Governor Gretchen Whitmer and a team of Michigan officials are undertaking an investment mission to East Asia, showcasing Michigan’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and innovation. The mission builds on years of engagement in the region, including the governor’s 2023 investment mission to Taiwan and 2024 investment mission to South Korea.
South Korea:
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- Governor Whitmer and the accompanying delegation are meeting with business, government, and industry leaders to attract new investment, create opportunities for Michigan companies and workers, and strengthen the relationship between Michigan and South Korea.
- South Korea is one of Michigan’s largest import and export markets, ranking number 3 and 8, respectively.
- Since 2019, Korean-based companies have undertaken 14 investment projects in Michigan, representing $6.01 billion in total capital investment and creating 5,379 direct jobs.
- The team will position Michigan to capture a share of South Korea’s $350 billion commitment to invest in the United States.
- They will focus on opportunities in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and future mobility.
Taiwan:
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- The governor and the delegation are meeting with companies considering investments in Michigan’s semiconductor, drone, and robotics industry.
- They will work to strengthen relationships with business and government leaders in Taipei and Taichung City, two of the country’s leading centers for manufacturing and technology.
- The meetings will highlight Michigan’s ability to support companies across manufacturing industries through its talented workers, world-class research universities, and strong manufacturing capabilities.
- This marks Governor Whitmer’s third visit to Taiwan.
Members of the Team Michigan Delegation include:
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- Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the MEDC
- US Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
- John T. Guiterrez, Executive Director of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation
- David Coulter, County Executive for Oakland County
