Idaho State News

Governor’s Trade Mission Opens Doors to Opportunities for Idaho Businesses

Madison Hardy | Governor Brad Little’s Office

Published

December 16, 2022

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little returned this past weekend from a nine-day trade mission to Taiwan and Singapore. The trip was his second official trade mission as Idaho’s 33^rd Governor.

Taiwan is Idaho’s second largest export destination. In 2021, companies there bought more than $470 million in Idaho products. Singapore is Idaho’s fourth-largest export market overall, accounting for more than $217 million in exports.

“Our meetings with overseas businesses and government officials helped strengthen Idaho’s decades-old partnership and friendship with Taiwan and opened doors for new trade and investment opportunities in both markets to continue to enhance Idaho’s economic prosperity,” Governor Little said.

Quotes from trade mission participants:

“INL appreciates Governor Little’s interest and dedication to Idaho’s industry and its potential foreign markets. It was an honor to be part of this trade mission and learn about the global interest in the technologies being developed at Idaho National Laboratory. INL looks forward to engaging with partners in Asia in our efforts to develop low carbon energy sources.” – Marsha McDaniel, Idaho National Laboratory

“For the Idaho Potato Commission, the trade mission was a resounding success. Our customers deeply appreciated the Valued Partner Awards and interacting with the Governor and the Department of Agriculture staff. The Governor went out of his way to meet with several of our current and potential customers. Governor Little and his staff definitely added value to our sales presentations. New and emerging markets like these are key for the Idaho potato industry’s long-term future and the success of our growers.” – Jamey Higham, Idaho Potato Commission

“It was a privilege to join Governor and First Lady Little in Taiwan and Singapore on behalf of Idaho wheat farmers. Missions like this one help strengthen relationships with overseas buyers, secure market access, and ensure continued exports for Idaho producers. It was a pleasure to have reciprocal visits with the Taiwan Flour Mills Association, Lin Hwa, Wilmar, Prima, Interflour, and other companies who have come to Idaho with trade teams. Having the Governor join us for some of our meetings provided elevated access to our customers in Taiwan and Singapore.” – Cory Kress, Idaho Wheat Commission

“Exports are critically important to Idaho dairy farmers. Having the support of the Governor, his staff and his Cabinet to increase dairy sales around the world is a privilege for our industry.” – John Brubaker, Dairy West

“It was Koenig Vineyards and Distillery’s honor to be a part of the recent Governor’s Trade Mission to Taiwan. The Departments of Agriculture and Commerce do an amazing job with organizing these special international opportunities that small companies like ours would not otherwise have access or the resources to reach and expand new markets. With the assistance of the Governor and the two departments, Koenig has benefited from over 10 years of exporting products to Taiwan.” – Kristen Koenig

“I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of energy the State of Idaho and the Department of Commerce put into helping Idaho business export. The companies they vetted as potential clients were spot on,“ – Paul Stanger, Plant Therapy

Trip Highlights in Taiwan

Governor Little made introductions for new suppliers and strengthened relationships with existing partners such as Mayfull Foods, a major customer that imports millions of dollars annually of Idaho food and agriculture products.
In a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen, Governor Little encouraged the exchange of engineers to support Micron’s growth in Idaho and globally in addition to the strong trade relationship involving Idaho agricultural products. President Tsai also thanked the Idaho Legislature for passing resolutions in support of Taiwan for three consecutive years.
Governor Little attended an Idaho food event promoting Idaho products to over 45 chefs and hotels in Taichung.
The Taiwan Flour Mills Association hosted Governor Little and members of the Idaho delegation to discuss wheat exports. Taiwan receives 80-percent of its wheat from the United States.
The New Product Development Lab/TechHelp signed an MOU with the Taiwan USA Industrial Cooperation Promotion Office, establishing a strong and reliable platform for industrial and supply chain cooperation for development, commercialization, and manufacturing of innovative products.

Trip Highlights in Singapore

Governor Little met with Singapore Chief of Air Force, Major-General Khong along with senior leadership to strengthen relationships for Mountain Home Air Force Base where Singapore Air Force pilots are trained.
Governor Little and delegation members met with the CEO of Wilmar International to promote Idaho wheat to the largest flour miller in Southeast Asia with 39 flour mills and over 1,000 manufacturing facilities.
The Governor promoted fresh Idaho potatoes to NTUC Fair Price, the largest retailer in Singapore.
At the Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and the Environment, the Governor connected the organization with the Idaho National Laboratory and facilitated discussions regarding collaboration in energy and environmental sustainability.
In a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Lawrence Wong, the Governor encouraged continuing and expanding partnerships with Idaho agricultural products. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked Governor Little and Mountain Home Air Force Base for hosting Singapore Airforce pilots who have been training in Idaho for over a decade.

The following 20 businesses and organizations joined Governor Little, the Idaho Department of Commerce, and Idaho State Department of Agriculture in Taiwan and Singapore: