Odd Ball SCR1017 - 531R - S Ver of SCR1017

Senate Engrossed

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-third Legislature

First Regular Session

2017

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1017

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

supporting trade between the United States and Taiwan.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Whereas, United States goods and services trade with the Republic of China (Taiwan) totaled an estimated $86.9 billion in 2015, with $38.4 billion in exports and $48.5 billion in imports; and

Whereas, with $431 million in total United States exports to Taiwan originating from Arizona in 2015, Taiwan is Arizona's tenth largest export market; and

Whereas, Taiwan was the United States' 14th largest goods export market in 2015; and

Whereas, trade in services with Taiwan totaled an estimated $20.3 billion in 2015, with $12.5 billion in services exports and $7.8 billion in services imports; and

Whereas, United States goods exports to Taiwan in 2015 were $26 billion, up 20% from 2005; and

Whereas, the United States has already concluded, or is seeking to negotiate, bilateral investment agreements (BIA) with nine of its top ten trading partners, with Taiwan being the sole exception; and

Whereas, opening negotiations for a BIA between the United States and Taiwan will provide more stability for strong, two-way investment ties; and

Whereas, negotiating a BIA between the United States and Taiwan is a win-win strategy for both countries and will help to attract Taiwanese investment in Arizona; and

Whereas, on July 12, 2013, the President of the United States signed into law H.R. 1151, an act supporting Taiwan's participation as an observer in the International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly; and

Whereas, the Legislature of this state also passed resolutions in support of Taiwan's international participation in 2012, 2014 and 2016; and

Whereas, Arizona maintains a strong economic and cultural relationship with Taiwan since establishing sister-state relations on July 28, 1980 and is proud to join more than 38 other states in passing resolutions supporting a United States-Taiwan BIA as well as Taiwan's participation in international organizations; and

Whereas, on January 16, 2016, Taiwan elected Dr. Tsai, Ing-wen and Dr. Chen, Chien-jen as the country's next President and Vice President, respectively. Dr. Tsai is Taiwan's first female President. This is Taiwan's third peaceful transfer of power through direct election and is a testament to the strength and vitality of Taiwan's democracy.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

1. That the Members of the Legislature support the negotiation of a United States-Taiwan BIA and the participation of Taiwan in international organizations and applaud Taiwan's deepening democratization.

2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit a copy of this Resolution to the President of the United States, each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona, the United States Secretary of State and the United States Trade Representative.