On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Director-General and Mrs. Scott Lai, accompanied by Deputy Director Daniel Liao and Consular Officer Johanna Wang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston met Governor Phil Scott in Burlington, Vermont on February 6 and 7. Mr. Lai expressed Taiwan’s desire to strengthen practical cooperation and exchange with Vermont.
Governor Scott welcomed Director-General Lai and expressed his concern regarding the Hualien earthquake. The governor praised Taiwan’s effort on developing cooperation in various areas with Vermont and expressed his interest in attracting visitors from Taiwan to Vermont. In turn, Mr. Lai said that he looks forward to helping increase Vermont’s visibility in Taiwan and strengthening bilateral economic cooperation should the Vermont state government consider setting up a trade office in Taiwan.
Director-General Lai also delivered an address at the Vermont House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, in which he asked Vermont to sign a mutual driver's license conversion agreement with Taiwan and set up a trade office in Taiwan. Mr. Lai spoke on the Taiwan-U.S. Visa Waiver Program and close economic relationship between Taiwan and Vermont. He also expressed his appreciation for Vermont’s support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
Taiwan and the United States maintain a close economic relationship. Taiwan is the U.S.’ tenth largest trading partner, with a total of $65 billion in 2016 and Taiwan is the U.S.’ second largest per capita consumption of agricultural products. In terms of bilateral trade, the U.S. is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign investment while Taiwan’s investment in the U.S has created more than 320,000 jobs. Taiwan is Vermont’s eighth largest export market, with a total of $96 million in 2016. Major exports to Taiwan include electronics, plastic products, and fiber-optic instruments. Taiwan is Vermont’s eleventh largest import market, with a total of $40 million in 2016.
