A delegation of 16 Taiwanese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and suppliers, led by the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (TEEMA), visited North and South Carolina last week to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties between Taiwan and the two states.
The Taiwanese companies have an interest in learning more about assets in the Charlotte Region to support electric vehicle operations as they consider the expansion into the United States to support and bolster the current industry partners in the region.
The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, in partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, local industry, and economic development partners, spent the day highlighting regional assets that support electric vehicle production. With the largest lithium deposit in the Southeast, several training programs across numerous workforce training providers, battery focused engineering talent being produced at UNC Charlotte, existing industry capabilities and their collaboration with higher education partners, and a long-standing history of automotive workforce talent, the region is well-positioned for future investment opportunities to support electric vehicle production throughout the supply chain.
“As a key driver in electric vehicle technologies, Taiwan is an important current and future partner for the Carolinas,” CLT Alliance Director of Business Recruitment Gretchen Carson said. “Hosting this group to showcase the Charlotte Region helps to strengthen the electric vehicle industry, bolsters additional workforce programs, and supports continued investment to make the region an internationally recognized EV hub.”
The itinerary, organized by the Economic Development Partnership for North Carolina (EDPNC) and the South Carolina Department of Commerce, included meetings with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, and visits to Daimler Truck, and the battery technology research center at UNC Charlotte.
In South Carolina, the delegation visited BMW and the Clemson University i-Car Center, where they learned about cutting-edge research and development in the automotive industry.
Director-General Elliot Wang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta highlighted the Southeastern region’s leading role in the EV industry and emphasized Taiwan’s position as the world’s top player in the electric vehicle supply chain, making them a perfect business partner for the EV industry. Wang also emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth through innovative and eco-friendly technologies and looks forward to solid collaborations and partnerships with the EV industry in the two states.
The delegation’s visit followed their attendance at the annual SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington D.C.
