Sen. Rivers joins state trade mission to Taiwan

Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, will join Lt. Gov. Brad Owen on a week-long trade mission to Taiwan, where she plans to promote tourism opportunities for Southwest Washington.

Owen’s goal of the trip will be to highlight the state’s seafood and agricultural products and sign a reciprocal driver license agreement. The delegation is slated to meet with government officials. They leave Saturday and return June 27.

The license agreement allows Taiwan nationals living in the state to skip the written portion of the state’s driver license exam if they have a license to drive in Taiwan. It would strike the same deal for Washington residents living in Taiwan. The state has similar agreements with British Columbia, Korea and Germany.

Owen’s office says the government of Taiwan is paying the cost of delegation’s trip.

Rivers said her district sells more recreational fishing licenses than any other district in the state and there are so many charter boats on the Columbia River that her goal will be “to promote our area as a destination for sport fishing.”

Rivers said she also hopes to have an opportunity to promote the Port of Vancouver as an import site.