U.S. Oklahoma State Governor J. Kevin Stitt announced the opening of a Taiwan Regional Trade Office, demonstrating the deepening U.S.-Taiwan ties. Houston Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Director-General Yvonne Hsiao (蕭伊芳) called establishing the trade office the starting point for further bilateral investment and trade opportunities. The announcement was made at a celebration in the Oklahoma State Capitol on Wednesday, June 30. 

Speaking at the event, Hsiao thanked the state legislature and Governor Stitt for leading a trade delegation to Taiwan in 2024, which she said laid the groundwork for establishing the trade office. She pointed out that the U.S. has become Taiwan’s primary overseas investment destination, with Taiwan rising to the United States’ fourth-largest trade partner. The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on investment cooperation in January of this year, with Taiwan pledging to expand U.S. investments. 

According to the Houston TECO, the new Oklahoma Taiwan Regional Trade Office will continue to promote trade and investment. The office will also showcase Oklahoma’s strengths in energy, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and its logistical advantages as a hub in the central United States. The office plans to launch online courses in the future to provide relevant information for Oklahoma companies to assist in entering the Taiwanese market.