Foxconn CEO Terry Gou visited President Donald Trump at the White House yesterday. Foxconn, which was founded by Gou, is one of Apple’s biggest manufacturers.
Gou discussed his plans to run for office in Taiwan, where he hopes to become president in next year’s elections. He assured Trump that he would be a friendly partner of the U.S. if elected. “If I am elected, I would be seeking to go to Washington,” he reportedly told the U.S. President.
“It’s a tough job,” Trump said, describing his role as President.
Terry Gou is Taiwan’s richest man with a net worth of $7.6 billion. He is 69 years old. Gou recently revealed that he is stepping down from his role at Foxconn. He will be challenging the incumbent Tsai Ing-wen in his presidential run.
Gou wore a hat decorated with the flags of Taiwan and the U.S. to his meeting with Trump. He was given a coaster from Trump’s desk, which was signed by the U.S. President.
In a previous speech, Trump has described Terry Gou as, “one of the great businessmen in the world.”
Where’s the Wisconsin factory?
Terry Gou’s visit to the U.S. comes at a slightly challenging time for Foxconn. The company was previously given $4 billion in tax breaks to create a factory in Wisconsin. This $10 billion factory was intended to manufacture displays. It would/will employ 13,000 people.
However, behind-the-scenes dealings suggest that Foxconn is now trying to renegotiate terms. “Clearly the deal that was struck is no longer in play,” Wisconsin governor Tony Evers recently told a newspaper.
It’s not clear what was discussed about the Foxconn factory during Gou’s meeting with Trump.
During his time in the U.S., Gou will visit Wisconsin on Friday. No details have yet been shared on his itinerary, although Evers confirmed on Tuesday that he has no plans to meet with the Foxconn boss.
Source: South China Morning Post
