Taiwan’s highest ranking U.S.-based diplomats are visiting North Dakota this week to meet state officials and business leaders as part of an on-going effort to expand relations and trade between Taiwan and North Dakota.
Representative David Lee of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative’s Office in Washington, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Director General Jack Chen and Consular Officer Allison Chao arrived in Bismarck Aug. 21, to begin two days of meetings and to participate in the dedication of the Northern Plains Commerce Centre in Bismarck.
The Northern Plains Commerce Centre is part of a statewide plan to improve the state’s shipping capabilities for better access to national and global markets.
The Taiwanese officials met with Gov. Hoeven, Dept. of Commerce Commissioner Shane Goettle and state business leaders and university officials who traveled to Taiwan in March 2004 and June 2005 to expand the state’s export sales and recruit foreign students. Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple who also serves as chairman of the North Dakota Trade Office, led both trade missions.
“Representative Lee’s visit is another step in a long-term process to build on the initial successes of our trade missions to Taiwan,” North Dakota Trade Office Executive Director Susan Geib said.
The 2004 trade mission resulted in initial sales of agricultural goods valued at about $5 million. Other mission highlights included Rolla-based Arrow-Tech signing contracting with a distribution partner. In June, a trade delegation to Taiwan reported landing more than $2 million in initial sales and on-going negotiations for the sale of goods and services valued at more than $9 million.
During their two-day visit, the Taiwanese officials also met with North Dakota Wheat Commission officials, attend a reception with state exporters and toured the state Capital.