JEFFERSON CITY — Recently, Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, along with a number of other lawmakers, had the opportunity to travel to Taiwan, where they visited several different manufacturers, as well as economic and political associations.

“This visit was extremely enlightening,” Sen. Pearce said. “With visits to the American Institute of Taiwan, the American State Offices Association (ASOA), and the Taiwan Flour Mill Association, my travel companions and I were exposed to many differences between the United States and Taiwan, while also learning about our commonalities.”

Senator Pearce, along with fellow Missouri Sen. Joe Keaveny, D-St. Louis, and representatives from North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska visited many different organizations relating to trade with the United States. In 2012, Missouri alone exported more than $30 million of agricultural goods to Taiwan according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA). The top exported product was $21.2 million in soybeans, while corn, animal feed and starch residues comprise the rest of the major exports at $2.1 million, $1.1 million and $1 million, respectively.

As there is no official political recognition of Taiwan, the ASOA serves as a trade facilitator between the two countries. Missouri, especially the MDA, is served by the ASOA to facilitate long-term commercial relations and promote economic interests with participating states. Missouri’s representative in Taiwan is Mr. Hank Ma, who works closely with MDA to promote Missouri products and exports. Missouri is one of 12 states that maintain an international presence in Taiwan. For this reason, a number of lawmakers from Missouri are invited to visit the country each year.

“I enjoyed the many learning opportunities on this good-will trip,” Sen. Pearce said. “It is heartening to know that Missouri plays such a large part in the international market, and that our goods are in demand world-wide. Utilizing this partnership will help Missouri stay strong in the job market and in the international economy.”

Invited to Taiwan on behalf of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Kansas City, Sen. Pearce also had the chance to meet with Taiwanese education professionals. Missouri is a leading state in educating Taiwanese students, with 321 college students representing Taiwan in both public and private higher education institutions throughout Missouri.