A delegation of eight companies from Taiwan, known as the “US Security Technology Business Opportunities Development Group,” arrived in Houston on Wednesday, April 17th, for a two-day visit. The delegation commenced their trip with a negotiation and exchange meeting at Greater Houston Partnership at 9 a.m. Various dignitaries and representatives, including Dallas Taiwan Trade Center Director Lai Wen-yi, John Cypher, Vice President of International Investment and Trade for the Greater Houston Partnership, Jensen Shen, Director of Australia and Oceania for GHP, Export Member Wang Dun-zheng, Ni Bo-jia, Head of the Economic Department of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Overseas Chinese Education Center Director Wang Ying-rong, and representatives of overseas Chinese associations, attended the meeting, which was organized by the Houston Chinese Chamber of Commerce to coordinate local Taiwanese businesses and community representatives.
The main activities of the two-day event included visiting successful bidders for municipal government projects, municipal procurement departments, and large system integrators. Through arranged visits and matchmaking meetings, the delegation aimed to facilitate business cooperation between Taiwanese and American companies and seize opportunities in the market for smart security technology solutions.
John Cypher delivered a welcome speech, highlighting that the Greater Houston area, comprised of 12 counties, is one of the largest and most diverse business districts in the United States. With infrastructure including the basis for four of the nation’s largest ports, two international airports, and well-connected highways and railways leading to Canada and Mexico, the region also boasts a thriving energy transition innovation project. Additionally, it is home to cutting-edge advancements in life sciences, medical centers, and research institutions. Cypher emphasized that the region’s GDP amounts to $633 billion, making it the 22nd largest economy in the world if Houston were an independent country apart from Texas, surpassing the size of Argentina. He introduced GHP’s goal of attracting, retaining, and developing global leading companies, creating job opportunities, and boosting the region’s workforce and domestic product value.
Cypher also mentioned the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Taipei Importers and Exporters Association last October during a visit to Taiwan, representing another step in solidifying relations between the United States and Taiwan.
Lai Wen-yi shared that the Taiwan Trade Center’s overseas offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago have witnessed increasing Taiwanese investments in the southern United States and Mexico, prompting the establishment of an office in Dallas two years ago. He went on to explain three reasons why more Taiwanese businesses are choosing Texas for expansion: the flow of American capital, talent, and companies heading south, the absence of state taxes in Texas, and the growing demand for energy. Lai emphasized that cooperating with Taiwan in the security technology sector ensures trust and integrity, providing a sense of security when dealing with Taiwanese suppliers.
Ni Bo-jia highlighted the past interaction and collaboration between the Taiwan Trade Center and GHP, considering this meeting as a significant opportunity for reconnection and further engagement. Future discussions will revolve around Houston’s energy transformation plans. Bo-jia expressed gratitude to the local overseas Chinese community leaders for their expertise and roles in expanding connections and mainstream integration.
During the meeting, Taiwanese companies participating in the event presented their projects, including: 3S Systems – Integrated Imaging Security Surveillance Systems; Synertron – Image Modules, Network Cameras, Object Sensing, Thermal Imaging, and Facial Recognition; Bison – Automotive Camera Modules; Deeplet – Digital Video Recorders, AHD/IP Automotive DVR, full range of monitoring equipment; Bruno – Time-lapse Photography; Hundure – Access Control; Ennovision Inc – Surveillance System Equipment Manufacturer ODM, and Quanta – Laptop Computers, AI Manufacturing Company.