrial clusters. This collaboration will enable them to proactively address rapid shifts in the global supply chain and construct a highly resilient transnational semiconductor ecosystem.”
President Li Chih-peng of National Sun Yat-sen University thanked Mayor Chen Chi-mai for facilitating cooperation: “This agreement advances the Memorandum of Understanding signed between NSYSU and the University of Arizona in 2023 by strengthening collaboration in semiconductors, optoelectronics, artificial intelligence, and health technology. Future initiatives will focus on cultivating technology talent with a global vision through joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and industry-academic partnerships. These efforts align with the semiconductor development strategy of Kaohsiung and will provide vital momentum for industrial upgrading and urban innovation.”
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said: “It is an honor for Tucson … Our region is internationally recognized as ‘Optics Valley,’ anchored by … College of Optical Sciences … This partnership connects Tucson’s optics … with Southern Taiwan’s leadership … advancing research … workforce development … resilient supply chains … We are also encouraged by Taiwan’s global leadership in water treatment … especially important for a desert community like Tucson as we pursue sustainable economic development.”
Jennifer Allen from Pima County Board added: “Participating in this declaration signing is a great opportunity for Pima County to collaborate with all … partners … Working together we can advance economic growth that supports our communities…”
In 2025 alone,Taiwan became Arizona’s second-largest trading partner with more than $21.2 billion total trade; exports reached $4.5 billion while imports totaled $16.7 billion.
Arizona has seen strong results from its economic development efforts—in Fiscal Year 2022 alone it worked with companies to create over 24,000 projected new jobs statewide according to the Arizona Commerce Authority.
The agreement represents a shared commitment by both regions’ governments—and their academic institutions—to explore long-term collaborations that support innovation across industries.
