TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) left Saturday for a visit to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland and a factory opening in Texas.

The trip comes as Taiwan and the US negotiate US tariffs. The Trump administration announced a 32% tariff in April on imports from Taiwan before initiating a 90-day discussion period, while a basic 10% tariff applied.

At the May 11-14 SelectUSA event, Kuo will discuss how to deepen Taiwan-US cooperation on supply chains, per CNA. He is also expected to meet with US business associations and corporations.

In Texas, the minister plans to emphasize investment and supply chain cooperation, and to attend the opening of a GlobalWafers factory in Sherman on May 15. Kuo signed a cooperation document with Governor Greg Abbott last year, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said.

The minister will conduct exchanges with local Taiwanese investors, government officials, and business leaders. He plans to understand the problems and barriers to doing business in the area, while presenting ideas to the Texan authorities.

On Friday, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) witnessed the signing of an agreement in Texas between the Taiwan Electric and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association and the Texas Association of Business before heading home, CNA reported.