HOUSE RESOLUTION 17

(By Delegates Miley, Mr. Speaker (Mr. Armstead), Cowles, Perdue, Nelson, E., Bates, Storch, Rowe, Hamilton, Pushkin, Evans A., Fluharty, Romine, Pethtel, Hornbuckle and Sponaugle)

[March 1, 2016]

Reaffirming the sister-state relationship between the State of West Virginia and Taiwan and affirming support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.

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 36^th 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 (TECRO) resulting in better mutual understanding; and

Whereas, Taiwan is not only a friendly sister-state of West Virginia but also an important trading partner.  In 2014, West Virginia exports to Taiwan were valued at more than $48 million, making it West Virginia’s 23^rd largest export market in the world; and

Whereas,  On July 29, 2015, Taiwan signed a reciprocal agreement with West Virginia to recognize driver’s licenses issued by each government, 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, On January 16, 2016, Taiwan held its sixth 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 beyond; and

Whereas, In February, a 6.4 magnitude strong earthquake caused devastation and 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 11 other countries have signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a 21^st century trade agreement that will boost all members’ economic growth; Taiwan’s inclusion in the TPP will further strengthen bilateral economic relations and 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 should be granted access to meaningfully participate in various international organizations including the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change and the International Criminal Police Organization; therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates:

That the Legislature of the State of West Virginia reaffirms the sister-state relationship between the State of West Virginia and Taiwan, affirms support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and expresses its condolences towards those affected by the recent earthquake in Taiwan; and, be it

Further Resolved,

That a copy of this resolution be sent to Dr. Lyushun Shen, the Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S.