S.R. 4

1

SENATE RESOLUTION REGARDING TRADE
2 WITH TAIWAN
3 2008 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Chief Sponsor: Curtis S. Bramble
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This resolution of the Senate urges the President and Congress to support a free trade
10 agreement between Taiwan and the United States.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This resolution:
13 . urges the President of the United States and the United States Congress to support a
14 free trade agreement between the Republic of China on Taiwan and the United
15 States.
16 Special Clauses:
17 None
18
19 Be it resolved by the Senate of the state of Utah:
20 WHEREAS, it is our belief that it is the responsibility of the United States to promote
21 the values of freedom and democracy, a commitment to open markets, and the free exchange of
22 goods and ideas both at home and abroad;
23 WHEREAS, the Republic of China on Taiwan shares these values and has struggled
24 throughout the past 50 years to create what is an open and thriving democracy;
25 WHEREAS, despite being a member of the World Trade Organization since 2002,
26 Taiwan has no formal trade agreement with the United States;
27 WHEREAS, however, Taiwan has emerged as the United States' eighth largest trading

28 partner, the 11th largest export market, and the fifth largest farm products market;
29 WHEREAS, the United States is Taiwan's largest trading partner, and American
30 businesses have benefitted greatly from this dynamic trade relationship;
31 WHEREAS, in terms of labor, environmental, and intellectual property protection
32 standards, Taiwan is a model for advanced economies;
33 WHEREAS, a free trade agreement with Taiwan will enable United States' firms to
34 leverage Taiwan's role as a gateway to Asia, with Taiwan serving as a secure platform and
35 springboard for innovation and market access;
36 WHEREAS, a free trade agreement with Taiwan would provide United States' firms
37 with a base of operations from which to export goods and services into the greater China region
38 and Southeast Asia;
39 WHEREAS, a free trade agreement with Taiwan would extend the coverage of World
40 Trade Organization agreements to products, sectors, and conditions of trade not adequately
41 covered;
42 WHEREAS, over the past two decades, Taiwan has emerged as one of the United
43 States' most important allies in Asia and throughout the world;
44 WHEREAS, Taiwan has forged an open, market-based economy and a thriving
45 democracy based on free elections and the freedom of dissent, and it is in the interest of the
46 United States to encourage the development of both of these institutions;
47 WHEREAS, the United States has an obligation to its allies and to its own citizens to
48 encourage economic growth, market openings, and the destruction of trade barriers as a means
49 of raising living standards; and
50 WHEREAS, a free trade agreement with Taiwan would be a positive step toward
51 accomplishing these important goals:
52 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the state of Utah urges the
53 President of the United States and the United States Congress to support a free trade agreement
54 between the United States and the Republic of China on Taiwan.
55 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the President of
56 the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States
57 House of Representatives, the President of the Republic of China on Taiwan, and the members
58 of Utah's congressional delegation.

Legislative Review Note
as of 2-12-08 3:19 PM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel