AJR104: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-4014/1

SRM:eev:rs

2013 - 2014 LEGISLATURE

2013 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 104

February 20, 2014 - Introduced by Representatives Tranel, Kulp, Marklein, Knodl, Kaufert, Williams and Bies, cosponsored by Senators Schultz and Lassa. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AJR104,1,5 Relating to: reaffirming Wisconsin's commitment to its relationship with Taiwan, supporting Taiwan's efforts to secure entry to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the signing of a bilateral investment agreement between Taiwan and the United States, and supporting Taiwan's participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

AJR104,1,9 Whereas, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the United States, and in particular the state of Wisconsin, share sister-city and sister-state relationships marked by strong bilateral trade, educational and cultural exchange, and tourism; and

AJR104,1,11 Whereas, Taiwan shares with the United States and the state of Wisconsin the common values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and rule of law; and

AJR104,1,14 Whereas, the United States ranks as Taiwan's third largest trading partner, Taiwan is the eleventh largest trading partner of the United States, and bilateral trade reached $63 billion in 2012; and

AJR104,2,5 Whereas, Taiwan and the state of Wisconsin have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship and anticipate continuing growth, with Taiwan ranking as Wisconsin's 23rd largest export destination in 2012, with $192.3 million worth of Wisconsin goods shipped to Taiwan, including industrial machinery, computer and electronic products, and agricultural and paper products; and

AJR104,2,12 Whereas, Taiwan, seeking to contribute to greater regional integration in the Asia-Pacific region and promotion of bilateral investment and trade relations with the United States, applauds the announcement by the United States of its intent not only to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the proposed 21st-century trade agreement between the United States and 11 Asia-Pacific Rim countries, but to expand the partnership's membership in the future to include other countries, such as Taiwan; and

AJR104,2,15 Whereas, Taiwan, an important economic power, a dynamic market economy, and a leading supplier of high-tech products, is the 17th largest economy, 14th largest exporter, and 16th largest importer in the world; and

AJR104,2,17 Whereas, Taiwan ranked as the 17th freest country in the world according to the Heritage Foundation's 2014 Index of Economic Freedom; and

AJR104,2,19 Whereas, the fifth largest of 41 economies in the Asia-Pacific region should be included in regional economic integration; and

AJR104,2,25 Whereas, negotiations for a bilateral investment agreement 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 two countries, thereby increasing Wisconsin's exports to Taiwan and creating bilateral investment and technical collaboration through tariff reduction and other trade facilitation measures; and

AJR104,3,5 Whereas, Taiwan can be a valuable and constructive partner in the international response to natural disasters and severe weather emergencies, as evidenced by Taiwan's speedy and generous response to aid the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which caused serious damage to the Philippines in November 2013, with a donation of $10.19 million in U.S. dollars; and

AJR104,3,9 Whereas, Taiwan's membership in international organizations, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, would greatly enhance Taiwan's ability to participate in global climate initiatives and to respond to natural disasters such as Typhoon Haiyan; now, therefore, be it

AJR104,3,12 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That Wisconsin reaffirms its commitment to the strong and deepening sister-city and sister-state relationships between Taiwan and the state of Wisconsin; and, be it further

AJR104,3,14 Resolved, That Wisconsin supports Taiwan's efforts to secure entry to the Trans-Pacific Partnership; and, be it further

AJR104,3,18 Resolved, That Wisconsin extends its support for Taiwan's appropriate participation in international organizations, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, that impact the health, safety, and well-being of Taiwan and its people.

AJR104,3,19 (End)