On Sunday, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico embarked on a trade and business mission to Taiwan. Her agenda includes participation in U.S. Business Day and meetings with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua, as well as discussions with manufacturing companies interested in establishing operations in New Mexico.
Governor Lujan Grisham will deliver a keynote address on September 19th at U.S. Business Day in Taipei, a prestigious business and economic development event in Taiwan sponsored by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council. During this event, the delegation will also make presentations highlighting New Mexico’s favorable business environment, its skilled workforce, and the logistical advantages of its international border zone. This will take place at a U.S. Business Day investment forum where companies exploring opportunities to expand into the United States will be in attendance. The governor plans to engage in one-on-one discussions with various Taiwanese public officials and business leaders.
Governor Lujan Grisham aims to strengthen trade relations by identifying global trade as a priority industry for New Mexico’s economic diversification and job creation along its international border with Mexico. In 2022, New Mexico and the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to foster closer trade ties.
Governor Lujan Grisham expressed optimism about attracting global businesses to New Mexico, particularly from Asia, stating, “New Mexico has the ideal economic climate to attract global businesses, including in Asia. I see great potential to enhance the partnerships we have already established in Taiwan, contributing to stability and economic opportunities for our citizens.”
Amino Chi, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in LA, representing the Taiwanese government, emphasized the enduring friendship between Taiwan and New Mexico. He hoped that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s second visit to Taiwan and other delegates would further strengthen collaboration in economic development, trade, and energy.
Since 2019, the New Mexico Economic Development Department has established a foreign trade office in Taipei, drawing Asian companies to expand into New Mexico due to its strategic location for reaching North American customers and excellent transportation infrastructure. Recent examples include Maxeon Technologies from Singapore announcing plans to establish the only solar panel manufacturing plant in the United States in Albuquerque, and Taiwan-based Admiral Cable and label-printing company Cymmetrik expanding to Santa Teresa in recent years.
“MVEDA is proud to join the Governor and her team on this trade mission and to showcase our business opportunities in the NMBorderplex” -Davin Lopez
Governor Lujan Grisham has committed $30 million in state funds to improve infrastructure along the New Mexico side of the international border. She is also advocating for additional federal funding for improvements at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry, where commercial crossings are on the rise. The state has further pledged to finance a new border highway extension to reduce commute times for Santa Teresa workers.
The Governor will be accompanied by an official delegation, including Chief of Staff Daniel Schlegel, Director of Communications Maddy Hayden, Senior Advisor for Global Trade & Infrastructure Joseph De La Rosa, former Economic Development Department Secretary Alicia J. Keyes, New Mexico Partnership President Melinda Allen, and President and CEO of the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance Davin Lopez. Ethan Chen, the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s foreign trade representative in Taipei, will provide assistance to the delegation.
More details on media participation will be forthcoming.
