Maryland Secretary of State Visits Taiwan, Invites Taiwanese Companies to Invest in US to Strengthen Ties
Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee visited Taiwan, inviting Taiwanese companies to invest in Maryland to deepen bilateral relations. She will participate in an economic and trade forum discussing strategies for Taiwanese companies to invest in the US.
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- 📰 Published: April 6, 2026 at 20:51
- 🔍 Collected: April 6, 2026 at 23:28 (2h 37m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 7, 2026 at 00:23 (55 min after Collected)
Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee and Chief Business Strategy Officer Judy Smith are in Taiwan to participate in the forum "New Framework of US-Taiwan Economic and Trade Agreement: Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies, and New Layout of Non-Red Supply Chains for Taiwanese Companies to Invest in the US," which began on the 7th. They were interviewed by the Central News Agency today.
Maryland is located near the capital Washington D.C. and boasts the closest Atlantic port (Port of Baltimore) to the US Midwest, with flourishing import and export trade. Over 50 Taiwanese companies operate there, creating nearly 6,000 job opportunities.
Secretary Lee explained that Maryland and Taiwan have similar industrial focuses, including life sciences, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum science, and aerospace. This not only enhances the quality of life and well-being for people in both regions but also creates numerous business opportunities and jobs.
"Taiwan and Maryland have decades of friendship as their foundation," Secretary Lee emphasized. Her visit to Taiwan aims to invite Taiwanese companies and investors to Maryland, which will further strengthen the relationship between Maryland and Taiwan.
Late last year, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) signed agreements with the Asia Pacific Investment and Innovation Development Association (TAIIDA) and SFIC Group. TAIIDA and SFIC Group can provide up to $50 million in investment funds for projects approved by TEDCO.
Secretary Lee stated that this plan is still in its initial stages, and more details need to be clarified. Maryland has successfully attracted international companies, including Japan's Hitachi and the UK's AstraZeneca, both of which have established presences in Maryland. Last week, Samsung Biologics of South Korea inaugurated its factory in Maryland.
To attract foreign investment, Maryland offers tax credits for research and development, biotechnology, and job creation. It also provides funding for advanced manufacturing and stem cell research to encourage companies to invest in the state.
Smith pointed out that the Maryland state government reviews and adjusts various programs annually based on technology and industrial development. A new tax incentive policy for employee training is expected to be added soon, and the state government also offers one-on-one consultation services on regulatory aspects for foreign businesses, assisting them in formulating investment plans.
When asked about the impact of the US-Taiwan Equivalent Trade Agreement (ART), Secretary Lee said it would benefit both the US and Taiwan, allowing Taiwan and Maryland to deepen cooperation, especially given their shared interests, values, and goals. She also noted that Maryland has many highly skilled Chinese American professionals who serve as effective ambassadors for bilateral relations.
Secretary Lee emphasized that Maryland boasts world-class educational institutions, including Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, and is one of the most concentrated states for scientists in the US. Additionally, Maryland is home to federal regulatory and research agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which simplifies the import and marketization process for businesses.
Secretary Lee also welcomed EVA Air's upcoming direct flight route to Washington in June of this year, stating, "This will bring us even closer; nothing can achieve that more than a direct flight." (Editors: Lin Ke-lun, Yang Kai-hsiang) 1150406
Maryland is located near the capital Washington D.C. and boasts the closest Atlantic port (Port of Baltimore) to the US Midwest, with flourishing import and export trade. Over 50 Taiwanese companies operate there, creating nearly 6,000 job opportunities.
Secretary Lee explained that Maryland and Taiwan have similar industrial focuses, including life sciences, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum science, and aerospace. This not only enhances the quality of life and well-being for people in both regions but also creates numerous business opportunities and jobs.
"Taiwan and Maryland have decades of friendship as their foundation," Secretary Lee emphasized. Her visit to Taiwan aims to invite Taiwanese companies and investors to Maryland, which will further strengthen the relationship between Maryland and Taiwan.
Late last year, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) signed agreements with the Asia Pacific Investment and Innovation Development Association (TAIIDA) and SFIC Group. TAIIDA and SFIC Group can provide up to $50 million in investment funds for projects approved by TEDCO.
Secretary Lee stated that this plan is still in its initial stages, and more details need to be clarified. Maryland has successfully attracted international companies, including Japan's Hitachi and the UK's AstraZeneca, both of which have established presences in Maryland. Last week, Samsung Biologics of South Korea inaugurated its factory in Maryland.
To attract foreign investment, Maryland offers tax credits for research and development, biotechnology, and job creation. It also provides funding for advanced manufacturing and stem cell research to encourage companies to invest in the state.
Smith pointed out that the Maryland state government reviews and adjusts various programs annually based on technology and industrial development. A new tax incentive policy for employee training is expected to be added soon, and the state government also offers one-on-one consultation services on regulatory aspects for foreign businesses, assisting them in formulating investment plans.
When asked about the impact of the US-Taiwan Equivalent Trade Agreement (ART), Secretary Lee said it would benefit both the US and Taiwan, allowing Taiwan and Maryland to deepen cooperation, especially given their shared interests, values, and goals. She also noted that Maryland has many highly skilled Chinese American professionals who serve as effective ambassadors for bilateral relations.
Secretary Lee emphasized that Maryland boasts world-class educational institutions, including Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, and is one of the most concentrated states for scientists in the US. Additionally, Maryland is home to federal regulatory and research agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which simplifies the import and marketization process for businesses.
Secretary Lee also welcomed EVA Air's upcoming direct flight route to Washington in June of this year, stating, "This will bring us even closer; nothing can achieve that more than a direct flight." (Editors: Lin Ke-lun, Yang Kai-hsiang) 1150406