Africa-Press – Tanzania. Dutch caretaker Economic Affairs Minister Micky Karremans held talks Tuesday with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to address the crisis surrounding chipmaker Nexperia, the news broadcaster NOS reported.
The talks came after Beijing imposed an export ban on chips produced by the company’s factories in China.
In a statement following the meeting, Karremans said the two ministers discussed possible solutions and agreed to remain in contact.
No immediate progress was reported, and Beijing has yet to comment on the talks.
The export ban comes in the wake of Karremans’ move Sept. 30 to take temporary control of Nexperia under a 1952 law that allows the Dutch government to block or reverse company decisions that could endanger national or European production.
Karremans justified the intervention by citing concerns that “crucial technological knowledge and capabilities” could leave Europe. The ministry said it acted after receiving “serious signals” about the conduct of Nexperia’s director but declined to specify details.
Nexperia, headquartered in Nijmegen, produces simple but essential chips used in cars and household electronics. The firm was acquired in 2019 by China’s Wingtech Technology.
Its owner, Zhang Xuezheng, who also chaired Nexperia, was suspended by a court Oct.1, one day after the Dutch government’s takeover.
Zhang placed a large order with another company he owned in China, allegedly to ease its financial troubles, and attempted to dismiss several critical executives, according to a court ruling. The judge ruled that the actions were not in Nexperia’s best interest.
The crisis has deepened as Nexperia faces looming US trade restrictions scheduled to take effect at the end of November unless an exemption is granted.
The Netherlands has been working in recent months to reduce the firm’s exposure to Chinese control to shield it from the effects of the measures.
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