September 09, 2005
Friday

Alaska Governor Frank H. Murkowski, Senior Advisor to the President of Taiwan Ning Hsiang Kang and Senior Advisor to the President of Taiwan Li Pei Wu welcomed delegates arriving in Alaska Thursday to attend the second annual Taiwan-Alaska Trade & Investment Cooperation Council meeting.

"The growing trade relationship that Alaska has built with Taiwan is important to our economy," said Murkowski. "We're committed to proactively improving this relationship by removing arbitrary bureaucratic barriers and maintaining active dialogue with our trade partners in the business sector."

Alaska was able to increase exports to Taiwan by more than nine percent in 2004 to $20 million, following an eight-year decline. In that year, mineral sales totaled $4 million helped boost total exports. At the same time, forest products to Taiwan climbed nearly $1 million to total about $4 million and seafood sales rose more than six percent to $6.5 million.

"It's simple economics. We have the resources Taiwan needs, let's give Alaskans more opportunities to bring our products to market," said Governor Murkowski.

The council was formed in 2004 to promote mutual trade and investment. The first annual meeting of TATICC convened in Taipei in December 2004. It focused on increased trade, particularly in the areas of energy and mineral resources.

This year's conference in Alaska will include break-out sessions in energy/mining/investments, fisheries, forestry/agriculture and tourism.

Source of News:

Office of the Governor
http://www.gov.state.ak.us

SitNews
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska