Governor Gianforte Begins Trade Mission in Taiwan

• October 29 2023

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Governor Greg Gianforte on Sunday arrived in Taipei for a trade mission to strengthen Montana’s longstanding relationship with Taiwan, a hub for democracy and technological innovation in East Asia.

Representatives of Montana’s agricultural, semiconductor, photonics, and bioscience industries joined the governor on the trade mission.

“Taiwan is one of Montana’s most important trading partners, sharing our values of freedom and free enterprise,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It’s an honor to be on the ground in Taipei to strengthen our longstanding relationship with Taiwan, promote our world-class Montana commodities and growing industries, and expand Montanans’ access to this critical market.”

Gov. Gianforte speaking to members of his trade delegation at a welcome reception in Taipei

Arriving to the Taoyuan International Airport this morning, Gov. Gianforte was welcomed by Jason Ma, deputy director-general of Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of North American Affairs.

The governor then toured the National Palace Museum and Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world. He also observed the changing of the guard at the Martyrs’ Shrine.

On Sunday evening, the governor attended a welcome dinner for members of the delegation hosted by the Montana Grain Growers Association. Wheat represents Montana’s largest and most consistent export to Taiwan, totaling $32 million in sales last year.

The governor reopened the Montana Asia Trade Office in Taipei in October 2021 to generate new business opportunities for Montana and expand sales and investments across the wheat, pulse crops, machinery, education, optics, coal, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Last year, Taiwan purchased over $107 million in goods from Montana.

During his trade mission, the governor will meet with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and Executive Yuan Premier Chen Chien-jen, as well as trading and education partners in the region.

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