Bill Text: DE HR24 | 2015-2016 | 148th General Assembly | Draft

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Bill Title: A Resolution To Reaffirm The Sister-state Relationship Between The State Of Delaware And Taiwan, Strengthening Bilateral Trade Relations, And Supporting Taiwan's Participation In The Trans-pacific Partnership.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-04-12 - Passed in House by Voice Vote [HR24 Detail]

Download: Delaware-2015-HR24-Draft.html

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SPONSOR:	Rep. Miro; on behalf of all Representatives

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

148th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 24

A RESOLUTION TO REAFFIRM THE SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND TAIWAN, STRENGTHENING BILATERAL TRADE RELATIONS, AND SUPPORTING TAIWAN'S PARTICIPATION IN THE TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP.

WHEREAS, Taiwan and United States are long-standing friends with a shared historical relationship and dearly cherished values of freedom, democracy, and human rights; and

WHEREAS, 2016 marks the 16th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Delaware and Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, for the past 15 years , the sister-state relationship with Taiwan has been strengthenedthrough the efforts of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) resulting in better mutual understanding; and

WHEREAS, the 6.4 magnitude strong earthquake has caused devastation and loss of lives in southern Taiwan this February, and the sorrow and suffering are deeply felt and shared by the people of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan is the world's 18^th-largest economy and one of the key trading partners of the United States; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan was the 9^th largest trading partner of the United States in 2015, with the two-way trade volume reaching sixty-six billion; and

WHEREAS, in 2014, Delaware exported more than $111 million to Taiwan, making it our 19^th-largest export market in the world. Taiwan is not only a friendly sister-state of Delaware but also an important trading partner; and

WHEREAS, negotiations for a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) between Taiwan and the United States are ongoing and are an important step towards strengthening bilateral trade and paving the way for entering into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA); and

WHEREAS, in January 16, 2016, Taiwan held its sixth direct presidential election and again demonstrated the strength and vitality of its democratic system, showcasing Taiwan as a beacon of democracy for Chinese communities and all communities around the world; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan has been proven to be a valuable contributor in a broad range of global issues, and should be a meaningful participant 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 by the House of Representatives of the 148^th General Assembly of the State of Delaware that we hereby reaffirm our commitment to the strong and deepening relationship between Taiwan and Delaware and support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the a copy of this resolution be sent to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, and the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution reaffirms the sister-state relationship between the State of Delaware and Taiwan.