HR 19 (LSB 2475YH (4) 90)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 19

BY  ANDREWS

A Resolution honoring the nation of Taiwan.

   WHEREAS, the state of Iowa established a sister-state relationship with Taiwan in 1989, and Iowa and Taiwan have enjoyed strong bilateral trade, educational and cultural exchanges, and tourism; and
   WHEREAS, on November 5, 2021, the Senate and House of Representatives established the Iowa Statehouse Taiwan Friendship Caucus, with bipartisan support, the fourth such caucus established in midwestern states; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan shares the same values of freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, peace, and prosperity with the United States and Iowa; and
   WHEREAS, the United States ranks as the second largest trading partner of Taiwan, and Taiwan is among the largest trading partners of the United States, and exports from the United States to Taiwan reached more than $43.7 billion in 2022; and
   WHEREAS, Taiwan and Iowa have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the prospect of future growth, and Taiwan was the fourth largest export market in Asia in 2022; and
   WHEREAS, to strengthen the Taiwan-Iowa bilateral economic relationship, it is essential to support Iowa businesses and to enhance economic engagement with Taiwan based on the federal Taiwan Relations Act; and
   WHEREAS, as the federal Taiwan Relations Act stipulates that “[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan”, it is legitimate for Iowa businesses to refer to Taiwan as “Taiwan” in conducting their business ties with Taiwan; 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 countries, 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” in international relations, and Taiwan is capable of and willing to fulfill its responsibilities and to collaborate with the world to deal with such challenges as humanitarian aid and disease control; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to strengthening and deepening ties with Taiwan; and

   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives reaffirms support for the federal Taiwan Relations Act and encourages Iowa businesses to make reference to “Taiwan” when engaged in business relations; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives endorses the efforts of Taiwan to secure the signing of a bilateral trade agreement with the United States, and reiterates support for a closer economic and trade partnership between Iowa and Taiwan; and
   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives shall continue to support the meaningful participation of Taiwan in international organizations which impact the health, safety, and well-being of the people of Taiwan, and supports Taiwan’s aspiration to make more contributions internationally.