Dr. Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
June 25, 2026
(As Prepared for Delivery)
The Honorable Marcello Ventura, President of the IV Commission on Productive Activities;
The Honorable Raffaele Cattaneo, Undersecretary of the Lombardy Region;
The Honorable Ivan Rota, Coordinator of the Lombardy-Taiwan Interparty Friendship Group;
Honorable councilors;
Esteemed business leaders;
Distinguished guests;
Dear friends from Taiwan and Italy:
It is a great pleasure and honor for me to lead a delegation of Taiwanese industrial associations and enterprises to the Lombardy Regional Council for this valuable exchange. On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your warm hospitality.
1.Lombardy is the economic engine of Italy
Lombardy is at the heart of Italy’s economic vitality. It contributes roughly one-fifth of GDP and is one of Europe’s premier industrial regions. Over the years, Lombardy has demonstrated a remarkable spirit of innovation, resilience, and competitiveness. These qualities resonate with Taiwan’s own development experience.
2.Taiwan is a trusted partner in ensuring global resilience
Taiwan is a global tech powerhouse. It produces 60 percent of the world’s semiconductors, over 90 percent of the most advanced microchips, and roughly 90 percent of AI servers. In response to recent geopolitical shocks and fragmentation of global trade, Taiwan is building trustworthy and stable supply chains with democratic partners. Together with Europe, the United States, and Japan, we are strengthening economic resilience.
Cooperation on semiconductors has expanded worldwide. Taiwan is working with the Czech Republic on cutting-edge chip design, collaborating with Germany on advanced manufacturing, and deepening ties with Central and Eastern Europe, the Philippines, and Vietnam in related sectors.
I am also pleased to share that Taiwan Expo was held in Warsaw earlier this week, attracting over 100 Taiwanese exhibitors and thousands of participants across Europe. It was during the event, that the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association announced the potential site for its technology park in Poland. This exciting project will be a hub for innovation. Through public-private partnerships, we will help tech giants and SMEs build an ecosystem that is seamlessly integrated with the EU market.
Europe is currently reinforcing its semiconductor ecosystem under the EU Chips Act and promoting AI-driven reindustrialization in the transition to industry 5.0. At the same time, Taiwan is expanding its Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project to support like-minded partners by leveraging our technological advantages.
With supply chain realignment, geopolitical changes, and the march to net-zero, the global economy stands at a critical juncture. Now more than ever, economic security is anchored in mutual trust. Taiwan deeply values its ties with Europe and anticipates strengthening connections with northern Italy.
Among our delegation is Dr. Chang Pei-Zen, President of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan’s premier semiconductor research institution. As Taiwan’s semiconductor industry continues to expand globally and deepen integration with local supply chains, we see tremendous opportunities to combine Northern Italy’s world-class precision engineering capabilities with Taiwan’s dynamic technology ecosystem. Together, we can unlock significant new avenues for industrial collaboration and innovation.
3.The Taiwan-Lombardy connection is synergy in action
I previously served as mayor of Taichung City, Taiwan’s second-largest city and a hub of the precision machinery industry in Taiwan. Therefore, I have a deep understanding of the highly complementary economic structures of Taiwan and northern Italy. There is great potential for cooperation in precision machinery, smart manufacturing, and green energy. The two sides are also leading the way in digital transformation and net-zero initiatives. Based on these commonalities, our delegation is eager to work with Lombardy’s dynamic business community.
I understand that the rosa camuna symbol on Lombardy’s flag represents the cycle of life, unity, energy, and harmony. These values strongly resonate with the Taiwanese people. We believe that with hard work, community spirit, and creativity, society can thrive. Taiwan’s technological achievements have been driven by a desire to bring prosperity and stability to international markets.
4.Support of the Lombardy Regional Council
Last September, the Lombardy Regional Council sent a delegation to Taiwan. It was the first-ever visit to Taiwan by a group from an Italian regional assembly. After returning to Italy, the council demonstrated strong support for Taiwan by passing its first motion calling for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. This May, the council reaffirmed its commitment by establishing the Lombardy-Taiwan Interparty Friendship Group.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your support and friendship. I look forward to working with you to further expand the ties between Taiwan and Lombardy and enhance collaboration in technology, investment, culture, and talent exchange.
Finally, please allow me to once again thank you for your hospitality. I sincerely invite all of you to visit Taiwan to experience firsthand the warmth and vitality of the Taiwanese people.
I wish everyone good health and continued success. May the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Italy lead to more partnerships and greater prosperity. Thank you very much. Grazie mille.