Foxconn founder asks BioNTech to reserve 30 mln more vaccines for Taiwan

TAIPEI: Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple Inc supplier Foxconn, has asked BioNTech SE to reserve 30 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine for Taiwan, saying he had received a “very good” response.

Taiwan’s quest to access the vaccine, jointly developed with Pfizer Inc, has dragged on for months, hampered by accusations from Taipei of political interference from Beijing, which claims the island as Chinese territory. Beijing has denied the allegations.

Taiwan’s government subsequently allowed Gou, Foxconn – formally Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd – as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd, to negotiate on its behalf for the shot. A $350 million deal for 10 million shots was inked last month, which will be donated to the government for distribution.