69th Legislature 2025 HJ 29.1
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 29
1 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29
2 INTRODUCED BY E. BUTTREY, T. NELSON, B. CARTER, G. OBLANDER, C. SCHOMER, J. SECKINGER,
3 K. SEEKINS-CROWE
4
5 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
6 MONTANA RECOGNIZING THE STRONG BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MONTANA AND
7 TAIWAN.
8
9 WHEREAS, the United States and Taiwan have long enjoyed strong bilateral relations encompassing
10 trade, education, cultural exchanges, and tourism; and
11 WHEREAS, Taiwan shares the core values of freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law,
12 peace, and prosperity with the United States; and
13 WHEREAS, the United States is Taiwan's second-largest trading partner, while Taiwan is the seventh-
14 largest trading partner of the United States, with bilateral trade totaling $128 billion in 2023; and
15 WHEREAS, Taiwan imported $3.7 billion worth of United States farm products in 2023, making it the
16 seventh-largest market for overall United States agricultural products, as well as the sixth-largest export market
17 for United States beef and wheat; and
18 WHEREAS, the robust trade and investment partnership between the United States and Taiwan
19 provides a strong foundation for advancing a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement that fosters job
20 creation, expands global market access, and strengthens international supply chains; and
21 WHEREAS, the State of Montana and Taiwan have maintained a valued sister-state relationship since
22 1985, with 2025 marking its 40th anniversary; and
23 WHEREAS, Taiwan was Montana's eighth-largest export market in 2023, with a trade value of $61.5
24 million, and the success of the 2024 Montana SelectUSA spin-off event highlighted the mutually beneficial
25 economic ties between Montana and Taiwan; and
26 WHEREAS, the establishment of the Montana-Asia Trade Office in 2021, along with agreements, such
27 as the driver's license reciprocity agreement in 2020, the Taiwan-Montana Education Cooperation
28 Memorandum in 2023, and key memoranda of understanding signed during the 2023 Montana trade mission to 69th Legislature 2025 HJ 29.1
- 2 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 29
1 enhance collaboration in photonics, quantum technologies, education, and trade, have collectively strengthened
2 and deepened the partnership between Montana and Taiwan; and
3 WHEREAS, the landmark Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 has fostered a close bilateral relationship,
4 advancing mutual security and commercial interests between the United States and Taiwan; and
5 WHEREAS, Taiwan, as a responsible and contributing member of the international community, has
6 provided significant technical and financial assistance in response to natural disasters worldwide.
7
8 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
9 THE STATE OF MONTANA:
10 (1) That the State of Montana reaffirms its commitment to strengthening and deepening the
11 relationship with Taiwan.
12 (2) That the State of Montana commemorates the 40th anniversary of its sister-state relationship
13 with Taiwan.
14 (3) That the State of Montana advocates for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international
15 organizations that address global trade, health, safety, and the well-being of its 23 million citizens.
16 (4) That the State of Montana endorses a closer economic and trade partnership between the
17 United States and Taiwan, including the signing of a bilateral trade agreement and a tax agreement to promote
18 mutual trade and investment.
19 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the Taipei Economic and
20 Cultural Office in Seattle and to appropriate state and federal officials.
21 - END -