Taichung City and Germany's Görlitz District Sign Friendship MOU, Aiming to Be a Bridge to Central Europe

(Central News Agency, Berlin, 9th – Special Report by Lin Shang-ying) Taichung City and the Görlitz district in Saxony, Germany, signed a memorandum of understanding on friendly exchanges. District Administrator Stephan Meyer stated that Görlitz, located at the tri-border area of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, is a key corridor from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic. Through the friendship with Taichung City, he hopes to attract Taiwanese supply chains in the future, making Görlitz an important partner for Taiwanese companies expanding into Central Europe. The signing ceremony for the MOU on friendly exchanges between Taichung City and Görlitz district was held in Berlin today. The document was signed by Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and Görlitz District Administrator Stephan Meyer, witnessed by Taiwan's Representative to Germany Jason Yuan, and German MP Florian Oest. In an interview with CNA, Meyer stated that Görlitz has maintained good friendship with Taiwan for many years, and establishing a formal cooperative relationship with Taichung is significant for local development. He pointed out that Taichung is a major center for smart manufacturing, precision engineering, and innovative industries in Asia, while Görlitz has a strong foundation in machinery and equipment manufacturing. The two sides share many commonalities in precision engineering and smart manufacturing. "Today is a very warm beginning," he said, adding that signing the MOU has deepened mutual understanding and laid the foundation for future cooperation. Furthermore, both Görlitz and Taichung face challenges in reducing carbon emissions and energy transition. The Lausitz region, where Görlitz is located, has long relied on the coal industry and is currently promoting a "Net Zero Valley" project, driving regional transformation through renewable energy and innovative technologies. Meyer expressed hope for future cooperation with Taichung on net-zero emissions and green industries. He specifically mentioned that the upcoming German Centre for Astrophysics in the district will have massive data computing needs, where Taiwan's semiconductor industry plays a crucial role in related technological applications. Görlitz district is near the under-construction TSMC factory in Germany and is located at the border of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. In his speech at the signing ceremony, Meyer emphasized that Görlitz is a key corridor from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic, serving as a bridge for Taiwanese supply chains to enter Central Europe. He also hopes Taichung can become Görlitz's gateway to Asia. Beyond industrial and policy exchanges, the signing ceremony was filled with warmth. Meyer revealed that during his first visit to Taiwan as a student, he was given a tie. He wore that very tie to the signing ceremony today to commemorate his connection with Taiwan. He also mentioned that he plans to take his family on vacation to Taiwan this summer to learn more about the island. Upon hearing this, Mayor Lu immediately invited Meyer's family to visit Taichung, telling him, "Taichung City is Görlitz's home on the other side of the earth," and that Taichung will welcome new friends from Germany as if welcoming family. (Editor: Tien Jui-hua) 1150610