CHEYENNE — Gov. Mark Gordon is joining key state and University of Wyoming officials, as well as energy sector leaders in a trade mission to Taiwan and Japan.

The trade mission is part of Gordon’s ongoing effort to expand the markets of Wyoming’s core industries, according to a release. The Wyoming trade delegation will promote the state’s gas, coal and rare earth minerals. In addition to meeting with key government leaders and visiting with companies interested in Wyoming products, the governor and his delegation will attend a reception at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence.

“These are important markets that can have direct impacts on Wyoming’s economic future,” Gordon said. “This trade mission is about expanding the reach of our state’s core industries into new markets, and finding additional partners for these ongoing efforts.”

The State of Wyoming and Japan have worked cooperatively on coal research and development of technologies and coal trade.since 2016, when a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by then-Governor Mead and Japan Carbon Frontier Organization (JCOAL). JCOAL operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.

Wyoming has operated the Wyoming-Asia Pacific Trade Office (WAPTO) in Taipei, Taiwan  since 2018, and the state has had a regular presence at the Food Taipei international trade show.