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TSMC says it is in the process of signing a deal for BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 vaccination for people over 85 years old in New Taipei
People receive COVID-19 vaccines during a vaccination session for elderly people over 85 years old at a sports stadium in New Taipei City, Taiwan on Jun 15, 2021. (Photo: REUTERS/Ann Wang)
(Updated: )

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TAIPEI: Taiwan chipmaker TSMC said on Sunday (Jul 11) it was in the middle of the contract signing process to buy COVID-19 vaccines from Germany's BioNTech, part of a drawn out process for Taiwan to access the shot.

Taiwan's government has tried for months to buy the vaccine directly from BioNTech and has blamed China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own territory, for nixing a deal the two sides were due to sign earlier this year. China denies the accusations.

Last month, facing public pressure about the slow pace of Taiwan's inoculation programme, the government agreed to allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Taiwan's Foxconn, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), to negotiate on its behalf for the vaccines, which would be donated to Taiwan's government for distribution.

"There are multiple parties. We are in the middle of the contract signing process. We will make announcements once the process is completed," TSMC said in a brief emailed statement, without elaborating.

Gou's spokesperson, BioNTech and Fosun did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Speaking to reporters later on Sunday, Premier Su Tseng-chang would only say that talks for the vaccine were ongoing.

"As soon as there is an definite outcome, we'll naturally report it to everyone."

Gou and TSMC this month reached an initial agreement with a subsidiary of Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group, which has a contract with BioNTech to sell the COVID-19 vaccines in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, sources told Reuters.

Both Gou and TSMC are seeking 5 million doses each. 

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Source: Reuters