The Virginia General Assembly has voted in support of a proposal to open a trade office in Taiwan.
“Touched and thankful to learn of the bipartisan Virginia General Assembly House vote today, 99-0, supporting an analysis to open a Trade Office in Taiwan,” Representative to the US Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) wrote on Twitter on Saturday. “I believe such an office will add momentum to deepening trade and economic ties.”
The general assembly’s upper house, the Senate of Virginia, earlier this month supported opening an office in Taiwan to promote economic and trade developments.
Photo: AFP
During a visit to Richmond, Virginia, on Friday, Hsiao also expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for supporting Taiwan’s democracy and forming the Virginia Taiwan Friendship Caucus.
“Grateful that state legislators are organizing a Virginia Taiwan friendship caucus as a platform for continuing friendship and support,” Hsiao wrote on Twitter on Friday.
The friendship caucus, which is cochaired by Virginia senators Bryce Reeves and Scott Surovell, and state delagates A.C. Cordoza and Suhas Subramanyam, is the second of its kind in the US following one previously established by the Delaware General Assembly.
Photo: CNA
In other developments, a bipartisan US congressional delegation arrived in Taiwan yesterday for five days.
While visiting, they are to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and senior government officials to discuss ways to enhance security cooperation and economic and trade ties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The delegation of US representatives comprises Democrats Ro Khanna, Jake Auchincloss and Jonathan Jackson, and Republican Tony Gonzales, the ministry said in a news release.
Upon their arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the four were welcomed by Douglas Hsu (徐佑典), head of the ministry’s North American Affairs Department, it said.
The delegation is also to meet with local business representatives to discuss cooperation in the fields of business and technology, the ministry said.
The US congressional delegation is the second to visit Taiwan during the US Congress’ current session, following Republican US Senator Todd Young’s visit last month.
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