TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – New Jersey’s economic development agency opened its regional Asia Pacific Center in Taipei on Wednesday (May 29).

“Choose New Jersey” President and CEO Wesley Mathews was present at the launch of its fifth overseas office, following similar outposts in Europe, India, Ireland, and Israel. The non-profit group’s mission is to boost bilateral ties and attract investors from Taiwan to the northeastern state.

At the launch ceremony, Mathews said there probably was no other country than Taiwan that hosted representative offices from more than 20 American states, per CNA. He added that New Jersey had the right amount and kind of talent, and the perfect geographical location to entice Taiwanese businesses to invest.

In a prerecorded message, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) emphasized Taiwan’s key role in the global technology supply chain and New Jersey’s advantages in clean energy, biotechnology, manufacturing, and science.

Governor Phil Murphy said the center would provide information and assistance to prospective investors, not just in Taiwan, but also in South Korea, Japan, and China. He congratulated Hsiao on her election and inauguration, noting she had studied at Montclair High School in Montclair, New Jersey.