Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller Hosts Mayor of Taichung City Lu Shiow-Yen, Taichung Delegation

Officials discussed opportunities for economic exchange and collaboration

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Today, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller welcomed a delegation from Taichung City led by Mayor Lu Shiow‑yen to the Maryland State House, highlighting the growing economic and cultural relationship between Maryland and Taiwan.

“Maryland values its strong partnership with Taiwan and the many opportunities it creates for collaboration in innovation, trade, and education,” said Lt. Governor Miller. “We are proud to welcome Mayor Lu and the Taichung delegation to Annapolis and look forward to deepening the connections between our communities, businesses, and institutions.”

Taichung is Taiwan’s second-largest municipality and a hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and high-technology industries. The city shares key economic sectors with Maryland, including life sciences, semiconductor technology, and cybersecurity.

The delegation included leaders from Taichung’s transportation, urban development, health, and information bureaus. The meeting included discussions on expanding economic cooperation and strengthening academic and cultural exchange.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen remarked that Taichung is not only the birthplace of “bubble tea,” but also a central hub for Taiwan’s semiconductor and chip industry. She expressed hope for deeper collaboration with the State of Maryland in fields such as artificial intelligence.

Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee convened the meeting, reflecting on Maryland’s ongoing engagement with Taiwanese partners and the Office of the Secretary of State’s leadership in strengthening international relationships.

“For many years, Taiwanese Americans in Maryland have been a cornerstone of our state’s business, life sciences, and emerging technologies communities,” said Secretary of State Susan Lee. “We are hopeful that Mayor Lu’s visit will advance valuable new exchanges in investment, trade, and emerging technologies that will benefit both Maryland and Taiwan.”

Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ricardo Benn joined to discuss business investment partnerships and collaboration in emerging technology sectors. Taiwanese companies have shown interest in the state’s Global Gateway Program, which provides soft landings for international businesses seeking opportunities in Maryland.

“Taichung is a hub of innovation, industry, and higher education, and meeting with this delegation has been a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Maryland’s highly skilled workforce and the strong intersection of Maryland and Taichung’s industries—including advanced manufacturing and aerospace—open the door for partnership and growth.”

“Working with partners like TECRO (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office) in the United States, Maryland has been exploring opportunities with Taiwanese innovators in new energy storage, innovative materials, and advanced manufacturing,” said Maryland Department of Commerce​ Deputy Secretary Benn. “We look forward to hosting Taiwanese delegates attending SelectUSA 2026 this May.”

The visit builds on Maryland’s growing engagement with Taiwan, including recent trade missions. Last year in March 2025, Secretary Lee embarked on a Trade Mission to Taiwan, anchored by the Smart City Summit & Expo in Taipei. At the Expo, Secretary Lee highlighted Maryland's leadership in key strategic sectors including life sciences and quantum computing, as well as signature programs from the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Maryland Department of the Environment. Secretary Lee engaged Taiwan’s Ministry of Science & Technology, the “Silicon Valley” of Taiwan Hsinchu Science Park, and numerous Taiwan-based tech companies interested in expanding to Maryland.

Taiwanese companies have shown increasing interest in investing in Maryland, and the state continues to promote opportunities for international partnerships that support economic growth and innovation.

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