MS HR108

Commends the signing of a joint statement between the United States and Taiwan on the International Expedited Traveler Initiative to encourage exchanges and interaction between the two peoples.

Recognizes Taiwan as the United States' 9th largest trading partner and Mississippi's 9th largest export partner in Asia, with Mississippi exporting $49.8 million in goods and services to Taiwan in 2015.

Congratulates President-elect Dr. Ing-Wen Tsai on her election as Taiwan's first female president and commends her expertise in trade negotiations.

Supports closer economic relationships between Taiwan and the United States through Taiwan's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, International Civil Aviation Organization, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and INTERPOL.

Celebrates the 33-year friendship between Mississippi and Taiwan, including the relationship between Jackson and Chiayi City, and commends the Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston for enhancing cooperation between Taiwan and Mississippi.