Resolution to Support a Free Trade Agreement Between the United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan)

September 30, 2009

National Policy Committee on International Affairs

Resolution to Support a Free Trade Agreement

Between the United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan)

(Ratified September 2009)

WHEREAS, it is our belief that it is the responsibility of the United States to promote the values of freedom and democracy, a commitment to open markets, and the free exchange of goods and ideas both at home and abroad; and

WHEREAS, the Republic of China (Taiwan) shares these values and has evolved into a free society, a full-fledged democracy and a robust free market economy; and

WHEREAS, the United States has enjoyed excellent business relations with Taiwan, and the bilateral trade between the United States and Taiwan reached $61.6 billion in 2008, making Taiwan the 12th largest trading partner of the United States; and

WHEREAS, a free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and Taiwan could, according to some estimates, boost United States exports to Taiwan by $6.6 billion; and

WHEREAS, an FTA between the United States and Taiwan will allow American businesses both to collaborate with innovative Taiwanese companies and to utilize Taiwan as a gateway to mainland China and other fast-growing Asian markets; and

WHEREAS, the value of trade between the United States and Taiwan far exceeds the value of trade between the United States and many of the other nations that have signed FTAs with the United States; and

WHEREAS, an FTA between the United States and Taiwan would help each of the two countries expand two-way trade, investment and improve respective economic growth; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NFWL's National Policy Committee on International Affairs recommends that the President of the United States and the United States Congress support an FTA between the United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be sent to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the United States Trade Representatives and all members of NFWL.