An office established by the state of Michigan in Taiwan should lead to closer bilateral exchanges and bring fruitful results, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said yesterday during a meeting with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Whitmer, who is visiting Taiwan for the second time since September last year, announced the opening of the Michigan Taiwan Office on Monday.
In welcoming the governor, Tsai praised Michigan as a “global hub” for the automotive industry and a place where many Taiwanese auto parts businesses have invested.
Photo: CNA
In the past few years, Taiwan and Michigan have also signed a memorandum of understanding on economic and trade cooperation to deepen bilateral ties, she said.
“With Michigan’s automotive and semiconductor sectors, and expertise in microelectronics research, and Taiwan’s electric vehicle and semiconductor supply chains,” the two sides can establish secure supply chains and industrial clusters, the president said.
“Through the newly established trade office, we hope to see even more fruitful collaboration between Taiwan and Michigan,” she said.
Whitmer praised Tsai, who in May is to step down as president after two four-year terms, for her achievements in office, among which is the fortifying of Taiwan-US relations, “which we all agree are growing closer every day.”
She also praised Taiwanese for carrying out an “orderly and transparent election,” calling it a testament to the strength of Taiwan’s democracy.
On Jan. 13, Vice President William Lai (賴清德), of Tsai’s Democratic Progressive Party, was elected president.
Whitmer said her administration and Michiganders “view the free exchange of goods and services, cooperative investment and students of all ages as essential to our relationship, as these all strengthen the bonds between Taiwan and the US.”
“We are excited to announce the opening of a State of Michigan Taiwan office. The office will further strengthen the economic and cultural ties between Taiwan and Michigan,” she said.
Whitmer’s delegation arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a two-day visit.
They left Taipei later yesterday for Seoul, the second and final leg of what her office has described as “a five-day investment mission in Taiwan and South Korea.”
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