SR148: SR148 Taiwan; recognize

25 LC 112 3111S (SCS) Senate Resolution 148 By: Senators Rhett of the 33rd, Brass of the 6th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Esteves of the 35th, James of the 28th and others ADOPTED SENATE A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Taiwan for its relations with the United States and the State1 of Georgia; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Taiwan and the United States of America are long-stand ing allies who both3 deeply cherish the common values of democracy, peace, and prosperity; and 4 WHEREAS, Taiwan continues to pursue integrated diplomacy and serve the best interests5 of the Indo-Pacific region by deepening ties with other like-mi nded nations, safeguarding6 regional security, and utilizing Taiwan's technological and eco nomic success to promote7 partnerships on mutual benefits; and8 WHEREAS, Taiwan is the United States' eighth-largest trading partner, and the United States9 is Taiwan's second-largest trading partner, with an estimated $ 128 billion worth of trade;10 Taiwan was Georgia's 15th largest import and 17th largest export market in 2023; and11 WHEREAS, the United States and Taiwan's first agreement entered into force under the12 "US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade," which includes co mmitments on13 S. R. 148 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3111S (SCS) anti-corruption, good regulatory practices, customs administration and trade facilitation, and14 small- and medium-sized enterprises; and15 WHEREAS, the Taiwanese government donated $200,000 for Hurrican e Helene relief to16 Georgia, and Taiwan's National Day was joyously celebrated at the Georgia Aquarium last17 October with more than 250 distinguished guests, including gove rnment officials,18 entrepreneurs, and leaders from the Taiwanese community; this e vent emphasized the19 celebration of the Taiwan Relations Act's 45th anniversary as well as symbolized the strong20 connection between Taiwan and Georgia.21 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body22 support constant talks under the "US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st- Century Trade" and a23 "US-Taiwan Avoid Double Taxation Agreement," as Taiwanese companies are looking for24 a diverse and free market investment in the United States, as well as encourage the State of25 Georgia to establish a trade office in Taiwan as 23 other state s and Guam have done;26 organize a trade delegation to Taiwan to attract more investmen ts; and encourage city27 governments to participate in the annual "Smart City" forum in Taiwan.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that with the celebration of Taiwan's de mocracy and the29 reaffirmation of the United States' commitment to Taiwan, the members of this body support30 the Taiwan Caucus as a means to explore more collaborative opportunities with Taiwan as31 well as support Taiwan's meaningful participation in internatio nal organizations and32 economic cooperations such as WHO, UNFCCC, ICAO, INTERPOL, CPTPP, and IPEF.33 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body support th e signing of an34 education cooperation MOU with Taiwan to facilitate more exchanges of scholars, teachers,35 and students as well as the use of the Test of Chinese as a For eign Language as a Chinese36 S. R. 148 - 2 - 25 LC 112 3111S (SCS) proficiency assessment tool for the Georgia State Seal of Biliteracy and encourage Georgians37 to take part in Taiwanese American Heritage Week in May and oth er activities and38 experiences that promote Taiwan's cultures, tourism, and delicacies such as Boba tea.39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed40 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for dis tribution to Governor Brian41 Kemp, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia Congre ssional Delegation, and42 Mr. Elliot Wang, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.43 S. R. 148 - 3 -