The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber formalized a new international partnership March 30, signing a memorandum of understanding with the Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei (IEAT) to strengthen trade and business collaboration between Oklahoma City and Taiwan. The agreement establishes a framework to enhance cooperation in areas including trade, investment, information sharing and broader commercial activity between the two organizations and the regions they represent. Chamber President and CEO Christy Gillenwater and Michael Tsung, chairman of IEAT’s American NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH TAIWAN GROUP EXPANDS OKLAHOMA CITY’S GLOBAL BUSINESS TIES “ We’ve been intentional about partnerships and investments, and today we’re showing we want to be just as intentional about our relationship with you ” - Christy Gillenwater
Affairs Committee, signed the agreement during a ceremony at the Chamber’s downtown offices, joined by a visiting delegation from Taiwan. “We’ve been intentional about partnerships and investments, and today we’re showing we want to be just as intentional about our relationship with you,” Gillenwater said. “We’re very happy to be here and look forward to building strong connections between our organizations,” Tsung said. The event also highlighted the relationship-building aspect of the partnership. Representatives exchanged gifts, including a custom plate featuring Oklahoma’s scissortail flycatcher alongside Taiwan’s blue magpie, symbolizing the connection between the two regions. The Chamber presented a buffalo statue, a nod to Oklahoma’s state animal, in return. The agreement connects Oklahoma City to a broader international trade network and creates new pathways for export growth, foreign direct investment and business recruitment. IEAT has signed similar cooperation agreements with economic development organizations and chambers of commerce in major markets around the world, positioning Oklahoma City alongside other globally engaged regions. “We want this to be a living document, not just a piece of paper,” said Dennis Pruitt, senior vice president of economic development for the Chamber. The partnership is expected to support future trade missions, business exchanges and ongoing collaboration between companies in both regions.
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