The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) recently completed a high-level business mission to Taiwan aimed at expanding Central Florida’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain and fostering international collaboration in technology, aviation, and higher education. From September 5 to 13, a delegation led by Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and former Congresswoman Val Demings engaged with key industry leaders, government officials, and academic institutions to strengthen cross-border partnerships.
The trip included participation in SEMICON Taiwan, the premier semiconductor industry event in Taipei, where the team generated 15 new business leads and hosted a dinner with nearly 30 companies. Diplomatic meetings were held with the American Institute in Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The delegation also attended a Smart Cities workshop with the Taiwan Computer Association and conducted over two dozen one-on-one meetings with potential partners.
A major focus was on leveraging Central Florida’s strengths in aviation and research. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) emphasized the region’s strategic connectivity, which supports trade, investment, and high-tech growth, particularly around the 500-acre NeoCity technology hub. Collaboration opportunities were explored between the University of Central Florida (UCF) and leading Taiwanese institutions, including National Taiwan University and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), with emphasis on joint research and workforce development.
The mission reinforced an existing Memorandum of Understanding with the Import and Export Association of Taiwan (IEAT), deepening economic ties and exploring new avenues for trade and investment. To sustain momentum, the OEP has appointed Wennie Chen as a dedicated liaison in Taiwan, tasked with connecting Asian companies to opportunities in aerospace, defense, semiconductors, telecommunications, and life sciences.
This effort supports Orlando 2045, the region’s long-term vision to become a top global innovation hub and a leader in 15-minute cities. Central to this strategy is the Florida Semiconductor Engine in Osceola County, a federally designated tech hub backed by over $1 billion in public and private investment, positioning Orlando as a key player in reshoring semiconductor manufacturing.
The OEP continues to drive foreign direct investment, global trade, and economic diversification, ensuring the region remains competitive and resilient in the global economy.
— news from Orlando Economic Partnership
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Orlando Economic Partnership Returns to Taiwan to Advance Global Opportunities
A delegation focused on deepening international connections that drive investment, innovation, and global connectivity in the semiconductor industry. n nOrlando, Fla. — The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) recently traveled to Asia for its second business mission aimed at further strengthening the region’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain and advancing efforts to build stronger international connections. n nFrom September 5–13, the OEP led a high-level business mission with a distinguished delegation including Orange County (Florida) Mayor Jerry L. Demings, former Congresswoman Val Demings (FL-10), and representatives from SelectFlorida/Florida Department of Commerce, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), the University of Central Florida (UCF), and other partners. n nTogether, this group reinforced the Orlando region’s strengths across government, academia, aviation, and economic development, demonstrating a united front to strengthen Central Florida’s international partnerships and economic opportunities. n n“The Orlando region’s future depends on global partnerships that drive economic diversification and prosperity,” said Mayor Demings. n n“Semiconductors power everything from advanced defense systems to smartphones in our pockets, and Orlando is positioning itself at the center of this global industry,” said Destin Wells, senior vice president of economic development at the OEP. n nAdvancing Semiconductor, Aviation, and Academic Partnerships n nBeyond formal business meetings, the delegation carried out a robust agenda that deepened relationships and opened new doors for collaboration. Highlights included generating 15 business leads at SEMICON Taiwan—the premier annual trade exhibition and conference for semiconductors, device fabrication, microelectronics manufacturing, packaging, and test technologies in Taipei—hosting a delegation dinner with nearly 30 companies, and holding diplomatic meetings with the American Institute in Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The team also participated in a Smart Cities workshop with the Taiwan Computer Association and engaged with more than two dozen companies in one-on-one meetings. n nThe mission also emphasized two of Central Florida’s greatest strengths: aviation and higher education. n nGOAA’s role in these conversations underscores the importance of international connectivity in advancing Central Florida’s economy. Strengthening relationships with global aviation and airport leaders lays the foundation for new air service that will not only enhance tourism but also expand opportunities for trade, investment, and high-tech industry growth anchored by the 500-acre NeoCity technology district. n nEducation and research partnerships were equally central to the mission. Joint sessions between the UCF and both National Taiwan University and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) highlighted opportunities for collaboration in cutting-edge research and workforce development. n nOrlando 2045: A Long-Term Vision n nAs part of the mission, the delegation visited the Import and Export Association of Taiwan (IEAT) for a meeting and dinner to build on the strong relationship established last year through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Discussions centered on strengthening economic ties and exploring new opportunities for trade and investment. Remarks were delivered by Mr. Peter Huang, Secretary General of IEAT; Destin Wells, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the OEP; Dr. Matt Swanson, Chief Operating Officer of FloridaCommerce and President of SelectFlorida; and the Honorable Jerry L. Demings, Mayor of Orange County. n nIn addition, the mission trip centered in expanding the Orlando region’s international reach by engaging a trusted consultant in Taiwan to serve as a dedicated liaison between Asian companies and opportunities in the Orlando region. This effort, led by Wennie Chen, builds direct connections that help identify investment opportunities, financial resources, and technology partners across key industries, including aerospace, defense, semiconductors, telecommunications, and life sciences. n nThis is a strategic extension of OEP’s work to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), support global trade, and diversify Central Florida’s economy. n nIn addition to expanding global connections, Orlando is also home to one of the nation’s most ambitious semiconductor initiatives. At NeoCity in Osceola County, the region is building a world-class research and advanced manufacturing hub anchored by the Florida Semiconductor Engine, a federally designated tech hub supported by more than $1 billion in combined public and private investment. n nThis Asia mission and the presence of a dedicated liaison in Taiwan are key components of Orlando 2045, the region’s strategic vision to become the No. 1 place to live in the nation, a Top 10 global innovation hub, and a region of 15-minute cities. Through international expansion, the OEP continues to advance Broad-based Prosperity while ensuring that Orlando’s economy remains globally connected and resilient. n nTogether, these efforts are positioning the Orlando region as a leader in reshoring semiconductor manufacturing, fostering innovation, and building a skilled workforce to power the industry’s future. n nAbout Orlando Economic Partnership n nThe Orlando Economic Partnership (the OEP) is an economic and community development organization that works to advance Broad-based Prosperity®. Through the power of partnerships, we grow the economy, attract companies that create new jobs, drive investment, improve competitiveness and fuel regional leadership. Learn why opportunity in Orlando is Unbelievably Real™ at InvestOrlando.org. n n###