TECO New York and the Orange County Government jointly hosted a welcome reception for 2025 SelectUSA Taiwan AI & Quantum Delegation
The 2025 SelectUSA Taiwan AI & Quantum Delegation visited New York State from May 7 to 9 to study the local microelectronics industry ecosystem and explore potential business opportunities. On the evening of May 7, the delegation joined a reception, co-hosted by TECO New York and Orange County, where Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee and Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus jointly welcomed the delegation. Attendees included around 30 guests, including Christian Koschil, Commercial Officer of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT); Kevin Younis, Executive Deputy Commissioner of Empire State Development (ESD); Conor Eckert, incoming President and CEO of the Orange County Partnership; Ching-Fu Lin, President of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of New York; and Martin McGill, Vice President of Allendale Machinery Systems, among others.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Lee emphasized that New York serves as Taiwan’s gateway to the United States, highlighting the close ties between the two communities. He noted that two Taiwanese shipping companies and nine Taiwan-based banks have established overseas offices in the Greater New York area. Furthermore, two airlines currently serve 11 direct flights per week between Taiwan and New York. He also welcomed Orange County Executive Neuhaus to the event; Executive Neuhaus led a delegation to Taiwan in March to attend the Smart City Summit & Expo and formalized a sister-city relationship with Kaohsiung City in April, demonstrating the tangible outcomes of Taiwan-U.S. city exchanges. Amb. Lee expressed hope for creating more collaboration opportunities across various sectors between Taiwan and the U.S. going forward.
Taiwan has long been a trusted partner of the United States, with close bilateral economic and trade relations, yet the current economic situation is undergoing drastic changes, and has had a significant impact on Taiwan. In response, Taiwan plans to expand procurement from the U.S. and increase mutual investment capabilities. TECO New York will assist Taiwanese companies in expanding and building connections with the east coast market of the United States.
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus welcomed the visiting delegation and expressed his gratitude to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office for arranging his recent visit to Taiwan. He shared that he was deeply impressed by Taiwan's economic and technological development. Executive Neuhaus also discussed U.S. industrial policies, such as the CHIPS Act, and cited the U.S. defense budget, which will for the first time reach $1 trillion, as an example of America's strong partnership and commitment to Taiwan.
Orange County, home to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, is also known for the Woodbury Outlets and the world's largest LEGOLAND. Executive Neuhaus, alongside the Orange County Partnership, presented on the local investment environment and opportunities, emphasizing the area's business activity and central location in the east coast market. Orange County welcomed Taiwanese companies to invest and strengthen bilateral industry connections.
Kevin Younis, Deputy Executive Commissioner and COO of Empire State Development, highlighted New York’s efforts to establish a semiconductor ecosystem, recognizing Taiwan's industrial strength. He expressed his gratitude to the American Institute in Taiwan for three years of collaboration in facilitating visits by Taiwanese industry groups to New York. He also shared cherished personal memories of teaching English in Taiwan, which sparked a special connection with the island.
The Taiwan SelectUSA AI & Quantum Delegation is made up of experts from key microelectronics sectors, including quantum computing, cybersecurity, communications, IC design, data centers, semiconductor materials, and electronics manufacturing services. The delegation visited the microelectronics ecosystems in Massachusetts on May 5 and 6, followed by a visit to Albany area of New York State from May 7 to 9. It will also engage with industry, government, academic and research institutions under the Northeast Regional Defense Technology Center (NORDTECH). After the visit in New York, the delegation will travel to Washington, D.C. to attend a major conference.
