Governor Abbott Announces State Of Texas Office In Taiwan

AUSTIN, TX — Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the state’s plan to open a State of Texas Taiwan Office at a press event in Taiwan's capital city of Taipei on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

The visit was part of a three-nation economic development mission to Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. The State of Texas Taiwan Office is intended to bolster the economic and cultural cooperation between Texas and Taiwan, promoting more trade, investment and collaboration.

“Texas and Taiwan are critical economic partners that seek to drive the future of innovation,” said Abbott. “Today, I am announcing two key initiatives that will help bolster our economic relationship and foster unprecedented prosperity for our two peoples. Both initiatives — an economic agreement and a new State of Texas Taiwan Office — will strengthen the economic and cultural relationship between Texas and Taiwan. By working together, we will ensure our people have the freedom and opportunity to thrive in the growing economies of the 21st century.”

Prior to the announcement, Abbott signed an Economic Development Statement of Intent with Taiwan Minister of Economic Affairs Jyh-Huei Kuo to further boost investment, expand trade, spur job creation and increase innovation in critical industries between Texas and Taiwan. 

The statement of intent prioritizes collaboration in critical sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles and energy resilience.

The State of Texas Taiwan Office will operate within the Office of the Governor under the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office. Through this office, Texas will be able to facilitate closer cooperation and mutual benefits between Texas and Taiwan, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.

The Governor was joined at the signing ceremony and press conference by First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Secretary of State Jane Nelson, Chairwoman Angie Chen Button, Senator Carol Alvarado, Representatives Gio Capriglione and Jacey Jetton, the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office Executive Director Adriana Cruz, Texas Economic Development Corporation Board Secretary Adrian Cannady, Texas Economic Development Corporation President & CEO Aaron Demerson and the Texas delegation.