OT-2221
December 6, 2022
Remarks by AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk at GlobalWafers America’s Groundbreaking Ceremony
December 1, 2022
(As Delivered)
Thank you for that very kind and kind of long introduction. I guess when you’ve been around as long as I have it just makes me sound really old. But it is an honor to be here with everyone today!
And I, like many others, I’m going to start out by thanking people, the people who made this possible. And really the first one is Doris Hsu. You know, your outstanding leadership, your outstanding team, we are all here because of you, and thank you. I’d also like to thank Congresswoman Johnson, the other elected officials, Mr. Cruz, the appointed officials, from all levels of government here in Texas. It’s amazing to see the bipartisan unity, a unity at all levels of government, to bring this deal here. I’d also like to thank our White House and Commerce Department colleagues, and the countless other people who played a role in bringing this landmark project to Sherman.
Only eight months ago, a number of us, literally sat at my dining room table to talk about the possibility of GlobalWafers selecting the United States as the location for this significant investment. And Doris, you knew that we wanted your project in America. That as many others has noticed that it would close the loop on a cycle of chip production that was invented in America, that grew up in America, then expanded into the global economy. And, at least in the case of silicon wafers, then left America. We all saw as Dr. Chat as you pointed out that during the pandemic, how important supply chains are. And how important critical technology supply chains are and the need to work together to build secure and resilient global supply chains.
And we are thrilled that GlobalWafers chose the United States and applaud the immense amount of work that by so many people that went into getting to where we are now. And I will say, GlobalWafers in order to satisfy your shareholders you really left no stone unturned. You did your homework. You worked with my team at AIT to identify the absolute best sources of information, at the local, State, and federal levels – people who would help you do the math that would make this right for your bottom line. And when all was said and done – you picked Texas!
And that is exactly how America wants to compete and to win. There’s a reason the United States is home to the largest amount of foreign direct investment in the world. The United States is the world’s most attractive consumer market, and offers unmatched diversity, a thriving culture of innovation, and the world’s most productive workforce.
As Representative Hsiao mentioned, the United States and Taiwan are inseparable partners in the semiconductor industry. Through our work in the Technology Trade and Investment Collaboration between the U.S. Department of Commerce and Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, we are ensuring that the semiconductor supply chain remains secure, trusted, and accessible. And this GlobalWafers investment is making a significant difference in that balance.
And now I am going to echo something that Chairwoman Johnson said earlier. I am close by saying, Doris, you are an inspiration to women in tech worldwide. You are a role model for young women. And you show how we need to diversify our workforce for generations to come. As Chairwoman Johnson noticed, enhancing roles for women in this space doesn’t just expand the workforce. It brings new ways of problem solving to any organization. And that is good for business! It’s good for government. It’s good for whatever organization you have.
So, finally, I want to close by congratulating everyone here at GlobalWafers on this historic achievement. And congratulations to Sherman, Texas, for your success in attracting this critical piece of the global supply chain to site here. I wish everyone a great beginning and look forward to seeing this business flourish! Thank you.