Governor to lead trade mission to Taiwan
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News from the office of Governor Gianforte
HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte announced on Oct. 27 he will lead a trade mission to Taipei, Taiwan, with representatives from Montana’s agricultural, manufacturing, photonics, and bioscience industries.
The visit comes two years after the governor reopened the Montana Asia Trade Office in the heart of Taipei to grow and expand trade in the region.
“Beginning in 1985 with the signing of our sister state relationship, Montana has shared a strong bond with Taiwan, forged through educational exchanges, the trade of our high-quality commodities, and our shared values of freedom and free enterprise,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Building on this partnership, I proudly reopened the Montana Asia Trade Office in Taipei during my first year in office, ushering in new opportunities for the people of Montana and Taiwan. I look forward to working with Taiwan over the coming years and further strengthening our partnership on this trade mission.”
Taiwan is consistently one of Montana’s top 10 trading partners. In 2022, Taiwan purchased over $107 million in goods from Montana, including high quality wheat, industrial machinery, and beef.
Taiwan has also partnered with the State of Montana through the university system, developing programs at the University of Montana and Montana Technological University for short-term exchanges.
During the trade mission, the governor will meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and Executive Yuan Premier Chen Chien-jen, as well as trading and education partners in the region.
In October 2021, the governor reopened the Montana Asia Trade Office to generate new business opportunities for Montana and expand sales and investments across the wheat, pulse crops, machinery, education, optics, coal, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Mei Mei Wang, who led the state’s office in Taiwan prior to its abrupt closure in 2012, serves as the official representative to the Montana Asia Trade Office in Taipei.
The trade mission will run from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3, 2023.
