High ranking officials representing the Taiwanese government and major importing industries met with Blunt before signing a joint communiqu?in which the Taiwan Feed Industry Association and the Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers' Association express their willingness to purchase approximately 300 to 400 million bushels of U.S. corn and 100 millions bushels of U.S. soybeans during 2006 and 2007. Blunt and the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Jack C. K. Chen witnessed the agreement between the Taiwan associations and the National Corn Growers and the American Soybean Associations.

"We are building the foundation for a prosperous relationship that benefits both the United States and Taiwan. I am honored the delegation selected Missouri to celebrate this historic day," Blunt said. "Agriculture is the largest sector of our state's economy. Increased trade opportunities in the industry will lead to more new jobs, higher wages and enhanced prospects for Missouri's farm families."

This trade agreement will help foster Missouri's existing relationship with Taiwan. According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Taiwan is Missouri's fourth largest soybean customer and third largest corn customer.