TITLE: Expressing support for the expansion of Taiwan's role in the international community.

SUMMARY: Expressing support for the expansion of Taiwan's role in the international community.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The expansion of Taiwan's role in the international community will enhance the important relationship between Taiwan and the United States, which is supported by common values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and a commitment to a free market economy; and WHEREAS, The United States ranks as Taiwan's third largest trading partner, and Taiwan is the 10th largest trading partner of the United States; in 2012, bilateral trade in goods and services between the two nations reached $63 billion; Taiwan is the largest per capita importer of U.S. farm products in the world; and WHEREAS, Taiwan has been granted membership in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, reflecting the friendship, trust, and cooperation shared between our two countries; moreover, Taiwan is recognized for its exemplary economic and environmental progress; and WHEREAS, Over the past quarter-century, Texas has benefited from economic and cultural ties to Taiwan that are nurtured by a vibrant Sister State relationship; our state's exports to Taiwan were valued at more than $3.6 billion in 2011; and WHEREAS, Greater participation by Taiwan in international agreements and organizations will contribute immeasurably to its prosperity, thereby heightening the synergies created through the close and dynamic commercial partnership between Taiwan and the United States; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby express its support for the expansion of Taiwan's role in the international community; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives specifically endorse the propositions that Taiwan:   sign the Bilateral Investment Agreement;   sign the Free Trade Agreement with the United States;   participate as an observer in the International Civil Aviation Organization;   participate in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; and   join the Trans-Pacific Partnership; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston as an expression of the sentiment of the Texas House of Representatives. Vo Anchia Button Wu Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1194 was adopted by the House on May 8, 2013, by the following vote: Yeas 147, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting. Chief Clerk of the House