Representative Logan Phillips believes Oklahoma should strengthen its economic ties with Taiwan and is proposing the creation of the Southeast Asia Economic Trade Office. He’s introducing legislation that would allow the state of Oklahoma to establish the trade office in Taiwan to enhance certain high-tech manufacturing opportunities. This comes as China is at odds with the West over Taiwan’s sovereignty.
However, Phillips believes the move will strengthen Oklahoma’s relationship with Taiwan to advance opportunities for both.
“This trade office would help open new markets for our state and provide increased economic opportunities for our citizens both here and around the world,” Phillips said. “We have a 40 year history of partnership with Taiwan, having sister cities in both Kaohsiung City and Taipei. That partnership has benefited our state culturally for years, and now we have the opportunity to expand the economic impact it can have as well. By establishing the Southeast Asia Economic Trade Office, we can attract new investors and new industries and create new jobs for Oklahomans.”
Phillips looks to bring jobs to the Ardmore Industrial Park and the Port of Catoosa. The focus of the manufacturing would be processor chips, drones and autonomous vehicles. Of course, agriculture and tourism also will be promoted through the trade office.
“If we can work through this office to get agreements in place with manufacturers in Taiwan, the estimate is that over 18,000 well-paying jobs will be created at and around the Port of Catoosa and Ardmore Industrial Park,” Phillips said. “These are future proof jobs that will put Oklahoma on the map as one of the premier tech manufacturing hubs in the United States. In addition to job creation, the use of the Port of Catoosa will help address the supply chain shortages we are seeing across our country. The time is now to establish this office and launch Oklahoma into the future.”
