Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Sunday that Texas is working towards opening a State of Texas Taiwan Office to promote “more trade, investment and collaboration between Texas, Taiwan and Texas.”

The announcement was made at a Taipei press conference and as part Abbott’s “three nation economic development mission”, which involves Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. While Abbott is away, Lt. Governor. Dan Patrick serves as acting governor, guiding preparations for hurricane Beryl before its anticipated landfall in northern Mexico and South Texas late Sunday night into early Monday morning.

Abbott and Taiwan Minister of Economic Affairs Jyh Huei Kuo had signed a Statement of Intent for Economic Development prior to the Sunday news. This agreement aims to encourage investment, job creation, and trade between the two entities.

According to the press release, the State of Texas Taiwan Office is expected to be established within the Office of the Governor, and will fall under the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office.

Abbott stated in a press release that Texas and Taiwan were important economic partners who sought to drive innovation into the future. “Today, we are announcing two initiatives that will strengthen our economic relationship and bring unprecedented prosperity to our two peoples. The two initiatives, an economic agreement and the new State of Texas Taiwan Office, will strengthen the economic relationship and cultural relationship between Texas & Taiwan. We will work together to ensure that our people are free and have the opportunity to prosper in the rapidly growing economies of 21st Century.”