Pro Tem Paxton and Sen. Pederson Celebrate Opening of Taiwan Regional Trade Office

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and Senator Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, on Tuesday joined Taiwanese officials in Taipei for the official opening of the Taiwan Regional Trade Office, establishing a new resource for Oklahoma’s international trade and economic development efforts.

The office was established through Senate Bill 209, authored by Sen. Pederson and Representative Daniel Pae, R-Lawton. The measure became law in August 2025, following more than a decade of work to establish a direct trade presence in Taiwan.

Pro Tem Paxton said the office represents an important step forward in strengthening Oklahoma's longstanding relationship with Taiwan and expanding economic opportunities for businesses across the state.

“Oklahoma and Taiwan have shared a strong partnership for more than four decades, and opening this office is an important milestone in that relationship,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “I commend Senator Pederson for his years of work to make this a reality and appreciate the Taiwanese officials who helped us bring this effort across the finish line. Strong international partnerships create opportunities for Oklahoma businesses to compete, grow and create jobs in the global marketplace, and I look forward to seeing what this next chapter brings for our state.”

In 1979, Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act to promote and preserve U.S. interests in Taiwan. The following year, former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh signed an agreement establishing a sister-state relationship between Oklahoma and Taiwan, one of the state's earliest international partnerships.

“Taiwan is Oklahoma's largest trade partner in Asia and serves as an important gateway to broader markets in the region,” Senator Pederson said. “Oklahoma must remain competitive in a global economy, and that means building strong relationships beyond our borders. This office will help connect Oklahoma companies with new markets, attract investments to our state and create more opportunities for Oklahomans.”

The Taiwan Regional Trade Office will help Oklahoma businesses navigate the Taiwanese market, develop commercial partnerships and connect international companies with investment opportunities in Oklahoma. Its areas of focus will include energy, aerospace, agriculture, technology and advanced manufacturing.

The office is also expected to help small and midsize Oklahoma businesses explore international markets without the expense of establishing their own overseas presence.

Cathy Ho will serve as the office's first international trade and investment representative, leading efforts to develop business relationships and promote Oklahoma's economic strengths in Taiwan.

Pro Tem Paxton and Senator Pederson also recognized the contributions of Taiwanese officials who helped advance the initiative over the years, including former Director Generals Peter Chen and Robert Lo, as well as current Director General Yvonne Hsiao of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston.