SR0283 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0283 LRB100 11853 MST 23310 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is proud of the sister-state relationship it has enjoyed with the Republic of China (Taiwan) since 1992, marked by strong bilateral trade, educational and cultural exchange, and tourism; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan shares the same values of freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, peace, and prosperity with the United States and the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The United States ranks as Taiwan's second largest trading partner; Taiwan is the ninth largest trading partner of the United States; bilateral trade reached $66.6 billion in 2015; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan and the State of Illinois have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the prospect of future growth; Taiwan was Illinois' sixth largest export market in Asia in 2015, with $633.8 million worth of Illinois goods exported to Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, Negotiations for a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) between Taiwan and the United States are an important step toward further strengthening bilateral trade and paving the way for entering into a Free Trade Agreement between our countries, thereby increasing Illinois' exports to Taiwan and creating bilateral investment and technical collaboration through tariff reduction and other trade facilitation measures; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan has undertaken a policy of "steadfast diplomacy" in its international relations; Taiwan is capable of and willing to fulfill its responsibilities and to collaborate with the world to deal with the challenges of humanitarian aids, disease control, and so forth; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we reaffirm our commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister-state relationship between Taiwan and the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we endorse Taiwan's efforts to secure the signing of Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we continue to support Taiwan's appropriate participation in international organizations which impact the health, safety, and well-being of its people, and support its aspiration to make more contributions in international societies; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to all members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago.