Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer yesterday announced the opening of an office in Taiwan to encourage Taiwanese investment in the US state and bolster economic ties with Taiwan.
Whitmer, who is visiting Taiwan for the second time in six months, told a news conference in Taipei that she is looking forward to having “thoughtful, longer-term conversations” with Taiwanese businesses to further enhance cooperation.
During her delegation’s two-day trip, the governor is to host the opening reception of the office, which is “an extension of a partnership that is built over years” between Taiwan and Michigan, she said.
Photo: CNA
The state is always exploring opportunities to expand cooperation that is mutually beneficial to Taiwan and Michigan, she added.
Beginning with two to three staff, the office could be expanded as demand warrants, Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDC) chief executive officer Quentin Messer Jr said.
Through the two visits and efforts in between, the state is “slowly building a trust relationship” with Taiwan, hoping to demonstrate to Taiwanese businesses the importance Michigan attaches to economic ties with the nation, Messer said.
The state is particularly focused on cooperation in semiconductors, clean technology, mobility innovation, and defense and aerospace innovation, he said.
Taiwan’s expertise in semiconductors and clean energy would benefit Michigan’s economy, whose backbone is in manufacturing, Whitmer said.
“Learning from and working with Taiwanese companies is crucial for our success,” she said.
Michigan has a history of welcoming foreign direct investment, especially from Asian nations, in the innovation and mobility sector, Messer said.
“There is an appetite and a desire” to welcome more investment under the support of the administration that is committed to facilitating the process, he added.
Small and medium-sized Michigan manufacturers and businesses are looking to invest in Taiwan, frequently sending delegations to the nation to “connect with Taiwanese customers,” he said.
The state is not only seeking to deepen commercial ties with Taiwan through the new office, but also cultural, educational and people-to-people relations, he said.
Later yesterday, the delegation met with Vice President William Lai (賴清德), who thanked Michigan for its long-term support for the nation, such as through the passage of Taiwan-friendly bills in the state legislature.
The opening of the office would greatly benefit economic and trade cooperation between Taiwan and Michigan, Lai said, adding that he hoped to see a win-win outcome achieved through the partnership of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and Michigan’s auto industry.
The delegation is to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) this morning, Presidential Office spokeswoman Lin Yu-chan (林聿禪) said.
The Michigan Senate and Michigan House of Representatives established cross-party Taiwan Friendship Caucuses in March 2022 and passed resolutions in support of Taiwan in 2022 and last year, Lin said.
Taiwan and Michigan have enhanced cooperation in semiconductors, electric vehicles and artificial intelligence in the past few years, Lin said, adding that Taiwan hopes to deepen educational cooperation and exchanges with the state.
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