Big Sky Times

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte is set to lead a trade mission to Taiwan, aiming to strengthen the already strong relationship between the two regions. The trade mission, scheduled to take place from October 28 to November 3, 2023, will include representatives from various sectors in Montana, such as agriculture, manufacturing, photonics, and biosciences.

"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," said Governor Gianforte.

As per the official statement, the trade mission in Taipei, Taiwan, from October 28 to November 3, 2023, aims to build on the already strong relationship between Montana and Taiwan. The Governor mentioned that the relationship between the two started in 1985 and was further strengthened when the Montana Asia Trade Office was reopened in Taipei two years ago. Governor 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."

Taiwan is one of Montana's top 10 trading partners, with over $107 million worth of goods purchased from the state in 2022. The exports to Taiwan include high-quality wheat, industrial machinery, and beef. The trade mission aims to expand opportunities in various sectors, including wheat, pulse crops, machinery, education, optics, coal, and pharmaceuticals.

During the trade mission, Governor Gianforte will meet with key Taiwanese officials, including President Tsai Ing-wen and Executive Yuan Premier Chen Chien-jen. The mission will also engage with trading and education partners in Taiwan. Educational exchanges have been a cornerstone of the Montana-Taiwan relationship, with programs developed at the University of Montana and Montana Technological University for short-term student exchanges.

Mei Mei Wang, who previously led the Montana Asia Trade Office before its closure in 2012, currently serves as the representative of the office in Taipei.

The trade mission is seen as a significant step in fostering stronger ties and generating new business opportunities between Montana and Taiwan.