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Wyoming inaugurated its Asia-Pacific Trade Office Oct. 3 in Taipei City, marking the first such overseas representation for the U.S. state in 30 years.
 
The office is expected to deepen robust economic relations between the two sides in such areas as agriculture, education, energy and technology. The opening ceremony was attended by Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead, Eli Bebout, president of the state senate, CEO of the Wyoming Business Council Shawn Reese and American Institute in Taiwan Director Brent Christensen.
 
Speaking at the launch, Wu said that the mission reflects growing commercial and investment ties, with Taiwan ranking as Wyoming’s sixth largest export market in Asia and 13th largest in the world. Noting that Taiwan and Wyoming share common values such as democracy, gender equality and a belief in the power of free enterprise, he expressed confidence the office will deliver tangible benefits for both sides.
 
According to Wu, the facility underscores determined efforts by leaders in Taiwan and the U.S. state to bolster two-way trade and investment. Mead’s visit, his third since assuming the governorship eight years ago, is evidence of this commitment, he said.
 
Mead is leading an eight-member delegation on a six-day economic mission. Highlights of the group’s itinerary include meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen Oct. 2 and attending U.S. Business Day Oct. 4.
 
The latter event, organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), is expected to generate a raft of lucrative opportunities in areas like artificial intelligence, functional textiles, outdoor sporting goods and smart machinery.
 
Echoing Wu’s remarks, Mead said that the decision to locate the Wyoming Asia-Pacific Trade Office in Taipei was due to Taiwan’s recognition of democracy and gender equality, technological development and the warmth and hospitality of its people. It is hoped that the mission will facilitate the integration of cutting-edge innovations like blockchain in Wyoming’s livestock industry as well as foster education and tourism exchanges, he added.
 
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this year marks the 34th anniversary of the Taiwan-Wyoming twinning pact. Other highlights of the bilateral relationship include the signing of a reciprocal driver’s license agreement in October 2017 and Wyoming’s participation in the American Pavilion at the Taipei International Travel Fair. (KWS-E)
 
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw