Colorado, Taiwan sign tech and trade cooperation deal

DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Director General Debby Huang signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday at the Colorado State Capitol to expand economic and technology cooperation between Colorado and Taiwan.

The agreement focuses on collaboration in quantum technology, photonics, precision agriculture and semiconductors. The effort follows a 2024 investment mission to Taiwan led by Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera.

“Colorado is a global leader in innovation, and we are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Taiwan, who shares our interest in the development of new technologies like quantum and semiconductors. This agreement will deepen our collaboration, drive new investments and create good-paying jobs for Coloradans,” said Governor Polis.

“Taiwan is a strong Colorado partner that supports our agriculture sector and shares our commitment to developing the technologies of tomorrow, including quantum and semiconductors. Growing our relationship represents an opportunity to boost investment into our state and create good-paying jobs for Coloradans, and I am thrilled to see our 2024 visit to Taiwan lead to this Memorandum of Understanding and continued partnership,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.

State officials said the memorandum is intended to support business expansion, trade and investment activities and supply chain diversification between the two regions.

The agreement includes plans to exchange information related to trade, industry and investment, encourage business delegations, support businesses and organizations exploring expansion opportunities and promote collaboration in workforce development and research and development.

“This MoU represents a significant step forward in deepening our economic and trade cooperation, as well as research and academic exchanges. Taiwan is a global leader in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, green technology, and smart solutions, while Colorado excels in aerospace, renewable energy, biotechnology, and high-value-added manufacturing. By strengthening our trade ties, we are creating new opportunities for businesses on both sides,” said Debby Huang, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office.

“Taiwan is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and has growing interests in technologies like quantum sectors, where Colorado excels and is well positioned to grow. The MoU signed today builds on the work our regions have undertaken to grow strong partnerships and will create new opportunities for business while developing the technologies of tomorrow,” said Eve Lieberman, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade Executive Director.

“Agricultural products are Colorado’s largest export, and we have many incredible partners in Taiwan. This agreement will advance our partnership and grow our mutual business opportunities that expand market access for Colorado agriculture,” said Colorado Acting Commissioner of Agriculture Robert Sakata.

State officials said the Colorado-Taiwan trade relationship is valued at nearly $1 billion annually.

The memorandum was led by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Global Business Development division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.