Illinois Announces Establishment of Office in Taiwan to Strengthen Bilateral Partnership
At the 'Taiwan-Illinois Business Forum' in Chicago, Illinois officials announced the opening of a state office in Taiwan this year to enhance high-tech supply chain and economic ties. An MOU was signed between the CIECA and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to institutionalize cooperation in semiconductors and quantum technology.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 09:36
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CHICAGO (CNA) — The U.S. state of Illinois announced at the 'Taiwan-Illinois Business Forum' today that it will establish a representative office in Taiwan later this year to strengthen bilateral technological and economic partnerships. During the event, Lyu Jue-cheng, Chairman of the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA), and Jimmy Clayton, President of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bolster links between Taiwan and Illinois industries.
The forum, held in Chicago, focused on innovation and the global high-tech supply chain, aiming to foster collaboration between the advanced manufacturing hub of Illinois and Taiwan. Lyu delivered a keynote speech highlighting Taiwan's role as a critical economic and security partner for the U.S., supporting the resurgence of U.S. manufacturing and supply chain reconstruction.
Key attendees included Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, DCEO Director Kristin Richards, Intersect Illinois President Christy George, and other leaders from both the public and private sectors. Mendoza noted that Taiwan, as a global leader in semiconductors, is an exemplary partner for Illinois. Richards highlighted that trade between the two parties reached $6 billion last year, with over 40 Taiwanese companies employing more than 1,300 people in Illinois.
Illinois State Representative William Davis compared the relationship to an NFL draft, calling Taiwan Illinois' 'No. 1 draft pick.' He expressed hope for deeper cooperation in education, agriculture, and quantum technology, providing opportunities for youth exchange. Representatives from ITRI North America, Foxconn, and Soundskrit also participated in discussions regarding technology trends and supply chain resilience.
The forum, held in Chicago, focused on innovation and the global high-tech supply chain, aiming to foster collaboration between the advanced manufacturing hub of Illinois and Taiwan. Lyu delivered a keynote speech highlighting Taiwan's role as a critical economic and security partner for the U.S., supporting the resurgence of U.S. manufacturing and supply chain reconstruction.
Key attendees included Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, DCEO Director Kristin Richards, Intersect Illinois President Christy George, and other leaders from both the public and private sectors. Mendoza noted that Taiwan, as a global leader in semiconductors, is an exemplary partner for Illinois. Richards highlighted that trade between the two parties reached $6 billion last year, with over 40 Taiwanese companies employing more than 1,300 people in Illinois.
Illinois State Representative William Davis compared the relationship to an NFL draft, calling Taiwan Illinois' 'No. 1 draft pick.' He expressed hope for deeper cooperation in education, agriculture, and quantum technology, providing opportunities for youth exchange. Representatives from ITRI North America, Foxconn, and Soundskrit also participated in discussions regarding technology trends and supply chain resilience.