HR 160: Taiwan; relations with the United States and the State of Georgia; commend

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes Taiwan's relationship with the United States and Georgia. It cites Taiwan's status as a major trading partner for both the United States and Georgia, notes Taiwan's donation for Hurricane Helene relief, and references events celebrating ties between Taiwan and Georgia. The resolution then expresses the House's support for several things: continued trade talks under the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade, a proposed US-Taiwan agreement to avoid double taxation, Georgia establishing a trade office in Taiwan, organizing a trade delegation there, and city participation in a Taiwan smart city forum. It also backs Taiwan's Legislative Caucus, supports Taiwan's participation in international bodies, and supports an education cooperation agreement covering student and teacher exchanges and a Chinese proficiency test option for Georgia's biliteracy program. Copies go to the Governor, Secretary of State, and other officials.

• Formally commends Taiwan for its relationship with the United States and Georgia, citing trade, diplomacy, and disaster relief.
• Expresses House support for continuing talks on the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and a proposed double taxation agreement.
• Encourages the State of Georgia to open a trade office in Taiwan and organize a trade delegation there.
• Expresses support for the Taiwan Caucus and for Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the WHO, ICAO, and INTERPOL.
• Supports a proposed education cooperation agreement with Taiwan covering scholar, teacher, and student exchanges, and use of a Chinese proficiency test for Georgia's Seal of Biliteracy.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to send copies of the resolution to the Governor, Secretary of State, congressional delegation, and Taiwan's Atlanta representative.

The resolution touches state officials including the Governor and Secretary of State, Georgia's congressional delegation, Taiwan's Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta, Georgia city governments, and Georgia students and educators who could be affected by future education exchange programs.

While the resolution does not change any Georgia law, it signals legislative support for expanding Georgia's trade and cultural ties with Taiwan, including a possible state trade office, business delegations, and new options for language proficiency testing in schools.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe Taiwan as the United States' eighth-largest trading partner and Georgia's 15th largest import and 17th largest export market in 2023.
• The first resolving clause supports continued talks on trade and tax agreements and urges Georgia to open a Taiwan trade office and organize a trade delegation.
• The second resolving clause supports the Taiwan Caucus and Taiwan's participation in international organizations including the WHO, UNFCCC, ICAO, INTERPOL, CPTPP, and IPEF.
• The third resolving clause supports an education cooperation memorandum of understanding and use of the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language for Georgia's State Seal of Biliteracy.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies to the Governor, Secretary of State, congressional delegation, and Taiwan's Atlanta office director.

1. 2025-02-04House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-04House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-04House Hopper (House)

• Karen Lupton (D, HD-083)Primary sponsor
• Matthew Gambill (R, HD-015)
• Jan Jones (R, HD-047)
• Bruce Williamson (R, HD-112)
• Trey Kelley (R, HD-016)

• Taiwan relations
• international trade
• Georgia diplomacy
• education exchange programs