Maroc - TAIWANTODAY.TW - Top News - 01/Nov 00:00

Taiwan, Idaho ink MOU to celebrate 40 years of ties

Taiwan and the U.S. state of Idaho signed a memorandum of understanding to mark 40 years of bilateral friendship Nov. 5 in Taipei City, spotlighting the governments’ commitment to enhancing cooperation across the board.   Inked by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Idaho Governor Brad Little, the pact will facilitate expanded exchanges in areas including culture, economy, education, technology and trade, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   During the signing ceremony, Lin welcomed Little and praised the two sides’ ongoing collaboration, citing MOUs on aerospace industry and education cooperation concluded in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Taiwan is Idaho’s second-largest trading partner, with semiconductor products accounting for 40 percent of total bilateral trade, he said, adding that the strong bond will contribute to safer and more resilient Taiwan-U.S. supply chains.   The minister also took the opportunity to thank the Idaho Legislature for passing resolutions supporting Taiwan’s international participation and urging the state government to strengthen its relationship with the country for several consecutive years.   In response, Little expressed similar sentiments and reaffirmed that the two sides will continue advancing their mutually beneficial partnership going forward.   Earlier in the day, Little and his delegation met with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim at the Presidential Office. Hsiao said during the meeting that Taiwan and Idaho enjoy a strong economic and trade relationship, which brings prosperity to both sides’ people.   Little’s delegation was also received by Economic Minister Kuo Jyh-huei Nov. 4 in Taipei. Kuo said that Taiwan is developing the five trusted industry sectors and that there is room for more cooperation with Idaho in the artificial intelligence and semiconductor fields, while Little added that the two sides also have close ties in the agriculture, education, food manufacturing and technology industries.   According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the total bilateral trade volume reached US$1.327 billion in 2023, with computers and electronic products constituting the main trade items. Idaho set up its Asia Trade Office in Taiwan in 1988, and the current visit will further deepen economic and trade partnership, the ministry added. (YCH-E)   Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw