2003 Senate Resolution 2
ENGROSSED RESOLUTION
Relating to: commending the people of Taiwan, Republic of China.
Whereas, Taiwan has grown to become America's 8th largest trading partner globally and the 5th largest foreign market of American agricultural products; and
Whereas, imports account for 99% of Taiwan's needs for livestock production and human consumption, and its 23,000,000 people represent an emerging market for Wisconsin's goods and services, including fish, ginseng, and corn raised on farms in Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Taiwan has established a sister-state relationship with Wisconsin, and endeavors to continue the exchange of thoughts, ideas, and programs that have taken place over the years; and
Whereas, the total value of all Taiwanese commercial transactions with the United States, including trade, investment, foreign study, and tourism, provides roughly 800,000 job opportunities in the United States every year; and
Whereas, Taiwan values the principles of democracy, free speech, human rights, religious freedom, humanitarianism, and market economics, which are hallmarks of the state of Wisconsin and the United States of America; and
Whereas, through persistence, pragmatism, and patience, Taiwan has become one of the most prosperous, democratic, and politically mature countries in the world; and
Whereas, Wisconsin supports Taiwan's efforts to obtain observer status in the World Health Organization, allowing it to better serve the medical and health needs of its own people and of over 300,000 immigrant workers that reside in Taiwan; and
Whereas, February 1 marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, and many celebrations will be held around the world commemorating this special day; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, That the members of the Wisconsin senate commend the people of Taiwan for their hard work and dedication to the very ideals upon which our state and nation were founded and endeavor to foster a better cultural and economic relationship with them; and, be it further
Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, Illinois.
