The Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the American State Offices Association yesterday jointly held the US Business Day investment forum at the Taipei International Convention Center as both sides gear up for more business opportunities together.

Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Lin Chuan-neng (林全能) said in opening remarks that the Taiwan Strait issue has been a focus of global security, but foreign businesses still have confidence in Taiwan’s market, as companies such as Applied Materials Inc, ASML Holding NV and Merck Group continue to invest here.

“Taiwan is indeed a trustworthy partner in the global supply chain,” Lin was quoted as saying in a statement released by TAITRA. Taiwan and the US continue to strengthen economic and trade cooperation based on shared values, TAITRA chairman James Huang (黃志芳) said in the statement.

Many US states have established offices in Taiwan over the past three years, amid a closer relationship between Taiwan and the US, Oudkirk said, adding that 18 US companies, including Super Micro Computer Inc, attended the investment forum. Last year, Taiwan was the US’ ninth-largest trading partner, while the US was Taiwan’s second-largest, as well as one of its most important sources of foreign direct investment and technological input, the TAITRA statement said.