Senate Concurrent Resolution 551

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN) FOR ITS CLOSE ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS TIES WITH THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND TO URGE AND REQUEST THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO DIRECT THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE TO NEGOTIATE A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND TAIWAN.

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi has a strong and vibrant economic relationship with the Republic of China (Taiwan); and

WHEREAS, in 2004, Mississippi exported $26.19 Million to Taiwan, which grew by 40% compared with the previous year. This makes Taiwan the 40th largest market for Mississippi products. The agriculture and manufacturing sectors of the Mississippi economy, most notably the chemicals and machinery industries, would benefit significantly if the United States enacted a free trade agreement with Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, a free trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan would substantially reduce or eliminate most import quotas, duties and other trade barriers, and expand market opportunities for manufactured goods and agricultural products from Mississippi and the entire United States; and

WHEREAS, other states in the region, like Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, also have an economic interest in a free trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, the United States has completed or is in the process of negotiating free trade agreements with several countries and regions; and

WHEREAS, a free trade agreement with Taiwan is appropriate: Taiwan is already the United States' eighth largest trading partner and the sixth most important destination of United States agricultural exports; Taiwan's economy is thriving and robust; and Taiwan maintains long-standing educational and cultural ties with the United States; and

WHEREAS, Taiwan was admitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on January 1, 2001; a free trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan would extend the coverage of WTO agreements to products, sectors, and conditions of trade not adequately covered, and it would provide a platform to address issues such as Taiwan's tariff rate on agricultural imports from the United States, which currently averages over 15%; and

WHEREAS, Public Law 107-210, the Trade Act of 2002, gives the President the authority to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries whenever the President determines that one or more existing duties or other import restrictions of any foreign country or the United States are unduly burdening and restricting the foreign trade of the United States; and

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush, speaking before the historic signing of the United States – Australia Free Trade Agreement in 2004, emphasized that he supports free and open trade because "it has the power to create new wealth for whole nations and new opportunities for millions of people and has a record of creating jobs, raising living standards, and lowering consumer prices":

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That the Legislature of Mississippi does hereby commend the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its close economic and business ties with the State of Mississippi and does respectfully urge and request that the President of the United States extend the benefits of free trade by directing the United States Trade Representative to negotiate a free trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States and the United States Trade Representative, to members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.