Terry Gou plans to step down as chairman of Foxconn, the world's largest contract manufacturer. The tycoon also said that he is considering entering the presidential race in Taiwan, which will be held in 2020. He said this while speaking on the sidelines of an event dedicated to the 40th anniversary of ties between Taiwan and the United States.
“I didn’t sleep last night… 2020 is a key year for Taiwan. The tense situation in relations with China indicates that a turning point is coming for the choice of the direction of Taiwan's politics, economy and defense for the next 20 years, he said. "So I've been asking myself all night... I have to ask myself, what can I do?" What can I do for the youth?.. The next 20 years will decide their fate.”
The day before, Mr. Gou, Taiwan's richest man with a net worth of $7,6 billion (according to Forbes estimates), told Reuters he plans to step down in the coming months to pave the way for young talent at the company's management. The company later said that Mr. Gou would remain the formal chairman of Foxconn, although it plans to step down from day-to-day work in the post.
Taiwan prepares for a presidential election in January as tensions escalate along the Taiwan Strait, where Chinese bombers and warships are training. The US dutifully condemned the military maneuvers as a sign of pressure and a threat to stability in the region. The United States has obligations to assist the island nation in defense, and also acts as a major supplier of weapons.
“We need peace. We don't need to buy too many weapons. Peace is the greatest weapon, Mr. Gou said, adding that Taiwan only needs adequate self-defense. “If we spend money instead of buying weapons on developing the economy, on artificial intelligence technologies, on investments in the United States, this will be the biggest guarantee of peace.”
Asked by Reuters on Monday whether he would step down as chairman of the board, Gou said at 69 he was indeed looking to step aside or retire altogether. The head also spoke about the upcoming major personnel changes: "At the board meeting in April-May, we will present a new list of board members."
Founded in 1974, the Foxconn group of companies is the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer with annual revenues of $168,52 billion. According to analysts, the company assembles devices for various global technology companies, but relies heavily on Apple, receiving more than half of the annual income.
Source: 3dnews.ru