FOXCONN International Holdings, one of the largest companies in Taiwan, which produces mobile phones on behalf of clients such as Nokia and Motorola, has firmed up plans to set up a manufacturing facility in India. While foraying into India, the company plans to set up its unit in Tamil Nadu at an initial investment of $1.5 billion to produce mobile phone accessories.

This was indicated on Tuesday by Thomas Chang, director, Taipei World Trade Centre, at an interactive meeting with industrialists, organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). According to Mr Chang, about 90 companies from Taiwan have set up manufacturing facilities in India either through joint ventures or as stand-alone subsidiaries. Today, their combined investment in India hovers at around $500 million.

Foxconn International is part-owned by the Taipei-based Hon Hai Precision Industry Co which produces an array of electronic goods ranging from game consoles to personal computers to mobile phone accessories for clients worldwide. Its proposed investment in India is to be made over three years. Mr Chang said Taiwanese companies after setting up their shop in other states of India are now showing interest in the eastern part of the country. This has prompted Taipei World Trade Centre to take the initiative to explore business opportunities in the eastern region, particularly in West Bengal, which is now on an industrialisation drive, said Mr Chang.