Senate Resources Committee hears resolution to reestablish Alaska trade ties with Taiwan, invites testimony from Taiwanese and Alaska officials

Senate Joint Resolution 8, which would reaffirm Alaska's interest in strengthening trade, educational and cultural ties with Taiwan and explore reestablishing an Alaska trade office, was presented and received invited testimony at the Senate Resources Committee on March 19.

Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, sponsor of SJR 8, told the committee the resolution emphasizes Taiwan's role as a major market for Alaska seafood and other resources: "Taiwan is a key economic partner for Alaska, ranking as the state's eighth-largest export market in 2023," she said, and she urged renewed state-level engagement to expand trade and institutional links.

Daniel Chen, director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Seattle, testified remotely and described opportunities across energy, seafood, high-tech and education. Chen cited trade numbers and argued an Alaska trade office in Taipei could help expand Alaska seafood sales and broader commercial ties: "Given Alaska's reputation for premium seafood, there's a significant potential for growth," he said. He noted that several U.S. states maintain offices in Taiwan and described measurable export gains other states reported after opening offices.

Cameron Carlson, dean of the College of Business and Security Management at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, described a developing partnership with Taiwan's National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) focused on business and marine-commerce education and research. Carlson said educational ties can underpin sustained trade and workforce exchanges relevant to Alaska's maritime economy.

Several Alaska residents, many of Taiwanese descent or with business ties, offered public testimony in support of SJR 8. Testifiers highlighted tourism, cultural exchanges and the prospect of restoring direct air service between Alaska and Taiwan. Jeff Chen, a multimedia producer and former Anchorage Sister Cities commissioner, said he helped facilitate shipments of PPE from Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic and urged renewed connections. "I strongly urge you to support this resolution," Emily Clark, an Anchorage resident, told the committee.

Committee members asked technical and scope questions about the resolution's language. Senator Kawasaki asked whether a clause referencing "signing of a trade agreement or tax agreement to promote mutual trade and investment" referred to a specific pending federal action; staff said they would follow up with a precise citation after the hearing. Senator Dunbar asked whether the resolution should be shared with airport and transportation officials as part of efforts to restore direct flights; the sponsor said she would provide the resolution to the appropriate contacts.

The committee set SJR 8 aside for further consideration and took testimony but did not take a final vote on the resolution at the hearing.

Invited witnesses and public commenters urged stronger commercial links, more educational exchanges, and work to reopen direct passenger or cargo flights that could reduce travel time and foster tourism and business contact between Alaska and Taiwan.