The Belgian royal duo concluded their German expedition in Dresden, diving deep into the local semiconductor industry. Their visit commenced with a tour at X-Fab, where Saxony's leader, Michael Kretschmer (CDU), praised Belgium's pivotal role in Europe's chip production.
"Without Belgium, without Imec, you'd find no microelectronics in Europe," Kretschmer exclaimed. Imec, an advanced nano- and microelectronics research center hailing from Leuven, Belgium, played a crucial role in this sphere.
Emphasizing the necessity of teamwork, Kretschmer added, "Microelectronics demand international coordination, and collaboration." Hilde Crevits, the Flemish Region's Deputy Prime Minister, echoed these sentiments, pointing towards microelectronics' growing geopolitical relevance. Drawing from Crevits' and Kretschmer's viewpoints, Europe's future should prioritize staying at par with major power blocs, as microelectronics' absence in this modern world would be unthinkable.
As the afternoon unfolded, the duo explored Dresden's historic landmarks: the Old Masters Picture Gallery and the Frauenkirche. A festive stroll through the bustling Christmas market at the Frauenkirche was also on their itinerary, in the company of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and other companions.
Extra Insights:
The European semiconductor market is currently undergoing a significant expansion, with Fujifilm's recent investment in expanding its production capacity in Belgium being a clear indication. Fujifilm has invested over €25 million to install new production facilities for CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization) slurries in Zwijndrecht, Belgium, meeting the burgeoning demand for automotive and industrial semiconductors in Europe. This move strengthens Fujifilm's global network, comprising facilities in various countries, ensuring a stable and consistent supply of CMP slurries worldwide.
- Fujifilm's strategic investment in Belgium's semiconductor industry underscores Europe's promising growth trajectory, reflecting confidence in the local capacity and capability for delivering top-notch materials for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
- The European semiconductor market is expected to generate an impressive $68.44 billion in revenue this year, owing to the growing demand for automotive and industrial semiconductors.
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