Bill Text: AZ SCR1024 | 2014 | Fifty-first Legislature 2nd Regular | Enrolled
Bill Title: Support; Taiwan; United States; trade
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 7-2)
Status: (Passed) 2014-04-03 - Transmitted to Secretary Of State [SCR1024 Detail]
Download: Arizona-2014-SCR1024-Enrolled.html
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Senate Engrossed |
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State of Arizona Senate Fifty-first Legislature Second Regular Session 2014
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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1024 |
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A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
supporting the negotiation of a United States-Taiwan trade agreement and Taiwan's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership and international organizations.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Whereas, the Republic of China (Taiwan) is Arizona's 13th largest export trading partner and Arizona's 7th largest import trading partner, with more than 63% of machinery and electronics exports to Taiwan originating from Arizona's robust semiconductor industry; and
Whereas, Taiwan is the 11th largest trading partner of the United States (U.S.), 16th largest export market, 6th largest importer of U.S. agricultural goods and the largest in agricultural imports from the U.S. on a per capita basis; and
Whereas, U.S. trade in services with Taiwan totaled $17 billion in 2011, with the U.S. registering a $4 billion surplus in services exports to Taiwan; and
Whereas, the U.S. has already concluded, or is seeking to negotiate, bilateral investment agreements (BIAs) with 9 of its top 10 trading partners, with Taiwan as the sole exception; and
Whereas, opening negotiations for a United States-Taiwan BIA will provide stronger bilateral investment ties, which will be mutually beneficial for both countries and help to attract Taiwanese investment in Arizona; and
Whereas, Governor Janice Brewer led a trade delegation to Taiwan in November 2013, which included visits to world-leading technology companies such as the Foxconn Technology Group, Taiwan Semiconductor Company and Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation, with the goal of strengthening investment ties with Arizona; and
Whereas, the Arizona Commerce Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council to express their willingness to bolster bilateral trade and investment between Arizona and Taiwan; and
Whereas, a BIA or Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Taiwan and the U.S. will significantly strengthen bilateral economic relations between the two nations; and
Whereas, Taiwan's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a multilateral free trade agreement among Asian-Pacific nations including the U.S., would encourage Taiwanese firms to explore U.S. investment opportunities, especially in Arizona, leading to job creation for American workers, as well as greater market access into Taiwan and mainland China for American producers and exporters; and
Whereas, there are more than 60,000 Taiwanese Americans living in Arizona who contribute to the cultural and economic diversity of the state; and
Whereas, Arizona maintains a strong cultural and economic relationship with Taiwan since establishing sister-state relations 33 years ago and is proud to join more than 28 other states in passing resolutions supporting a United States-Taiwan BIA or FTA, Taiwan's participation in the TPP and Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Health Organization.
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 or FTA, Taiwan's participation in the TPP and Taiwan's participation in international organizations.
2. That the Secretary of State transmit a copy of this Resolution to the President of the United States, Members of Congress from the State of Arizona and the U.S. Trade Representative.
UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE APRIL 3, 2014.
UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE SENATE APRIL 2, 2014.
FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 3, 2014.
