TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Apple reportedly plans to build a data center in Taiwan. 

The U.S. tech compnay has begun discussions with potential manufacturing partners, according to a UDN article on Tuesday (June 25). If confirmed, it would make Apple the latest major international company to set up a data center in Taiwan. This follows Google, Amazon AWS, Microsoft, and Nvidia.

The industry is optimistic that Foxconn, which has a long-term partnership with Apple and is the world's largest AI server manufacturer, will benefit the most once Apple's data center is established in Taiwan, thanks to its status as its "best ally and host." Other Taiwan companies such as Quanta Computer, Wistron, and Inventec are also expected to benefit.

Nvidia has recently reached out to Taiwan’s green energy suppliers such as J&V Energy Technology Co. and HD Renewable Energy Co. to purchase green energy, with reports suggesting a "buying spree" for green energy. 

UDN estimated the combined economic benefits from procuring AI servers, green energy, and the establishment of related hardware by Apple could exceed NT$100 billion (US$3 billion).

When asked by UDN to comment on reports that Apple is setting up a data center, the Ministry of Digital Affairs on Monday (June 24) only replied that it “cannot confirm” them.