During 2025 Leadership Mission to Asia, Florida Strengthens Bilateral Ties and Expands Strategic Collaboration with Taiwan

TAIPEI, Taiwan-A Florida Delegation led by Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly visited Taipei, Taiwan as part of the 2025 Leadership Mission to Asia to strengthen bilateral ties and expand strategic collaboration. Building on the Florida-Taiwan Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in January of 2025, the mission advanced key cooperation in critical sectors and reaffirmed Florida's commitment to maintaining strong international growth. This multi-track mission focused on expanding critical connections and collaboration in higher education, leadership, semiconductors, and aerospace and aviation.

"Florida and Taiwan share a strong bond built on decades of mutual respect, cultural exchange and a critical economic partnership," said Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "This trade mission reaffirms our commitment to strengthening these ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration."

"Under Governor DeSantis' leadership, Florida's longstanding relationship with Taiwan continues to strengthen through purposeful and strategic engagement," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "This leadership mission reaffirmed our shared priorities in sectors such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, and more. The connections made during this visit will lay the groundwork for future collaboration, economic growth, and expanded opportunities for Florida businesses in Taiwan."

"Florida continues to position itself as an international leader by creating opportunities that drive innovation, investment and growth," said Greg Britton, SelectFlorida Board Chair and State Director, Florida SBDC Network. "This mission to Taiwan reinforces our commitment to help our state's small and emerging businesses become international competitors. By opening new doors for trade, partnerships, and collaboration in key industries, we are strengthening Florida's economy and ensuring our businesses have the tools and relationships needed to succeed in international markets."

"This mission exemplifies how targeted international engagement can produce real, long-term value for Florida's economy," said Interim President of SelectFlorida Matt Swanson. "Our meetings in Taiwan advanced critical conversations around trade, innovation, and investment, while also reinforcing Florida's position as an international hub for business growth and economic opportunity."

The delegation of 37 included, state leaders, economic development organizations, universities, representatives from Florida's ports and the business community. During the visit, the delegation participated in business seminars and roundtable discussions, as well as numerous business meetings focused on several of Florida's key industries-from AgTech and FinTech to semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.

While in Taiwan, the delegation met with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to continue discussions following the MOU signed earlier this year . The MOU reaffirmed Florida and Taiwan's longstanding Sister State relationship and highlighted a mutual commitment to expanding economic and educational ties in semiconductor manufacturing. The delegation also met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to further strengthen economic cooperation and explore new opportunities for relationships in innovation, education and sustainable development. The meeting also provided an opportunity for Florida and Taiwan to identify tangible next steps and foster our strong business and academic partnerships.

The Florida delegation visited several universities in Taiwan to advance academic and research partnerships. Visits included Shih Chien University and the National Taiwan University, where discussions focused on collaboration in research and development-especially in areas like semiconductors, microelectronics, engineering and photonics. S ince 2024, Florida universities have signed 24 agreements with Taiwanese universities, fostering academic exchange, joint research initiatives, student mobility programs and faculty collaboration.

The delegation participated in a Florida-Taiwan Business Seminar, which brought together dozens of Taiwanese businesses and Florida leaders to discuss cooperative opportunities across sectors such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, FinTech, AgTech, life sciences and technology. The delegation also participated in a separate roundtable with the Taipei Computer Association that was centered on smart cities and artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting Florida and Taiwan's shared interest in expanding digital infrastructure and AI-driven innovation. Additionally, the delegation met with the Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association, engaging in in-depth conversations about international semiconductor supply chains, innovation and potential future investment in Florida's advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

In 2024, the total bilateral merchandise trade between Florida and Taiwan was $1.2 billion, making Taiwan Florida's 9th largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Taiwan is one of Florida's most significant markets. In 2024, Taiwan imported $266 million in goods from Florida.