Press Release

September 18, 2019

The 2019 Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission signed Letters of Intent on Capitol Hill with U.S. exporters for the purchase of grains and beef with a total value of US$3.7 billion.

Following the warm response to the “SelectUSA Investment Summit” campaign in which Taiwan organized the biggest-ever delegation to the US in June this year, Taiwan once again signaled its desire to “Buy American” by having its agricultural importers organize a “2019 Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission” to the U.S. The Mission pledged to increase purchases of American grains and meat as it signed letters of intent with US grains and meat industry associations at a signing ceremony held on Capitol Hill on September 18, 2019.

The Goodwill Mission carries with it a strong message that Taiwan values its reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade and economic relations with the United States. Seven Senators and fifteen Congressmen and Congresswomen attended the ceremony and gave their welcoming remarks.

Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office Louis M. Huang delivered the opening remarks at the signing ceremony. He noted that this year marks the 40^th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which remains the cornerstone of US-Taiwan relations. On Feb.19 this year, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised the fact that “Taiwan is a democratic success story, a reliable partner, and a force for good.” The US commitments to Taiwan’s security and defense capabilities are much appreciated. After organizing the largest business leaders delegation to attend the SelectUSA Investment Summit in June, Taiwan has now sent the 2019 Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission to visit the US with a total commitment of 3.7 billion dollars for the purchase of US grains and meat. Taiwan purchased 4.3 billion dollars worth of American farm products in 2018, making Taiwan the 8^th largest market for American agricultural products. Furthermore, Taiwan’s China Airlines just announced on September 9 an agreement with Boeing for an order of six 777 freighter aircrafts, valued at 2.1 billion dollars in total. Deputy Representative Huang also noted the delegation’s wish to express gratitude towards American farmers whose hard work guaranteed the top quality of American agricultural products.

This year, the Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission is led by Dr. Junne-Jih Chen, Deputy Minister of Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture. The Mission signed letters of intent with the U.S. agricultural industry associations.

The Senators and Members of the House of Representatives who attended the signing ceremony expressed their heartfelt appreciation for this goodwill mission, acknowledging that increased purchases will enhance the export of American agricultural products, benefit American farmers, create jobs, and most importantly make quality agricultural products available to Taiwanese consumers.

After Washington, D.C., the Mission will embark on three separate travel routes to 11 states. The Soybean and Corn Delegation will travel to Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana and Nebraska. The Wheat Delegation will visit Oklahoma, South Dakota and Idaho. The Meat Delegation will visit Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Arkansas. Members of the Goodwill Mission will meet with local officials and agricultural exporters when they are in these states.