WASHINGTON: Taiwanese businesses might one day ship Washington products from Bremerton’s industrial park via railroad to waiting cargo ships at the Grays Harbor deep water port. The products would then be distributed to Asian markets.
Bremerton port commissioners hosted a delegation of nine officials from Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, during a discussion of economic development opportunities April 30 at Bremerton National Airport.
“You have to build those relationships,” said Bremerton Port Commissioner Roger Zabinksi, who coordinated the meeting. “A lot of business is about who knows who and who can put in a good word for you.”
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle Director-General Chin “Andy” Hsing was among the delegates who toured Port facilities.
Chin sees Kitsap as a perfect opportunity because it’s close to Seattle and has an airport, Zabinski said.
The meeting served as a way for local officials to show the potential of the Puget Sound Industrial Center (PSIC), formerly known as the South Kitsap Industrial Area.
The Taiwanese delegates are interested in finding an alternative to Seattle and Tacoma, which are increasingly becoming more expensive and congested.
According to Zillow.com and the Seattle Times, the average price for a Seattle home is $481,300and the average price for a Seattle-area home is $358,200. Whereas, the average cost for a home in Kitsap County is $262,800.
