MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Holland

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING CONGRESS TO GRANT PERMANENT NORMAL TRADE RELATIONS WITH CHINA.

WHEREAS, the United States and the People's Republic of China have extended into a historic United States - China Trade Agreement which opens the door for China to join the World Trade Organization (WTO); and

WHEREAS, China represents the fourth largest market in the world for American goods and services and one of the top ten markets in the world for goods and services produced in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, China is the largest country in the world with over 1.4 billion people and is projected to be the second largest economic force in the world within the next ten years; and

WHEREAS, the United States - China Trade Agreement provides unprecedented opportunities for workers, companies and farmers across the State of Mississippi and throughout our country; and

WHEREAS, key segments of the economy of Mississippi, including farming, manufacturing, high technology, telecommunications, insurance, chemicals and services stand to benefit from increased trade with China; and

WHEREAS, China has agreed to reduce its average industrial tariff from 35% to 10%, expand market access for the United States agricultural products, eliminate discriminatory taxes and regulations, abolish trade distorting export subsidies and phase out protectionist quotas; and

WHEREAS, China's entry into the WTO requires it to unilaterally open its markets and agree to play by the same internationally accepted rules as other WTO members; and

WHEREAS, China's entry into the WTO will give the Chinese people more access to the outside world, opening Chinese society to democratic ideals and principles; and

WHEREAS, United States must grant Permanent Normal Trade Relations to China in order to enjoy the benefits of China's membership in the WTO; and

WHEREAS, failure of the United States to grant Permanent Normal Trade Relations to China will place the United States and the people of Mississippi at a competitive disadvantage with our trading competitors in Europe, Asia and throughout the world who will have access to the emerging China market:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby support the accession of China into the World Trade Organization and memorialize the Mississippi Congressional Delegation to pass legislation granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China at the earliest opportunity.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Mississippi Congressional Delegation and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.