SR 111 (LSB 6215XS (5) 87)

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 111

BY  SCHNEIDER, BEHN, DOTZLER, GARRETT, HART, and KAPUCIAN

A Resolution in support of strengthening and deepening the relationship between Taiwan and the State of Iowa.

   WHEREAS, the State of Iowa is proud of the sister-state relationship it has enjoyed with Taiwan since 1989, which is marked by strong bilateral trade, educational and cultural exchanges, and tourism; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan shares with the United States and the State of Iowa the common values of freedom, democracy, and human rights, and a commitment to the rule of law; and
   WHEREAS, the United States ranks as Taiwan’s second-largest trading partner, and Taiwan is the United States’ 10th largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade reaching $68.2 billion in 2017; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan and the State of Iowa have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship and anticipate continuing growth, with Taiwan ranking as Iowa’s 5th largest export destination in Asia in 2017, with $171 million worth of Iowa goods shipped to Taiwan, including food, machinery, chemicals, miscellaneous manufactured commodities, and agricultural products; and
   WHEREAS, negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement between Taiwan and the United States are an important step toward further strengthening bilateral trade between the State of Iowa and Taiwan, thereby increasing Iowa’s 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” regarding international relations and is capable of and willing to fulfill its responsibilities and to collaborate with the world to deal with the challenges of humanitarian aid, disease control, and other important issues; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the Senate reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the sister-state relationship between Taiwan and the State of Iowa; endorses Taiwan’s efforts to secure the signing of a bilateral trade agreement with the United States; and reaffirms support for increasing Taiwan’s international profile; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Senate is hereby directed to send copies of this Resolution to the members of Iowa’s congressional delegation and to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, Illinois.