SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1999-8686

By Senators Fraser, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Shin, Rasmussen, Loveland, Winsley, Gardner, Haugen, Franklin, Hale, Heavey, B. Sheldon, Eide, Kline, Bauer, Snyder, Spanel, Swecker, Wojahn, Goings, T. Sheldon, Thibaudeau, Costa, Oke, Hochstatter, Sellar, Morton, Deccio and Jacobsen

     WHEREAS, Washington State is the most trade-dependent state in the nation; and

     WHEREAS, International Trade is a vital and growing component of Washington=s economy; and

     WHEREAS, International trade generates over 700,000 jobs, millions of dollars in revenue, and a strong tax base for Washington State; and

     WHEREAS, Exports account for twenty-four percent of Washington=s gross state product, which accounted for more than forty-one billion dollars in 1998; and

     WHEREAS, The World Trade Organization is the sole world body for overseeing multilateral agreements to reduce trade barriers among nations; and

     WHEREAS, Seattle, Washington, will host the one hundred thirty-four member countries and thirty-four observer nations of the World Trade Organization=s Ministerial Conference, November 30 through December 3, 1999; and

     WHEREAS, This global trade event will be the largest meeting of the world=s ministers of trade ever held in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, The World Trade Organization plays a vital role in promoting international trade, helping it to flow as freely as possible, serving as a forum for trade negotiations, and resolving disputes; and

     WHEREAS, The value of international trade to Washington State businesses and workers clearly indicates the demand for an open and supportive environment in which trade can flow freely; and

     WHEREAS, This is an historic opportunity for Washington State to show leadership in supporting and developing the international trade agenda for the next century;

     NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the vital importance the World Trade Organization has on our economy, our workforce and our international trade; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to the World Trade Organization.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1999-8686,

adopted by the Senate May 17, 1999.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate