Governor Gretchen Whitmer concluded an investment mission to South Korea and Taiwan, meeting with companies already operating in Michigan and exploring new opportunities in semiconductors, robotics, maritime manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing.
In South Korea, the delegation met with POEN, a mobility company that established U.S. operations in Troy in 2025, and BRILS, a robotics firm recently based in the Grand Rapids area. Whitmer also met with South Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry, and Resources and the new governor of Gyeonggi Province to identify business opportunities and advance existing cooperation agreements.
The Taiwan portion marked Whitmer's third visit to the island. Michigan opened its first Taiwan office in 2024 to strengthen investment ties in semiconductors, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. The delegation met with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, along with representatives from aerospace and defense company Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation and drone company Thunder Tiger.
While in Taichung, Oakland County and Taichung City formalized a sister city relationship to create opportunities for economic, educational, and cultural cooperation.
The state uses investment missions to build relationships with companies and governments that can translate into new facilities, expansion opportunities for Michigan suppliers, stronger supply chains, and employment opportunities across the state, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.