Czech scientific research innovation minister Marek Ženíšek said that Taiwan's status as a "no dispute-making world leader" in the semiconductor field and its partnership with the Czech Republic and Taiwan are based on shared values such as democracy, freedom, and openness, and have a profound strategic meaning. He called for the global response to supply chain reorganization and geopolitical political challenges, both sides should deepen cooperation and jointly lead to future scientific and technological development.
Marek Ženíšek pointed out that during a speech in the crystal chain forum opened by Semicon Taiwan, the forum was of far greater importance than the business level, and it was a platform to explore the national economic fate, safety cornerstones and innovation driving force. He stressed that the semiconductor we are discussing here is no longer a pure technical element. It is the pillar of our economy and the cornerstone of security, and it is also the driving force that determines whether our society can continue to innovate, maintain competition and develop vigorously on the global stage.
Marek Ženíšek said that connecting the Czech Republic and Taiwan is not only a cooperation between economic interests or research institutions. "We share the same value: democracy, freedom, openness, and respect for human potential." He said bluntly that these universal values are suffering from increasingly severe pressures around the world, and this is the fundamental reason why the Czech Republic and Taiwan's partnership is so "natural, forward-looking and strategically important."
Based on the experience of the past few years, from global pandemics, geopolitical tensions to trade conflicts, they have revealed to the world the vulnerability of global supply chains. These incidents keep reminding us that semiconductor issues are definitely not just business issues, they have a profound impact on industrial production, digital economics, and even concern people's livelihood and well-being, such as "whether our hospitals have sufficient medical equipment, and whether our energy network can maintain safety and stability."
Marek Ženíšek emphasized that in the face of this severe challenge, Europe has learned profound teaching. Officials said this is the background of the European Union's launch of the European Chips Act, which has ambition to double its share of Europe's semiconductor production globally to ensure that it will no longer be caught off guard by a shortage of key components in the future.
The Czech Republic has been a definite supporter of this strategy from the very beginning. However, the official admitted frankly: "We fully realize that this ambitious goal cannot be achieved by only sacrificing Europe's own strength. We need partners, experience, knowledge and far-reaching and trustworthy allies." He immediately turned his attention to Taiwan and gave the highest recognition, in this regard, Taiwan is the leader of the world's uncontested leadership.
Marek Ženíšek also specifically pointed out several areas where the two parties have the greatest potential for cooperation. In addition to the core semiconductor technology and supply chain, the scope of cooperation should further expand the artificial intelligence (AI) key technology that is indispensable for the development of semiconductor industry in the future, combine dual advantages, jointly create health and well-being biotechnology and medical materials, develop photonics and advanced lasers for forward-looking technology applications, and strengthen space research and national defense technology in the field of strategic safety. He further emphasized that the challenges facing the world, such as climate change, digital revolution and strengthening strategic security, are global, without any country, no one is powerful, and can solve them independently. All of these require cross-border cooperation.
Finally, Marek Ženíšek concluded that the Czech Republic, with its strategic position in the heart of Europe, has been ready to play the role of a constructive European partner and a technological innovation New Year. He believes that the meaning of Taiwan's largest partner relationship can transcend dual relations and become a classic, showing the world how democratic regimes can move forward based on common values and mutual benefits, even if they are geographically far apart.