Bill No. 209 establishes the Taiwan Regional Trade Office as an administrative component of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The Office is tasked with facilitating economic relationships between Oklahoma-based businesses and entities in Taiwan, promoting business activities, providing information on trading opportunities, and coordinating outreach efforts. It will also manage federal actions that promote business transactions between Taiwan and the United States, conduct training programs for business owners, and produce promotional materials. The Office is required to maintain a physical presence in Taipei, Taiwan.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the Oklahoma Department of Commerce conduct a cost/benefit analysis by January 1, 2029, to assess the net direct state benefits of the Office's operations. If the Office does not meet the estimated benefits, the Department is required to cease its operations. The Department is also authorized to promulgate necessary rules for the implementation of this section. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate enactment upon passage and approval.