MIAMI, Fla. – The Florida Department of Commerce and the Taiwan International Trade Administration have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen trade, investment, and industrial cooperation, with a particular focus on the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The agreement was signed by Florida Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly and Taiwan Director General Cynthia Kiang, building on Governor Ron DeSantis’s recent international trade missions to Europe and Asia, where multiple agreements were reached to expand business opportunities in the state.

This partnership comes at a critical time, as demand for semiconductors—essential to modern automotive manufacturing—continues to surge alongside rising vehicle costs. Florida, now the 16th largest economy in the world, has demonstrated strong economic momentum with more than 3.3 million new businesses formed since 2019, a AAA credit rating, the nation’s top-ranked higher education system, and a top-three K–12 education ranking.

“Florida and Taiwan have enjoyed a close relationship since establishing a sister-state partnership in 1992,” said Secretary Kelly. “This MOU not only builds on that foundation but also opens a new chapter for collaboration in the semiconductor sector and beyond. Such formal partnerships are rare and underscore the unique bond between Florida and Taiwan.”

Taiwan remains one of Florida’s most important economic partners. In 2022, bilateral merchandise trade reached $1.3 billion, with Taiwan ranking as Florida’s fourth-largest trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region. More than 25 Taiwanese companies currently operate in Florida, employing over 400 people and contributing over $107 million in investments.

Director General Kiang emphasized the broader significance of the agreement, noting its alignment with the U.S.-Taiwan Technology, Trade, and Investment Collaboration (TTIC) Framework. “This MOU reflects our shared commitment to closer economic ties and a resilient, innovative global economy,” she said.

The agreement identifies several priority industries for cooperation, including semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense technology, marine and life sciences industries, agricultural technology, supply chain logistics, and clean technology. Both parties will collaborate through information-sharing, business visits, support for joint ventures, and the exploration of new opportunities that further strengthen the Florida-Taiwan partnership.