Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) and Deputy Mayor Lee Szu-chuan (李四川) on Tuesday formally signed an agreement with Nvidia to establish the company’s first overseas headquarters in Taipei’s T17 and T18 districts, marking what city officials described as a major milestone for Taiwan’s artificial intelligence ambitions.
According to the agreement, Nvidia plans to invest more than NT$40 billion (approximately US$1.24 billion) in the project. The development is expected to generate over 10,000 jobs, spanning both the construction and operational phases.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chiang called the deal “a critical step and an important milestone” for both Taipei and Taiwan. He said construction is expected to begin as early as June or July this year, with the city government pledging full administrative support to ensure the project proceeds on schedule.
Under the terms of the contract signed between the Taipei City Government and Taiwan Nvidia Classic Co. Ltd. (台灣輝達經典股份有限公司), the company has secured land surface rights for 50 years, with an option for a 20-year extension. The agreement includes rights fees totaling NT$12.2 billion (approximately US$380 million).
Chiang thanked Deputy Mayor Lee and the municipal team for navigating what he described as a complex process, and also expressed appreciation to the Taipei City Council and Shin Kong Life Insurance for their assistance in facilitating the agreement.
Citing Nvidia’s investment and operations plan submitted to the city, Chiang emphasized that Taipei would serve as the company’s “home base” in Asia. “Taipei is Nvidia’s home,” he said, adding that the city aims to become “the strongest heart of AI technology development” in the future.
At the same press conference, Lee was asked by reporters whether he intends to run for mayor of New Taipei City. He deflected the question with humor, replying that his “next step is walking to the office,” before leaving the venue.
Original Article in Chinese
