IL HR0250

Reaffirms Illinois' sister-state relationship with Taiwan, established in 1992 through an agreement signed by Governor Jim Edgar and Governor Dr. Lien Chan

Recognizes Taiwan as a significant export market for Illinois, ranking as the world's eleventh-largest market for Illinois products with $1.385 billion in exports in 2008, an 8.8 percent increase from 2007

Acknowledges Taiwan's importance as a U.S. agricultural trading partner, including ranking as the fourth-largest market for U.S.-grown corn and purchasing $3.9 billion in U.S. agricultural products following the 2007 Taiwan Agricultural Mission

Supports cultural and educational exchanges between Illinois and Taiwan, including delegations of state legislators visiting Taiwan, exchanges of English and Chinese language teachers, and enhanced cultural programs during Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month and Taiwanese-American Heritage Week

Directs copies of the resolution be presented to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, the Governor of Taiwan Province, and the Governor of Illinois