INDIANAPOLIS (August 12, 2005) – Governor Mitch Daniels, five days after returning from his economic development mission to Asia, announced today the first tangible results of the trip.  On September 17-18, a delegation of Taiwanese government and agricultural leaders will visit Indiana to discuss the purchase of soybeans and wheat. 

“Indiana was not originally on their schedule. I think this is clearly a result of the progress made during the mission to Taiwan,” said Governor Daniels. “Having the opportunity to strengthen relationships between Indiana and Taiwan has helped Indiana regain its competitive edge in agricultural commodities.”

Last week, Governor Daniels led an economic development mission of 78 Hoosier government, business, and economic development leaders to Taiwan and Japan.  Those delegates made hundreds of contacts with business and agricultural officials in both countries. Governor Daniels is the first sitting Governor of Indiana to visit Taiwan.

“The Taiwanese buy their agricultural products centrally so this visit could mean millions of dollars in Hoosier soybean and wheat sales,” said Agriculture Department Director Andy Miller.  “The governor continually promoted Indiana’s agricultural sector to key Taiwanese officials, and now we see the benefits of his salesmanship.”  

The Taiwanese mission will be led be a former Minister of Agriculture and include 10-12 leaders from government and the agricultural community.  The Taiwanese mission will visit Indiana, Washington, D.C., Ohio, and Iowa. 

“This visit is not just a courtesy call,” said Governor Daniels. “The Taiwanese are coming to do business and are bringing their checkbooks.”

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