BERLIN, Oct 1 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

vowed to support the development of quantum technologies, saying

at the opening of an IBM ( IBM ) data centre on Tuesday that investment

in the sector was crucial for the future of Europe's biggest

economy.

"Our goal is clear: to be global leader in quantum

technologies," said Scholz, adding Germany had invested 2

billion euros ($2.22 billion) on quantum technology since 2020.

"This is the basis of our economic success and prosperity,"

he said at the opening of IBM's ( IBM ) Quantum European Data Center in

Ehningen, a roughly 290 million euro investment. The centre will

allow users in Europe and elsewhere to access services for

cloud-based quantum computing research.

Quantum computers could operate millions of times faster

than advanced supercomputers. So far, the United States and

China have led the technology.

Other projects in Germany include the joint development of

quantum processors by Infineon and eleQtron GmbH.

Scholz said Germany was focused on semiconductors, AI,

pharmaceuticals and bio- and climate technologies.

"These are the areas we need to lead," said Scholz, adding

it was vital Europe pushes ahead with semiconductor production

despite a delay in a planned investment by U.S. chipmaker Intel ( INTC )

in the city of Magdeburg.

($1 = 0.9016 euros)