News & activities
News releases
On the morning of September 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. In remarks, President Lai thanked Governor Whitmer and the Michigan legislature for their long-standing support of Taiwan and for deepening Taiwan-US exchanges and cooperation in the economy, trade, and other domains. The president noted that the industries of Taiwan and Michigan are highly complementary and expressed hope for even more Taiwan-US industrial cooperation, bolstering supply chain resilience as well as technological and industrial security. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and the United States will sign an avoidance of double taxation agreement at the earliest possible juncture, which would create an even more investment-friendly environment for businesses on both sides.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I am delighted to meet with Governor Whitmer once again. This marks the third time that the governor has led a delegation to Taiwan in three years, which demonstrates the importance that the governor attaches to Taiwan and is the clearest proof of the deepening friendship between Taiwan and Michigan. Especially noteworthy is that Governor Whitmer made a special trip to Taiwan two years ago to host the opening reception of the Michigan Taiwan Office. I especially want to thank the governor for advancing Taiwan-Michigan exchanges and cooperation over the years in such domains as trade and the economy, talent cultivation, and technology.
I would also like to thank both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives for their long-standing support of Taiwan. In addition to establishing a bipartisan Taiwan Friendship Caucus, they have passed Taiwan-friendly resolutions for five consecutive years, staunchly backing Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and supporting the deepening of Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Taiwan and Michigan have now forged an even deeper partnership.
Michigan is a global hub of the automotive industry, excelling in smart mobility, automotive software, information and communications technology, and industrial automation, which are highly complementary with Taiwan’s semiconductor, electronic components, and smart manufacturing industries. As a result, an increasing number of Taiwanese enterprises are investing and expanding their presence in Michigan. Taiwan is actively developing its drone industry. I anticipate that the governor’s visit will bring about more Taiwan-US industrial cooperation, so that together we can enhance supply chain resilience and reinforce each other’s technological and industrial security.
In recent years, economic, trade, and investment ties between Taiwan and the US have steadily grown. Last year, Taiwan became the fourth-largest trading partner of the US, while the US is now Taiwan’s top outbound investment destination and its largest export market. We look forward to the signing of an avoidance of double taxation agreement at the earliest possible juncture, which would create an even more investment-friendly environment for businesses on both sides. I am confident that it would also help Taiwanese businesses establish a more robust industrial cluster in Michigan, further promoting prosperity and development.
In closing, I once again welcome Governor Whitmer and the delegation to Taiwan. I wish you a pleasant and productive visit. I hope Governor Whitmer and all our distinguished guests will continue supporting Taiwan. Let us work together to drive the Taiwan-US economic and trade partnership forward and create win-win outcomes.
Governor Whitmer then delivered remarks, saying that she is delighted to see President Lai again and that it is an honor to be in Taiwan, joined by members of her administration, local elected officials, and key corporate partners. The delegation is in Taiwan at the subnational level, she said, to deepen the ties between our industries and peoples. She added that it is fitting to reunite just before the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time to celebrate being together with friends and family.
Governor Whitmer congratulated President Lai on his achievements over the first two years of his term, saying that he has strengthened the relationship between Taiwan and the US. She emphasized that Michigan is proud to be growing closer to Taiwan each day. The governor also congratulated the people of Taiwan for carrying out orderly and transparent governance and elections, which are a testament to the strength of Taiwan’s democracy.
Governor Whitmer said that Michigan is excited to contribute to the strength of the US-Taiwan relationship and that she is proud to see Michigan companies investing in Taiwan and Taiwan companies investing in Michigan. Two years ago, she mentioned, Michigan announced the opening of the Michigan Taiwan Office, and since then we have seen more investment, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration.
Governor Whitmer said that Michigan has been pleased to welcome several new projects by Taiwanese firms in industries such as automotive electronics and chip design. These projects are succeeding, she said, and Michigan is grateful to those firms for choosing to “make it in Michigan.” She also said she is pleased to announce, during this visit, a new sister city agreement between Taichung City and Michigan’s Oakland County.
In closing, Governor Whitmer thanked President Lai, on behalf of the people of Michigan, for his commitment to our partnership and said that Michigan is excited for the future it shares with Taiwan. She expressed hope that Taiwan will be secure, prosperous, and confident in its relationship with Michigan and said that together we can accomplish great things.
The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.
