83R16601 BPG-D
By: Vo H.R. No. 1194
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The expansion of Taiwan's role in the international
community will enhance the important relationship between Taiwan
and the United States, which is supported by common values of
freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and a commitment to a free
market economy; and
WHEREAS, The United States ranks as Taiwan's third largest
trading partner, and Taiwan is the 10th largest trading partner of
the United States; in 2012, bilateral trade in goods and services
between the two nations reached $63 billion; Taiwan is the largest
per capita importer of U.S. farm products in the world; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan has been granted membership in the U.S. Visa
Waiver Program, reflecting the friendship, trust, and cooperation
shared between our two countries; moreover, Taiwan is recognized
for its exemplary economic and environmental progress; and
WHEREAS, Over the past quarter-century, Texas has benefited
from economic and cultural ties to Taiwan that are nurtured by a
vibrant Sister State relationship; our state's exports to Taiwan
were valued at more than $3.6 billion in 2011; and
WHEREAS, Greater participation by Taiwan in international
agreements and organizations will contribute immeasurably to its
prosperity, thereby heightening the synergies created through the
close and dynamic commercial partnership between Taiwan and the
United States; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby express its support for the expansion of
Taiwan's role in the international community; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives specifically
endorse the propositions that Taiwan:
● sign the Bilateral Investment Agreement;
● sign the Free Trade Agreement with the United
States;
● participate as an observer in the International
Civil Aviation Organization;
● participate in the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change; and
● join the Trans-Pacific Partnership; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston as
an expression of the sentiment of the Texas House of
Representatives.