SR-179, As Adopted by Senate, May 19, 2016

            Senator Kowall offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 179.

A resolution supporting the signing of a bilateral investment agreement (BIA) between Taiwan and the United States.

Whereas, The Republic of China (Taiwan) shares the values of freedom, democracy, human rights, rule of law, peace, and prosperity with the United States and the state of Michigan; and

            Whereas, The United States ranks as Taiwan’s second-largest trading partner. Taiwan is the ninth-largest trading partner of the United States, and bilateral trade reached 66.6 billion in 2015; and

            Whereas, Taiwan and the state of Michigan have long benefitted from this relationship. From 2012 to 2015, the trade between Taiwan and Michigan grew from $833 million to $1.11 billion, a 33 percent increase, making the outlook for joint economic and cultural growth in the future bright; and

            Whereas, On January 16, 2016, Taiwan held its sixth direct presidential election, demonstrating again the strength and vitality of its democratic system and confirming that Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond; and

Whereas, Taiwan is seeking to contribute to greater regional integration in the Asia-Pacific region and promote bilateral investment and trade relations with the United States; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize and support Taiwan’s mature and vital democracy and its continued efforts to participate significantly in international organizations which impact the health, safety, and well-being of its people; and be it further

            Resolved, That we support the signing of a bilateral investment agreement (BIA) between Taiwan and the United States; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the U.S. Secretary of State; the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, Illinois; and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.