President Tsai Ing-wen said Oct. 2 that Taiwan and Wyoming enjoy robust relations and there is enormous potential for the two sides to expand mutually beneficial exchanges across an array of areas.
Taiwan and Wyoming interact frequently, particularly when it comes to business and trade, Tsai said. This is evidenced by the ranking of Taiwan as Wyoming’s 13th largest export market in the world and sixth largest in Asia, she added.
The closeness of the economic partnership is further illustrated by the inauguration Oct. 3 of Wyoming’s Asia-Pacific trade office in Taipei City, Tsai said, adding that it is the first such overseas representation for the U.S. state in 30 years.
Tsai made the remarks while receiving Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead at the Office of the President in Taipei. Making his third visit to Taiwan in an official capacity, Mead is leading an eight-member delegation on a six-day economic mission.
Other activities scheduled for the group include meeting with Foreign Minister Joseph Jaushieh Wu and attending U.S. Business Day Oct. 4 in Taipei. Organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Taiwan External Trade Development Association (TAITRA), the seventh edition of the annual event is expected generate a raft of lucrative opportunities in areas like artificial intelligence, functional textiles, outdoor sporting goods and smart machinery.
Tsai said initiatives such as Mead’s Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming, which is spurring growth in sectors spanning agriculture, blockchain, energy and technology, are proving valuable references for the government in advancing the five-plus-two industrial innovation program.
A key plank in the national development strategy, the economic revitalization program targets the high-growth sectors of biotech and pharmaceuticals, green energy, national defense, smart machinery and Internet of Things, as well as promotes two concepts: the circular economy and a new paradigm for agricultural development.
Given the complementary nature of Taiwan’s and Wyoming’s economies, Tsai said both sides stand to gain tremendously from capitalizing on respective strengths and sharing development experiences.
Tsai also took the opportunity to thank Mead for his consistent support of the country and long-standing efforts in promoting bilateral collaboration. This firm foundation of friendship and shared values enables Taiwan and Wyoming to further cooperate in taking ties to new heights, she 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. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw