Taiwanese diplomat sees opportunity in Wyoming

CHEYENNE -- A Taiwanese diplomat had a good time last week in Cheyenne. Wyoming lawmakers voted Wednesday and Thursday to send a bill providing funds to Gov. Matt Mead’s desk for a trade representative to Taiwan. And later that day, the diplomat received an enthusiastic reception from Cheyenne Mayor Marian Orr. The two discussed ways to better connect the Capital City to Taiwanese sister city, Taichung. In an interview Thursday morning, Vincent Yao, director general of the Taipei Office of Cultural and Economic Affairs in Seattle, said he expected both meetings would pay dividends in trade and other partnerships down the road.

Taiwan was the 13th-largest buyer of Wyoming products last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, and the ninth-largest seller. Yao said he hopes to improve both rankings.

Brief contributed by the Wyoming News Exchange.