The U.S.-based mobile chip maker Qualcomm Inc. will invest nearly USD1 billion to build a new display panel plant in Taiwan in 2011.

According reports in foreign media, Taiwan's government said that the new plant, which will produce display panels used in mobile phones and electronic readers, will be located in Hsinchu. However, it did not reveal when the plant will start construction. Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs said that Qualcomm's investment will help improve Taiwan's panel technologies and bring more jobs.

The new plant will adopt the energy efficient Mirasol technology to make medium- and small-sized panels, which are widely used in mobile phones, navigation devices, and electronic readers. Prior to this, Qualcomm and Taiwan's Cheng Uei Precision Industry established a joint venture named Sollink two years ago. The JV produces mobile phone display panels with the Mirasol technology.

Qualcomm, the San Diego-based chip maker, has long collaborated with Taiwanese high-tech firms, including HTC Corp. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.