Jeff Lin, vice president of the Taiwan Industrial Technology Research Institute. to get involved in the semiconductor value chain. This, according to Lin, would allow new investments to generate profits.
A semiconductor is a material that can drive electricity at some times and block it in othersdepending on how it is designed. Unlike metals such as copper, which always conduct current, or insulators such as wood, which never let it pass, semiconductors can do both, according to a report from Stanford University. “This ability to” turn on or off “the passage of electricity is what allows you to manufacture the chips used by cell phones, computers, cars and many other devices,” says the text.
In April 2025, ITRI gave the Ministry of Economy a Study on the potential development of the industry of semiconductors in the country. The Mineco assured, during an interview conducted by Free pressthat Guatemala could be integrated into this chain with international support.
What is the nature of the technical relationship between Guatemala and Taiwan?
Guatemala is not just our ally from diplomacy, he is also our friend and partner. Guatemala has a unique geographical position, which is potential to connect North America, Central America and Latin America. It would be like a strategic node, the same as Taiwan in Asia, which connects the north and southern Asia.
This relationship between the two countries is not only because of the industrial potential for the Clusterbut because we also know that the United States is focused on strategies to strengthen this sector in the western hemisphere. Not only as Friends of Guatemala, but as allies of the United States, we would like to help achieve these strategies.
Taiwan has become very famous for his Cluster of semiconductors. But we don’t want to have the Cluster only in Taiwan; We have extended to America, Japan and Germany. We believe that Guatemala is a very important strategic node. In addition, the country has a lot of sustainable energy and a potential cost structure.
Likewise, the geographical advantage, as mentioned above, is a potential that could make Guatemala have an important role in the value chain. When we work together, we help both countries to increase synergy, creation of value and resilience.
Why choose Guatemala instead of other sectors that have more experience in the Cluster of semiconductors?
Taiwan has worked with the Guatemalan government directly. Industrial policies are very important and, in addition, as mentioned above, Guatemala is a friend of Taiwan. Typically, in Taiwan we want to help our friends particularly, even more when our friends have a high potential that we can optimize.
What are the technical and institutional requirements to attract a semiconductor plant?
Guatemala has to start people with adequate knowledge. Many companies say they can do semiconductors, but can they do it successfully? That is another story. And many countries can say that they can manufacture semiconductors, but it is not economically viable. We are talking about industrialization.
In our successful experience, we integrate four key points: the industry, the government – which provides policies and infrastructure -, the Academy and Research Institutes, such as ITRI. We all work together to achieve it.
Since Taiwan, scholarships, training or academic cooperation programs are offered to support the training of Guatemalans on this issue?
In Taiwan we have several programs, from the academy to research institutes. From ITRI, we offer vocational training in semiconductors. It is not an academic diploma, but we do offer certifications.
Twenty -eight people from Guatemala are doing their studies in Taiwan, in a training introduction program for semiconductor technology processing. Likewise, the Ministry of Economic Relations provides scholarships.
We spent more than 50 years starting this Cluster. From our experience, we can make it more agile for Guatemala.
When Guatemala already has trained people, you will need other key points. What else does the country need to be part of this Cluster?
The infrastructure is very important. It is necessary to have land, water, electricity and talent. To build a high -tech industrial park, not only a piece of land is needed. Planning, infrastructure and integrate the government are needed so that the company is established successfully. In Taiwan, if you want to invest in an industrial park, you do not need to go through each government institution for applications. The whole government is united to provide an integrated window to solve any problem.
We want to create value for our people, so it is necessary to reduce hidden costs. Guatemala can speak with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss and see what Taiwan can support and what the country needs to be supported.
What is the integration model that could be a Guatemala part in the semiconductor value chain?
First of all, the design of integrated circuits (IC) is very important, because both the foundry and the packaging depend a lot on economies of scale and the business model. This is why only some countries, such as the United States, Japan or Germany, manage to develop the Cluster more easily. The most valuable thing in the initial part of the chain is the IC design.
The IC design is also linked to the final product, this because it needs to respond to the user’s needs. Therefore, if the country could make the IC design, which provides a very high value, and is combined with the assembly of modules and final assembly, strategic integration can be generated.
I believe that there are two dimensions from which Guatemala can develop: on the one hand, the design of IC and, on the other, the assembly of modules and final products.
Do alone Chips high -end can generate profits, but make Chips of low range may not be profitable. That is why it should be better to focus on the IC design and assembly. All coordinated. This is because it is necessary to perform tests and prototypes. Taiwan has the resources to support that. The country may not have enough resources to support that stage, but Taiwan does have them.
In addition, it is necessary to have foundry and packaging. Many countries want to develop the IC design, but if they do not have cast and packaging, the design stays in the laboratory.
Taiwan began with the assembly of modules and final products, without having the IC design capacity. We develop this later. My recommendation for Guatemala is to advance in the IC design as soon as possible.