Gov. Whitmer Leads Investment Mission to Taiwan, Building on Strong Partnership to Bring Jobs and Investment to Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 17, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Leads Investment Mission to Taiwan, Building on Strong Partnership to Bring Jobs and Investment to Michigan

Governor's third visit to Taiwan focuses on semiconductors, drones, robotics, and manufacturing

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer continues her investment mission in East Asia, transitioning from South Korea to Taiwan to build on Michigan's growing economic relationship with the region and pursue new opportunities for Michigan businesses, workers, and communities.

"Michigan and Taiwan are both places where people know how to make things, solve tough problems, and build the technologies that will define our future," said Governor Whitmer. "I'm excited to be back in Taiwan to build on the strong relationships we've established and make the case for more companies to invest in Michigan. Whether it's chips, drones, or robotics, Michigan has the talented workers, world-class universities, and manufacturing expertise to compete and win. We're going anywhere and working with anyone to bring more jobs, investments, and opportunity back home to Michigan."

In Taiwan, Gov. Whitmer and the delegation will meet with companies considering investments in Michigan's semiconductor, drone, and robotics industries while strengthening relationships with business and government leaders in Taipei and Taichung City, two of Taiwan's leading centers for manufacturing and technology.

The meetings will highlight Michigan's ability to support companies across manufacturing industries through its talented workers, world-class research universities, and strong manufacturing capabilities. The Michigan delegation will also explore opportunities to connect Michigan companies with Taiwanese partners.

This marks Gov. Whitmer's third visit to Taiwan and builds on years of sustained engagement to deepen Michigan-Taiwan economic ties, attract investment, and connect Michigan companies with new opportunities in global markets.

"Strong economic partnerships are built through consistent engagement, and Michigan's growing relationship with Taiwan demonstrates why showing up matters," said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "Our work here is twofold: competing for the next investment and creating opportunities for Michigan businesses to form new partnerships and reach new markets resulting in growth at home. Michigan and Taiwan have complementary strengths that create lasting opportunities for greater prosperity for Michiganders across both peninsulas."

Deepening Michigan's Partnership with Taiwan

Governor Whitmer's return to Taiwan builds on previous trips that have strengthened ties between Michigan and Taiwan.

In September 2023, Governor Whitmer became the first Michigan governor to visit Taiwan, when she traveled there as part of an East Asia investment mission.

The governor returned in March 2024, when Michigan opened its first-ever Michigan Taiwan Office, establishing a permanent presence to promote investment and strengthen relationships in semiconductors, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing and other key industries.

During the 2024 mission, Governor Whitmer also met with Taiwanese companies and government leaders, participated in a semiconductor roundtable, and connected with University of Michigan and Michigan State University alumni. The mission included the announcement of investments by Taiwan-based Tung Thih Electronics, Sumeeko, and TYC Americas in Michigan communities.

Michigan's continued engagement is already delivering investment and jobs across the state. Since January 2019, Taiwan-based companies have undertaken investment projects in Michigan representing $249.65 million in total investment and creating 461 direct jobs. Since opening the Michigan Taiwan Office, multiple Taiwanese companies have invested in Michigan, including Delta Electronics, YCM, Sunspring Metal, and Logic Solutions.

The Michigan Taiwan Office continues to serve as an on-the-ground resource for Taiwanese companies interested in Michigan, helping build relationships with prospective investors and strengthening connections between businesses.

The investment mission is supported by the MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic development initiatives that drive private investment, job creation and wage growth in Michigan.

###