Governor Gianforte Strengthens Montana-Taiwan Bond Through Industry, Educational Partnerships

• November 02 2023

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced new industry and educational partnerships to strengthen Montana’s relationship with Taiwan and increase opportunities for Montanans.

“When we reopened our Montana Asia Trade Office in Taipei in 2021, we ushered in a new era of opportunity for the people of Montana and Taiwan,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These new strategic partnerships among education, trade, and industry leaders will expand those opportunities even further, boosting growing industries in Montana and deepening our bond with our friend and ally.”

Gov. Gianforte and Dr. Mon-Chi Lio of Taiwan signing a memorandum of understanding between Montana and Taiwan education leaders

First, Gov. Gianforte announced memorandums of understanding (MOU) between leaders in the photonics industry in Montana and Taiwan to boost advanced manufacturing in the state.

Quantum Composers entered into a MOU with Hua Laser Electro-Optics Co., and the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance entered into a MOU with the Taiwan U.S. Industrial Promotion Office.

“We are partnering with key leaders from Taiwan to be able to create partnerships for our members, to open up both the supply chain of Taiwan to America as well as for American products to be sold into Taiwan – creating channels of partnership,” Jason Yager, President of the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance said.

Second, Gov. Gianforte announced a MOU between the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and the Taiwan Ministry of Education Taiwan to create a Mandarin language program housed at the Mansfield Center within the University of Montana and an educational exchange program at Montana Technological University.

“Montana students will benefit from this important agreement negotiated by Governor Gianforte. The new Mandarin program and student exchange will open new opportunities and career paths for students. The Montana University System looks forward to engaging in this strategic partnership,” Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian said.

Finally, the governor announced a MOU between the Montana Department of Commerce and the Importers and Exporters Association of Taiwan (IEAT) to grow and expand trade.

“Taiwan is one of Montana's most important trading partners, sharing our values of freedom and free enterprise. I'm honored to lead a trade mission to Taipei to strengthen our longstanding relationship,” Gov. Gianforte said.

###