From semiconductors to night markets, Saxony minister seeks deeper ties with Taiwan

Saxony’s economy minister Dirk Panter has visited Taiwan for the third time, but he made clear that his interests extend beyond semiconductors. During a Taipei news conference, he repeatedly mentioned plans to visit a night market, calling it an important part of Taiwanese culture and saying, “I really like it.”

Panter was in Taiwan with a delegation for SEMICON Taiwan 2026. He said relations between Taiwan and Saxony had focused mainly on economics and technology in recent years, but added: “We can increase cultural exchanges.”

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I really like it.

The comments accompanied the announcement of the world premiere of the third production in “Germany Meets Taiwan,” a project led by Taiwan-born choreographer Chen Mu-yi and her German artist husband, Norbert Kegel. The performance is scheduled for Sept. 4 at Taipei Zhongshan Hall.

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We can increase cultural exchanges.

Karsten Tietz, director of the German Institute Taipei, said ties between Germany and Taiwan were developing across many fields. He described cultural exchange as a bridge that can help politics cross divides. He also pointed to TSMC’s investment in Dresden, saying it involved more than a factory. Taiwanese families moving to Saxony, sending their children to German schools and becoming part of German society also create opportunities for human and cultural exchange.

Panter said the “Saxony Meets Taiwan 3.0” program would show the partnership’s diverse character. “From microchips and research cooperation to exchanges in the fields of art, culture and dance, we hope to deepen our ties with Taiwan in every way,” he said.

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From microchips and research cooperation to exchanges in the fields of art, culture and dance, we hope to deepen our ties with Taiwan in every way.