On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Director-General Scott Lai and Deputy Director May Lin of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston (TECO-Boston) visited New Hampshire Senate President Chuck Morse and state government officials in Concord on March 6, 2018. Mr. Lai expressed appreciation for their long-term support for Taiwan and Taiwan’s desire to strengthen practical cooperation and exchange with New Hampshire.
Senate President Morse welcomed Director-General Lai and expressed appreciation for his efforts to promote cooperation in education and trade between New Hampshire and Taiwan. The Senate President said that he admires and looks forward to learning more about Taiwan’s national health insurance system, which covers 99% of the country's population. In turn, Mr. Lai mentioned that New Hampshire is home to excellent higher education, business environment, human resources, and convenient transportation, which has enabled the state to attract manufacturers and students from Taiwan and that New Hampshire should increase its visibility in Taiwan. The Senate President and Mr. Lai promised to further enhance substantive relations between Taiwan and New Hampshire. Additionally, Mr. Lai encouraged the New Hampshire state government to sign a mutual driver's license conversion agreement with Taiwan to attract investment in New Hampshire, and, thereby further promote local economic development.
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. New Hampshire’s major industries include machinery, computer and electronics, transportation equipment, stone and wood products. Taiwan is New Hampshire’s ninth largest export market in Asia, with a total of $36 million in 2016. Major exports to Taiwan include machinery and computer and electronic products.
