TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Former Japan Economics Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi (西村康稔) is arriving in Taiwan on Saturday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

His delegation of five members of the Diet, will meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) and former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文). Nishimura served as minister of economics, trade and industry from August 2022 to December 2023 and has been a legislator for the Liberal Democratic Party since 2003.

Regional affairs and Taiwan-Japan economic cooperation are expected to be the main topics of discussion during the May 3-6 visit, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Japanese lawmakers are also expected to tour Hsinchu Science Park, the Industrial Technology Research Institute, and National Taiwan Museum of Comics in Taichung.

As minister, Nishimura promoted cooperation with Taiwan for semiconductors. With global supply chains facing adjustments, his visit would help deepen technology partnerships between the two countries, the ministry said.