Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Townsend & Sen. Sokola

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

149th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 14

RESOLVING TO SUPPORT TAIWAN’S SIGNING OF FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (FTA) WITH THE UNITED STATES, REAFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR TAIWAN’S MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION IN AND CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND FOR STRENGTHENING AND EXPANDING SISTER-STATE TIES BETWEEN THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND TAIWAN.

WHEREAS, Taiwan shares the common values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law with the United States and the state of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, in 2016, Taiwan held its 6th direct presidential-election and inaugurated Dr. Tsai Ing-wen as its first woman president in a peaceful transition of power, demonstrating the strength and vitality of its democratic system and showcasing Taiwan as a beacon of democracy for Asia and beyond; and

WHEREAS, 201 7 marks the 1 7th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Delaware and Taiwan; the sister - state relationship with Taiwan has been strengthened through the efforts of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) , resulting in better mutual understanding and enhancing the friendship, trust, and cooperation between Delaware and Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, the United States is Taiwan ’ s 2nd largest trading partner and 2nd largest destination of Taiwan outward investment; Taiwan is the 10th largest trading partner of the United States, with bilateral trade reach ing $65.3 billion in 2016, 8th largest export destination for U.S. agricultural goods, and overall the 14th largest export market; and

WHEREAS, in 2016, bilateral trade between Delaware and Taiwan reache d $191 million, in which Delaware exported $98 million to Taiwan, making Taiwan its 12th largest export market in the world, and Delaware imported $93 million from Taiwan, making Taiwan its 3rd largest import market in Asia, demonstrating that Taiwan is not only a friendly sister-state of Delaware but also an important trading partner; and

WHEREAS, by working together with Taiwan, Delaware welcomes all opportunities for an even closer economic partnership to increase trade and investment through the signing of a U.S.-Taiwan Free Trade Agreement, to boost greater Delaware exports to Taiwan and to enhance the special sister-state bond between Delaware and Taiwan, resulting in further cultural, educational, and business exchanges between the citizens of both nations; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan and the United States have combined efforts to address regional and global challenges under the mechanism of U.S.-Taiwan Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF), and jointly conduct capacity building programs for regional experts in areas of public health, women empowerment, energy efficiency , and e-commerce; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan has proven to be a valuable contributor in a broad range of global issues, and should be granted access to meaningfully participate in various international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) .

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the State of Delaware reaffirms its commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister-state relationship between Taiwan and the state of Delaware; commend s Taiwan ’ s vibrant full-fledged democracy with yet another peaceful transition of government; endorses Taiwan ’ s efforts to secure the signing of the Free Trade Agreement with the United States; and continues to support Taiwan ’ s meaningful participation and contribution in international organizations which impact the health, safety, and well-being of its people , and supports its aspiration to make more contribution in international societies.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to Governor John Carney of Delaware, a nd another sent to Mr. Stanley Kao, th e Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U nited States .