IL SR0179

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

Notes Taiwan's status as the seventh-largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in 2007 and the fourth-largest market for U.S.-grown corn, with purchases of $3.9 billion in agricultural products following the 2007 Taiwan Agricultural Mission

Documents Illinois exports to Taiwan valued at $1.385 billion in 2008, representing an 8.8 percent increase from 2007 exports of $1.274 billion, with Taiwan ranked as the eleventh-largest market for Illinois products

Highlights cultural and educational exchanges including Taiwanese government invitations to Midwestern state legislators, teacher exchanges, and enhanced programs during Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month and Taiwanese-American Heritage Week

Supports Taiwan's participation in United Nations activities, observer status in the World Health Assembly, and negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Taiwan