Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, celebrated the official opening of Oklahoma's Taiwan Regional Trade Office, a move the lawmakers said marks a major milestone in the state's efforts to strengthen international trade.

The office, housed within the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, officially opened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Tuesday.

Pae and Pederson, who authored SB209, said the office will build on an already strong relationship between Oklahoma and Taiwan.

"Taiwan has been a valued economic partner and friend for decades, and this office will help open new doors for investment, innovation and job creation," Pae said. "Oklahoma's economy continues to grow because we are willing to think globally and pursue partnerships that benefit our communities. I look forward to seeing the economic opportunities that grow from this office in the coming years."

"Oklahoma's longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan has been a valuable partnership for many years, and today's opening of the Taiwan Regional Trade Office builds on that strong foundation," Pederson said. "By expanding trade and encouraging investment, this office will help create new opportunities for Oklahoma businesses and communities. I was proud to author the legislation establishing this office, and I'm grateful to Rep. Pae for his partnership in helping turn that vision into a reality for the benefit of Oklahoma and Southeast Asia."

SB209, approved by the Legislature in 2025, became law without the governor's signature and took effect in August.