04-R 113

2004 -- S 2961

Enacted 03/10/04

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

SUPPORTING A TAIWAN-UNITED STATES FREE TrADE AGREEMENT

Introduced By: Senators Walaska, and McCaffrey

Date Introduced: March 09, 2004

     WHEREAS, Taiwan and the United States enjoy one of the most important economic and

strategic international relationships that exists today; and

     WHEREAS, Together Taiwan and the United States promote a shared belief in freedom,

democracy, and market principles; and

     WHEREAS, The level of mutual investment between Taiwan and the United States is

quite high; and

     WHEREAS, Streamlined foreign investment procedures developed under a Taiwan-

United States free trade agreement would lead to further investment by firms in both Taiwan and

the United States and would create new business opportunities and new jobs; and

     WHEREAS, A Taiwan-United States free trade agreement would encourage greater

innovations and manufacturing efficiencies by stimulating joint technological development,

practical applications, and new cooperative ventures; and

     WHEREAS, A recent study by the U.S. International Trade Commission supports the

negotiation of a Taiwan-United States free trade agreement; and

     WHEREAS, A Taiwan-United States free trade agreement would build on the existing

strong relations between Taiwan and the United States to simultaneously boost Taiwan's security

and democracy and serve the broader interests of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region;

now, therefore, be it

     RESOLVED, that this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby supports the negotiation of a Taiwan-United States free trade agreement; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation.

=======

LC02886

=======