In December 2024, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt led a trade mission to Taiwan and other countries in Northeast Asia, strengthening economic ties and securing key agreements in energy, aerospace, and critical minerals. Showcasing Oklahoma’s global reach, Governor Stitt’s meetings are part and parcel of the state’s strategy to position itself as a leading destination for international investment and trade.
From December 8th to December 14th, 2024, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, along with representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, set out on a trade mission to East Asia, including stops in Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. This mission marked an important step in strengthening Oklahoma’s international relationships, while expanding trade and investment opportunities. Starting in Taiwan, one of the highlights of the trip was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Governor Stitt and Taiwan Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei. This agreement focused on fostering collaboration between Oklahoma and Taiwan’s drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industries, signaling Oklahoma’s ambitions to become a central hub for drone manufacturing. Governor Stitt also met with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te where their discussions extended to energy, critical minerals, and aerospace, areas where both regions see opportunities for mutual growth and development.
Referred to as the "most business-friendly state in the nation” by Governor Stitt, his visit offered Oklahoma the chance to present itself to Taiwanese firms looking to invest and grow their operations in the state, with a particular focus on semiconductors, drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and energy. Governor Stitt spotlighted Oklahoma’s strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and abundant natural resources like oil, natural gas, and wind power, making it an ideal location for Taiwanese investment. He also emphasized the state’s dedication to fostering a favorable investment climate by continuing to simplify regulations and reduce taxes.
This trip follows a previous September 2024 delegation of drone industry leaders and government officials to Taiwan, spurred by the allocation of $51 million in federal funding last July to construct an autonomous technologies hub in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Delegation representatives engaged with Taiwanese counterparts to explore opportunities for US companies like Dedrone and Northrop Grumman in securing alternative suppliers and manufacturing partners outside of China. To facilitate further collaborations, in March 2025, the Oklahoma Senate approved a bill put forward by Oklahoma Senator Roland Peterson to establish the Taiwan Regional Trade Office within the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. This new office seeks to support the development of economic ties between businesses in Oklahoma and Taiwan, while also “further strengthen[ing] our long-standing sister-state relationship with Taiwan,” said Senator Pederson in the bill’s hearing.
The enduring bond between Taiwan and Oklahoma extends beyond trade relations to encompass upholding shared values of democracy and freedom as well. Governor Stitt underscored the importance of this relationship, stating that “[t]he Taiwanese people share Oklahoma’s love of freedom. I look forward to working together to increase trade and investment opportunities in aerospace and energy to advance prosperity for the people of Taiwan and Oklahoma” in remarks delivered to the President of Taiwan. In response, President Lai thanked Oklahoma for its support of Taiwan, highlighting the Oklahoma Legislature’s adoption of a May 2024 resolution to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, a milestone that has been central to shaping the partnership between the two.
Governor Stitt wrapped up his final few days in East Asia with visits to South Korea and Japan, where he engaged with leaders from the energy, manufacturing, and critical minerals sectors, once again promoting Oklahoma as a prime destination for investment. In Seoul, Governor Stitt spoke with Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Ahn Deok-geun on utilizing Oklahoma for potential collaboration in the country’s search for stable energy sources to strengthen both economies’ industrial ecosystems and the global supply chain. The Governor also met with then US Ambassador to South Korea Phillip Goldberg, and paid tribute to the 601 Oklahomans who lost their lives during the Korean War at the War Memorial of Korea. Finally, in Japan, the mission delegates held discussions in Tokyo with Keidanren, a prominent Japanese business federation. There, they further emphasized the state’s unparalleled energy reserves and pro-business policies, pitching Oklahoma as a viable home for Japanese firms. This comes as Japan already plays a significant role in Oklahoma’s economic landscape, with approximately 66 Japanese companies operating in the state and employing nearly 4,000 Oklahomans.
Governor Stitt’s mission to Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan underscored Oklahoma’s commitment to expanding its economic footprint globally, particularly in developing sectors such as aerospace, energy, and critical minerals. With intentional collaborations growing stronger, the state is poised to become a central hub for emerging industries like drone technology, while reinforcing its longstanding and mutually beneficial relationships with these key Indo-Pacific countries.
Emma Potts is a Spring 2025 Young Professional at the East-West Center in Washington. Emma recently graduated from Columbia University, majoring in Political Science and East Asian Languages & Cultures.