A delegation focused on deepening international connections that drive investment, innovation, and global connectivity in the semiconductor industry.
Orlando, Fla. — The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) recently traveled to Asia for its second business mission aimed at further strengthening the region’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain and advancing efforts to build stronger international connections.
From September 5–13, the OEP led a high-level business mission with a distinguished delegation including Orange County. Florida Mayor Jerry L. Demings, former Florida Congressional District 10 Congresswoman Val Demings, and representatives from SelectFlorida/Florida Department of Commerce, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), the University of Central Florida, and other partners. Together, this group reinforced the Orlando region’s strengths across government, academia, aviation, and economic development, demonstrating a united front to strengthen Central Florida’s international partnerships and economic opportunities.
“Central Florida’s future depends on global partnerships that drive economic diversification and prosperity, said Mayor Demings.
This mission to Taiwan strengthened our ability to attract high-tech industries, expand international trade, and advance efforts to secure direct air service that connects our region to new opportunities.
Jerry L. Demings,
Orange County Mayor
“Semiconductors power everything from advanced defense systems to smartphones in our pockets, and Orlando is positioning itself at the center of this global industry,” said Destin Wells, senior vice president of economic development at the OEP.
By establishing a dedicated presence in Taiwan and building stronger ties across Asia, we are ensuring that our region can compete on a global scale while creating new opportunities for innovation, jobs, and investment here at home.
Destin Wellls,
SVP of Economic Development,
Orlando Economic Partnership
Advancing Semiconductor, Aviation, and Academic Partnerships
Beyond formal business meetings, the delegation carried out a robust agenda that deepened relationships and opened new doors for collaboration. Highlights included generating 15 business leads at SEMICON Taiwan—the premier annual trade exhibition and conference for semiconductors, device fabrication, microelectronics manufacturing, packaging, and test technologies in Taipei—hosting a delegation dinner with nearly 30 companies, and holding diplomatic meetings with the American Institute in Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The team also participated in a Smart Cities workshop with the Taiwan Computer Association and engaged with more than two dozen companies in one-on-one meetings.
The mission also emphasized two of Central Florida’s greatest strengths: aviation and higher education.
Expanding Orlando’s global air connectivity is critical to fueling economic growth and opportunity for our entire region. By building stronger international ties, we are not only creating pathways for trade and investment but also laying the groundwork for future direct air service that links Central Florida with key global markets like Asia.
Lance Lyttle, CEO of GOAA
GOAA’s role in these conversations underscores the importance of international connectivity in advancing Central Florida’s economy. Strengthening relationships with global aviation and airport leaders lays the foundation for new air service that will not only enhance tourism but also expand opportunities for trade, investment, and high-tech industry growth anchored by the 500-acre NeoCity technology district.
Education and research partnerships were equally central to the mission. Joint sessions between the UCF and both National Taiwan University and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) highlighted opportunities for collaboration in cutting-edge research and workforce development.
Partnerships like this mission open doors for UCF and Florida to collaborate with some of the world’s most respected universities and research institutes. These connections strengthen our ability to lead in cutting-edge fields like semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and smart cities—while giving our students and faculty opportunities to engage on a truly global scale.
Dr. Alexander N. Cartwright,
President of the University of Central Florida
Orlando 2045: A Long-Term Vision
As part of the mission, the delegation visited the Import and Export Association of Taiwan (IEAT) for a meeting and dinner to build on the strong relationship established last year through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Discussions centered on strengthening economic ties and exploring new opportunities for trade and investment. Remarks were delivered by Mr. Peter Huang, Secretary General of IEAT; Destin Wells, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the OEP; Dr. Matt Swanson, Chief Operating Officer of FloridaCommerce and President of SelectFlorida; and the Honorable Jerry L. Demings, Mayor of Orange County.
In addition, the mission trip centered in expanding the Orlando region’s international reach by engaging a trusted consultant in Taiwan to serve as a dedicated liaison between Asian companies and opportunities in the Orlando region. This effort, led by Wennie Chen, builds direct connections that help identify investment opportunities, financial resources, and technology partners across key industries, including aerospace, defense, semiconductors, telecommunications, and life sciences.
This is a strategic extension of OEP’s work to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), support global trade, and diversify Central Florida’s economy.
In addition to expanding global connections, Orlando is also home to one of the nation’s most ambitious semiconductor initiatives. At NeoCity in Osceola County, the region is building a world-class research and advanced manufacturing hub anchored by the Florida Semiconductor Engine, a federally designated tech hub supported by more than $1 billion in combined public and private investment.
This Asia mission and the presence of a dedicated liaison in Taiwan are key components of Orlando 2045, the region’s strategic vision to become the No. 1 place to live in the nation, a Top 10 global innovation hub, and a region of 15-minute cities. Through international expansion, the OEP continues to advance Broad-based Prosperity while ensuring that Orlando’s economy remains globally connected and resilient.
Together, these efforts are positioning the Orlando region as a leader in reshoring semiconductor manufacturing, fostering innovation, and building a skilled workforce to power the industry’s future.
About Orlando Economic Partnership
The Orlando Economic Partnership (the OEP) is an economic and community development organization that works to advance Broad-based Prosperity®. Through the power of partnerships, we grow the economy, attract companies that create new jobs, drive investment, improve competitiveness and fuel regional leadership. Learn why opportunity in Orlando is Unbelievably Real™ at InvestOrlando.org.
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