ENROLLED
2018 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2
BY REPRESENTATIVES CONNICK AND CROMER
A RESOLUTION
To encourage closer economic relationships between the United States and the Republic of
China (Taiwan) and the negotiation of a bilateral trade agreement between the two
countries.
WHEREAS, for decades, the United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have
fostered a close relationship that has been of mutual economic, cultural, and strategic
benefit; bilateral trade between the U.S. and Taiwan reached $68.2 billion in 2017, making
Taiwan the eleventh largest trading partner of the U.S.; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan's economic revitalization program, the five-plus-two innovative
industries initiative, is boosting U.S.-Taiwan exchanges and as the core objective of
Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, it is forging regional links with Southeast Asian nations;
and
WHEREAS, U.S. exports to Taiwan, combined with Taiwan's investment in the U.S.,
support more than three hundred thirty thousand well-paid U.S. jobs; both nations could
realize further economic gains through the establishment of a bilateral trade agreement and
by enhancing the platforms of Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and Digital
Economy Forum; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan made a momentous transition to democracy beginning in the
late 1980s and has for years been a beacon of democracy in Asia, with Taiwan rated as free
by Freedom House twenty years in a row, an inspiring accomplishment for peace-loving
nations in the world; and
WHEREAS, the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 continues to be the cornerstone of
relations, contributing to continued peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and the
U.S.-Taiwan Global Corporation and Training Framework, established in 2015, helps to
Page 1 of 3 HR NO. 2 ENROLLED
address global challenges such as international humanitarian assistance and public health;
and
WHEREAS, since November of 2012, travel from Taiwan to the U.S. has increased
by almost sixty percent and, with more American traveling to Taiwan, the U.S. and Taiwan
jointly launched trusted traveler programs on the fifth anniversary of Taiwan joining the
Visa Waiver Program, making Taiwan the twelfth partner worldwide and the third in East
Asia to join the U.S. Global Entry program; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan acts as a natural hub to other Asian destinations, with Taiwan's
Civil Aeronautics Administration providing services for more than one and a half million
controlled flights carrying fifty-eight million incoming and outgoing passengers annually;
and
WHEREAS, nontraditional security threats are increasing in the twenty-first century,
and the meaningful participation and inclusion of Taiwan, the twenty-second largest
economy in the world, in the International Criminal Police Organization, the International
Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,
and the World Health Assembly would be beneficial to all nations and their people; and
WHEREAS, this year marks the thirty-third anniversary of the sister-state
relationship between the state of Louisiana and Taiwan, a bond nurtured through mutually
beneficial exchanges; more than four thousand three hundred jobs in Louisiana are supported
by Taiwan-affiliated companies, and Louisiana exported $348 million in goods to Taiwan
in 2016, making Taiwan the fifth largest export market for Louisiana in Asia; and
WHEREAS, allowing the recognition of valid, noncommercial driver's licenses
between Louisiana and Taiwan is part of the effort to promote a business-friendly
environment in order to advance mutual trade and investment.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby encourage closer economic relationships between the
United States and Taiwan and the negotiation of a bilateral trade agreement between the two
countries.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the Legislature
of Louisiana does hereby commend the introduction of reciprocal travel programs, the U.S.
Global Entry program and the Taiwan e-Gate program, encouraging two-way tourism; does
Page 2 of 3 HR NO. 2 ENROLLED
hereby support Taiwan's meaningful participation in the International Criminal Police
Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change, and the World Health Assembly; and does hereby
encourage and support the mutual recognition of noncommercial driver's licenses between
Louisiana and Taiwan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the Legislature
of Louisiana does hereby celebrate the thirty-third anniversary of the sister-state relationship
between Louisiana and Taiwan and does hereby commend Peter C.Y. Chen, Director
General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston, Texas, for efforts and
contributions toward enhancing cooperation between Louisiana and Taiwan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to Peter C.Y. Chen.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Page 3 of 3