INTRODUCED
BY G. Hertz, D. Ankney, B. Bennett, M. Blasdel, K. Bogner, J. Cohenour, M.
Cuffe, J. Ellsworth, C. Friedel, C. Glimm, D. Howard, T. Jacobson, R. Osmundson,
J. Pomnichowski, K. Regier, D. Salomon, J. Small, C. Smith, K. Abbott, S.
Berglee, M. Binkley, E. Buttrey, D. Fern, W. Galt, C. Hinkle, J. Kassmier, E.
Kerr-Carpenter, C. Knudsen, B. Ler, M. Noland, B. Phalen, J. Schillinger, B.
Tschida, S. Vinton
By Request of the ****
A joint resolution of the senate and the house of representatives of the state of montana REAFFIRMING THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF MONTANA AND TAIWAN; WELCOMING BILATERAL TRADE AGREEMENT TALKS; AND SUPPORTING TAIWAN'S MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONSreaffirming the friendship between the state of montana and taiwan; welcoming bilateral trade agreement talks; and supporting taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations.
WHEREAS, Taiwan was the 11th largest trading partner of the United States in 2019 with a bilateral trade volume of $85.5 billion, and according to the United States Census Bureau, Taiwan became the ninth largest trading partner in the first half of 2020 with a bilateral trade volume of $42.8 billion; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan remains the seventh largest export market for the agricultural goods of the United States, including the sixth largest market for United States beef, valued at approximately $3.57 billion a year between 2017 and 2019; and
WHEREAS, effective January 1, 2021, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen announced the removal of restrictions on importing United States beef over 30 months of age and United States pork containing ractopamine, demonstrating Taiwan's efforts to eliminate trade barriers; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan was the State of Montana's sixth largest export market in 2019, valued at $58 million in sales, which grew 14.5% over 2018; and
WHEREAS, Congress passed the Taiwan Travel Act and the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act in 2018 and 2019 to encourage bilateral governmental exchange between the United States and Taiwan and to support Taiwan's international participation; and
WHEREAS, between August 9-12, 2020, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar led a delegation to Taiwan to express the United States government's support of Taiwan and to recognize Taiwan's contributions during the global public health pandemic of the novel coronavirus; and
WHEREAS, the year 2021 is the 36th anniversary of the sisterhood between the State of Montana and Taiwan. In 2020, during the pandemic, Taiwan donated nearly 20 million surgical masks all over the world. Demonstrating Taiwan's friendship and commitment to the State of Montana, Taiwan sent 30,000 surgical masks to Montana's frontline responders and another 10,000 surgical masks to Montana's judicial personnel; and
WHEREAS, the State of Montana reaffirms its dedication to strengthening closer trade and cultural ties with Taiwan, supporting increased bilateral trade and investment, and encouraging further governmental exchange.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
(1) That the State of Montana reaffirms its commitment to a stronger and deeper relationship with the people of Taiwan, in particular during this year, the 36th anniversary of the Montana-Taiwan sisterhood.
(2) That Montana supports the United States' achievements concerning the bilateral trade agreement with Taiwan.
(3) That in recognition of Taiwan's contribution to global public health security and a broad range of other issues, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and empowerment of women, which includes hosting regular forums under the United States-Taiwan Global Cooperation and Training Framework, the State of Montana supports Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations.
(4) That the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to the Montana Congressional Delegation, Governor Gianforte, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Wu, and Director General Daniel Chen of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle.