Oklahoma opens Taiwan trade office to boost investment, economic ties

Washington, July 2 (CNA) Oklahoma has officially launched a Taiwan Regional Trade Office aimed at expanding trade and investment with Taiwan, a move Taiwanese officials described as a new chapter in bilateral economic cooperation.

The office was inaugurated Tuesday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol, where Governor Kevin Stitt announced its establishment, according to Taiwan's representative office in Houston.

Yvonne Hsiao (蕭伊芳), director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston who attended the ceremony, said the office resulted from the long-standing friendship between Taiwan and Oklahoma and marked the beginning of deeper bilateral investment and trade cooperation.

Hsiao thanked Stitt for leading a trade delegation to Taiwan in 2024, saying the visit laid the groundwork for establishing the office. She also credited members of the Oklahoma Legislature for backing the initiative through legislation.

The office was created under a bill passed by the Oklahoma Legislature in 2025 that became law later that year and took effect in August.

According to Taiwan's representative office in Houston, the trade office will be based in Taipei, with Cathy Ho (何曉雯) serving as its first representative.

The office will promote Oklahoma's strength in the energy, defense, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors, along with status as a logistics hub given its central U.S. location.

It also plans to launch online courses to help Oklahoma businesses better understand Taiwan's market.

Hsiao said the U.S. has become Taiwan's leading overseas investment destination as global supply chains are being reshaped by geopolitical developments, and Taiwan has risen to become the United States' fourth-largest trading partner.

Calling Taiwan "a valued economic partner and friend for decades," State Representative Daniel Pae said the office would create new opportunities for investment, innovation and job creation.