SR-99, As Adopted by Senate, October 6, 2015
Senator Meekhof offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 99.
Whereas, Relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the United States are marked by strong bilateral trade, education, and cultural exchanges. The United States is Taiwan's third-largest trading partner, and Taiwan is the twelfth-largest trading partner of the United States. In 2014, trade between these two nations totaled more than $67.4 billion in exchanged goods, nearly $5 billion more than in the previous year; and
Whereas, Taiwan and the state of Michigan have long benefited from this relationship. In 2013, Taiwan was the sixth most popular destination for Michigan-made products. A year later, Michigan exports to the island nation amounted to $247 million, an increase of 30 percent over the previous year. From 2013 to 2014, Michigan imports from Taiwan increased from $705 million to $805 million, a 14 percent increase, making the outlook for joint economic and cultural growth in the future bright; and
Whereas, Further strengthening bilateral trade between our two nations would be mutually beneficial, and negotiations for a bilateral investment agreement between Taiwan and the United States is an important first step. This trade agreement is essential to increasing foreign direct investment and technical collaboration through tariff reduction and other trade facilitation measures. Moreover, trade agreements like these pave the way for a free trade agreement between the Pacific nations; and
Whereas, Taiwan’s participation in international organizations benefits not just the people of Taiwan, but the international community as a whole by virtue of increased communication and more efficient accomplishment of shared goals gained through a nonexclusionary approach to global participation in creating unified efforts, including nations like Taiwan—nations with the same values of freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, peace, and prosperity as the United States and the state of Michigan—would strengthen such organizations to the benefit of all; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body congratulate the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on their 104th National Day and declare October 10, 2015, as the Republic of China Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That we support the signing of the Free Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Agreement between the United States and Taiwan and support Taiwan's efforts to participate significantly in international organizations; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the U.S. Secretary of State; the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, Illinois; and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.