SENATE RESOLUTION 56

(By Senators Kessler, Prezioso, Williams, Unger, Stollings, Plymale and Ashley)

[Introduced March 1, 2016]

Reaffirming the sister-state relationship between the State of West Virginia and Taiwan.

Whereas, Taiwan shares the same values of freedom, democracy and human rights with the United States and the State of West Virginia; and

Whereas, August 4, 2016, will mark the 36th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between West Virginia and Taiwan; and

Whereas, For the past 36 years, the sister-state relationship with Taiwan has been strengthened through the efforts of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office resulting in better mutual understanding; and

Whereas, Taiwan signed a reciprocate agreement with West Virginia to recognize driver’s licenses issued by each government on July 29, 2015, reflecting the friendship, trust and cooperation between the two governments, which benefits both the people of Taiwan and West Virginia in terms of travel and business; and

Whereas, In 2014, West Virginia exported more than $48 million to Taiwan, making it our 23rd largest export market in the world and making Taiwan a key trading partner with West Virginia; and

Whereas, In January 16, 2016, Taiwan held its 6th direct presidential election and again demonstrated the strength and vitality of its democratic system, showcasing Taiwan as a beacon of democracy for Chinese communities around the world; and

Whereas, The 6.4 magnitude earthquake which struck Taiwan on February 10, 2016, caused devastation and the loss of lives in southern Taiwan, and the sorrow and suffering are deeply felt and shared by the people of West Virginia; and

Whereas, The United States and eleven other countries have signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a twenty-first century trade agreement which will boost all members’ economic growth; Taiwan’s inclusion in the TPP will further strengthen bilateral economic relations; enhance the welfare of the United States; and benefit all TPP members; and

Whereas, Taiwan has been proven to be a valuable contributor in a broad range of global issues and is necessary to be granted access to meaningfully participate in various international organizations including the World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change and International Criminal Police Organization; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby reaffirms the sister-state relationship between the State of West Virginia and Taiwan; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate expresses its heart-felt sympathies to those affected by the February 10, 2016, earthquake that struck Taiwan; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Dr. Lyushun Shen, the Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.