Taiwan delegation urges Vermont to reopen a state trade office in Taipei to attract investment

BURLINGTON, Vt. — A delegation from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston urged the Vermont House Committee on Commerce & Economic Development on Feb. 10 to consider reopening a Vermont state office in Taiwan, arguing the move would make the state more competitive for Taiwanese investment and export growth.

The delegation’s Director General Bao told committee members that bilateral trade has grown rapidly in recent years, saying, “2024, Taiwan was the seventh largest trading partner of The US,” and that trade between the two sides surged about 35 percent through November of last year. Jennifer, a trade representative with the Taipei delegation, noted Vermont previously operated an office in Taiwan from 2000 to 2010 and cited that Vermont exports to Taiwan rose from $93 million in 2000 to $511 million in 2004.

“We are here today because we want to show the scoring report has changed,” Jennifer said, urging the committee to consider a renewed local presence in Taiwan to capture investment momentum in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, biotech and green energy.

Jennifer told the committee that a functioning Vermont office in Taiwan could be run for about $75,000 annually and described a phased subsidy package for states provided by Taiwan’s programs: “for the first two years, I subsidized 75%,” she said, adding that the subsidy level declines in later years. Committee members pressed for specifics on the subsidy schedule and duration; the delegation described the support as phased and subject to Taiwan’s program terms.

The delegation emphasized Taiwan’s role in semiconductor supply chains and large private-sector investments in U.S. semiconductor capacity. Jennifer cited substantial corporate commitments by firms such as TSMC and said many suppliers and downstream firms typically follow such lead investments; Director General Bao corrected an earlier phrasing to say the large investment commitments referenced were from Taiwanese companies rather than direct government funding.

Committee members asked whether any New England states maintain offices in Taiwan; the delegation replied that none do. Members also asked whether federal permission is required to open a state office; the delegation said federal agencies encourage state engagement with Taiwan and that no federal prohibition was identified.

Jennifer recommended immediate, practical steps including (1) a memorandum of understanding or investment MOU to formalize intent, (2) a Commerce Department staff visit to Taiwan to assess incentives and regulatory questions, and (3) coordination with the Legislature to restore or establish statutory authority (the delegation noted a prior statutory provision — Title 10, Chapter 4, World Trade Office Affairs — was repealed in 2009 and would need to be addressed). She also agreed to send the committee’s requested presentation materials after returning to Boston.

Committee members raised broader questions about sectors beyond semiconductors, including advanced plastics, medical devices, and the delegation pointed to interest in biotech and green-energy partnerships. The delegation highlighted local projects in Vermont, including a GaN tech hub the University of Vermont is developing with GlobalFoundries, as a potential area for collaboration.

The committee paused the session and reconvened at 2:00 p.m. to hear from Secretary Curley of the Agency of Commerce on the budget. No formal vote or motion on establishing an office was taken during the Feb. 10 meeting.