SCR7, As Adopted by Senate, March 26, 2014

            Senators Meekhof, Hune, Jones and Schuitmaker offered the following concurrent resolution:

            Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7.

            A concurrent resolution to support Taiwan’s efforts to secure entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership, promote bilateral investment and trade relations with the United States, and participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization.

            Whereas, The Republic of China (Taiwan), which marked its centennial in 2011 and entered into its second century as the world’s 19th-largest economy, has achieved economic and social stability, been lauded in the last two decades as a beacon of democracy for Asia, dramatically improved its record on human rights, and taken great steps forward to enter the world arena as a trusted partner; and

            Whereas, Taiwan gained membership in the United States Visa Waiver Program. It is the 37th country to receive visa-free travel privileges to the United States and only the 5th Asian country with visa-free status, behind Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Brunei. As a result, more Taiwanese will travel to the United States, thus contributing to the national and local economies and strengthening bilateral ties with the individual states, including Michigan; and

            Whereas, In 2011, Taiwan ranked as the United States’ 10th-largest trading partner in the world, serving as the United States’ 15th-largest export market overall. The value of total trade between Taiwan and Michigan in 2011 reached $778 million, an increase of 7.9 percent from the two-way trade value in 2010. This robust trade and our shared values of freedom and democracy greatly benefit both sides; and

            Whereas, Taiwan’s economic, cultural, and educational ties with Michigan run deep. There are great opportunities for exports of Michigan-grown agricultural goods to Taiwan, the world’s 6th-largest market for U.S. agricultural products. There are also opportunities for further economic cooperation and technical exchanges in emerging sectors, such as high-speed rail transit, nanotechnology, health care, and photovoltaics and other renewable energy technologies. Hundreds of Taiwanese students enroll in Michigan colleges and universities every year; business, professional, legislative, and other delegations reciprocate visits regularly; and cultural, educational, and teacher exchanges continue to flourish, strengthening friendships and enhancing relations between Michigan and Taiwan; and

            Whereas, Seeking greater regional integration in the Asia-Pacific region and promotion of bilateral investment and trade relations with the United States, Taiwan welcomed the opportunity presented by the United States’ announcement at the 2011 leaders meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation of its intent to not only join the Trans-Pacific Partnership--the proposed 21st-century trade agreement between the United States and eight other Asia-Pacific Rim countries--but to expand the membership in the future to include other countries, such as Taiwan; and

            Whereas, Taiwan has taken great steps forward to enter the world arena as a trusted partner. For the last three years, Taiwan has participated as an observer in the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2012, Taiwan celebrated its 20th anniversary of participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, of which the United States is a longtime and respected member; and

            Whereas, Aviation safety has become a major global concern since 2001. Taiwan, a key transport hub in the Asia-Pacific region, has more than 1 million flights per year passing through the Taipei Flight Information Region and has one of the world’s largest airports by cargo volume, Taoyuan International Airport Taiwan. Yet Taiwan is not a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization, leaving a gap in the aviation security and navigation system; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we support Taiwan’s efforts to secure entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership, along with the United States and other friendly Asia-Pacific Rim countries, promote bilateral investment and trade relations with the United States, and support the participation of Taiwan in the International Civil Aviation Organization; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the United States Secretary of State, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, Illinois.