SR 13 (LSB 2796SS (3) 88)

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 13

BY  NUNN, BEHN, KINNEY, EDLER, KAPUCIAN, DOTZLER, and JOHNSON

A Resolution honoring and recognizing the special 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, the United States ranks as Taiwan’s third-largest importer, and Taiwan is the United States’ 15th largest export destination, making Taiwan the United States’ 11th largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade reaching $68.8 billion as of November 2018; 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 6th largest export destination in Asia as of November 2018, with $193.9 million worth of Iowa goods shipped to Taiwan, including meat, soybeans, and animal feeds; agricultural chemicals; and miscellaneous manufactured commodities, including precision instruments and avionics; and
   WHEREAS, negotiating for a bilateral trade agreement between Taiwan and the United States is an important step toward further strengthening bilateral trade between the State of Iowa and Taiwan, thereby increasing Iowa’s exports to Taiwan and creating 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 memorializes the 30th anniversary of the Iowa-Taiwan sister-state relationship and the 40th anniversary of the United States Congress’s enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act; reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the sister-state relationship between Taiwan and the State of Iowa; and endorses Taiwan’s efforts to secure a favorable trade relationship with the United States; and

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