Whitmer Led Michigan Delegation to Asia in September
Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited South Korea and Taiwan last month to seek new investment in Michigan industries.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer led a 16-person delegation on an eight-day economic mission to South Korea and Taiwan from September 11 to September 19, 2026. The trip aimed to strengthen investment ties with companies operating in the semiconductor, robotics, and automotive sectors.
Why it matters
The mission was designed to attract foreign investment to Michigan by meeting with major manufacturers considering future growth in the state. Securing these partnerships is part of an effort to solidify Michigan as a hub for advanced manufacturing and electric vehicle technologies.
The eight-day excursion cost $204,941 and included 16 unredacted staff members. The itinerary focused on automotive and technology firms including Hyundai Motor, TSMC, and Himax Semiconductor Design.
The players
Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan who served as the leader of the state delegation.
Lai Ching-te
President of Taiwan who met with the Michigan delegation during their visit.
Dave Coulter
Oakland County Executive who accompanied the governor and established a sister city agreement.
The details
The delegation held meetings with industry leaders and visited manufacturing clusters in South Korea and Taiwan, including a specific meeting between Governor Whitmer and Taiwan President Lai Ching-te. During the trip, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter signed a sister city agreement with Taichung City.
Timeline
September 11-19, 2026: Governor Whitmer led an economic delegation to East Asia.
September 17, 2026: Governor Whitmer met with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.
Roadmap
This trip underscores the state's ongoing strategy to compete for global manufacturing dominance in the electric vehicle and semiconductor sectors. By building direct ties with East Asian firms, Michigan aims to secure a larger share of global supply chain investments against other U.S. states.
Residents may see the impact of these meetings if new foreign investment leads to job creation in the local automotive and semiconductor manufacturing sectors. Success in these outreach efforts is intended to stabilize the state's industrial tax base and improve employment opportunities.
The takeaway
Economic missions are critical tools for states looking to attract international firms to local manufacturing facilities. These trips are typically judged by the long-term capital investments and new jobs that follow the diplomatic outreach.
Further reading
For more on how state policy targets the future of the auto industry, visit Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Michigan Capitol Confidential.
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