HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 95-4629, by Representative Ebersole

     WHEREAS, Taiwan, Republic of China, has the 19th largest gross national product in the world, a strong and vibrant economy, and one of the largest foreign exchange reserves of any nation; and

     WHEREAS, Taiwan, Republic of China, has been a strong trading partner of the United States with over 40 billion dollars in trade between Taiwan and the United States of America, as well as a strong trading partner of the State of Washington, with over seven and one-half billion dollars in trade between Taiwan and the State of Washington; and

     WHEREAS, Washington State has established a trade office in the Republic of China to promote bilateral trade relations since 1989.  The trade office helps Washington export to the Republic of China, and gives trade assistance which resulted in $34 million in sales in the Republic of China by Washington Companies during the fiscal year 1993; and

     WHEREAS, The State of Washington in the United States of America and Taiwan, Republic of China, have an extensive cultural and economic relationship; and

     WHEREAS, The benefits of a continued expansion of trade between the State of Washington and Taiwan, Republic of China, include increases in trade-related employment and greater markets for the products of both states; and

     WHEREAS, The Republic of China on Taiwan, under President Lee Teng-hui's leadership, has become a leader in the industrialized world with a dynamic and growing economy and a prosperous and free people; and

     WHEREAS, We would like to invite President Lee Teng-hui to visit the State of Washington to further strengthen the bilateral relations between our two sides;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, that the House of Representatives of the State of Washington sincerely invite the President Lee Teng-hui to visit the State of Washington; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be immediately transmitted to the Governor and Secretary of State of the State of Washington, and to each member of Congress from the State of Washington, and to the President of the United States.

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