Asian nations seek roles in semiconductor supply chain expansion

Asian nations are exploring various roles within the diversifying global semiconductor supply chain. In India, Japanese companies are expanding their presence to support the country’s growing chip manufacturing ecosystem. During SEMICON India 2026, over 30 Japanese firms engaged in discussions regarding technology partnerships, R&D, and resilient supply chains for equipment and materials. This cooperation follows government pledges to increase semiconductor program support to approximately $13.5 billion. Notable developments include Fujifilm supplying advanced materials to Tata Electronics and Tokyo Electron planning a training center in Gujarat for 2027.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is looking to establish a niche in the semiconductor economy, specifically through fabless chip design, verification, and engineering. While not positioned for large-scale manufacturing in the near term, Pakistan’s growing pool of technical talent offers potential for cooperation with Chinese technology networks. Success in this sector would require developing commercially viable intellectual property and improving access to electronic-design automation tools.