A delegation from Florida, led by Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, met with Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) in Taipei this week as part of the 2025 Leadership Mission to Asia. The meeting aimed to further discussions following the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Florida and Taiwan in January 2025. This agreement outlined plans for cooperation in semiconductor manufacturing, trade, and education.
The session reviewed progress since the MOU was signed and discussed specific next steps for collaboration. These include possible partnerships between universities in Florida and Taiwan, as well as initiatives to support high-tech industries such as advanced packaging and photonics. These sectors are seen as complementary to Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. Florida also offers unique applications for microelectronics across aerospace, aviation, military, defense, transportation, air mobility—including drones—life sciences, and energy research.
Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd stated: “As Florida’s State Protocol Officer, I’m pleased Florida and Taiwan are taking steps to further solidify the partnership set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding. Advancing this agreement ensures our economic and diplomatic alliance remains focused on mutual prosperity.”
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said: “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is taking deliberate steps to turn our strategic relationship with Taiwan into actionable outcomes. This continued dialogue is focused on identifying real opportunities—for trade, investment and innovation—that benefit both Florida and Taiwan. From semiconductors to advanced manufacturing and talent development, we’re building the foundation for long-term economic growth and shared success.”
Director General Liu from Taiwan’s International Trade Administration added: “Since Minister Ming-Hsin Kung took office at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the MOEA has actively advanced several key policy initiatives in such fields as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cybersecurity, which highly align with the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both sides in January this year. Both sides could deepen cooperation in four ways: strengthening technological collaboration, enhancing industrial linkages, promoting investment, and expanding trade.”
Recent activities highlight increased engagement between Florida and Taiwan. In September 2025, Florida participated in SEMICON Taiwan—an international event for the semiconductor sector—and hosted a Taiwanese agriculture delegation focused on beef imports.
In 2024 bilateral merchandise trade between Florida and Taiwan reached $1.2 billion; this made Taiwan Florida’s ninth largest trading partner within the Asia-Pacific region. That same year saw $266 million worth of goods exported from Florida to Taiwan.
