On January 11, 2021, the New Jersey General Assembly passed a resolution supporting strengthened ties between the U.S. and Taiwan, and expressed support for a U.S.-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). New Jersey Assembly Resolution #145 was passed with a yea/nay vote of 75-0. The resolution was sponsored by Assembly-members Robert Karabinchak (D), Gordon Johnson (D), and Nicholas Chiaravalloti (D). Excerpts of the relevant text from the resolution is included below
The US-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement Coalition welcomes the resolution and New Jersey’s support for a Bilateral Trade Agreement with Taiwan.
WHEREAS, In 2019, New Jersey exported approximately $460 million worth of products to Taiwan, making Taiwan the 5th largest export market for the State in Asia, and both sides are committed to strengthening bilateral economic ties; and
WHEREAS, More than 100 Taiwanese companies have invested in New Jersey, including Formosa Plastic Corporation, Eva Air, Evergreen Marine, Yang Mine Marine Transport, and AAEON Electronics, Inc., all of which helped to create jobs in this State; and
WHEREAS, Individuals from Taiwan who have immigrated to this country and to New Jersey have contributed greatly to the State’s diversity, thriving international culture, and economic development; and
WHEREAS, Taiwan is the 10th largest trading partner of the United States, with bilateral trade totaling $85.5 billion in 2019; and
WHEREAS, The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has expressed its wish to sign a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States, and such an agreement will ease the burden of companies conducting cross-border business, facilitate legal harmonization in the areas of digital trade, IP protection, and technical barriers to trade, as well as help New Jersey’s industries gain better market access to Taiwan;…
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
This House commemorates the New Jersey-Taiwan sister state relationship, and recognizes the importance of a strong and enduring partnership between New Jersey and Taiwan, and reiterates its support for a closer economic and trade partnership between the United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan)…
This House commemorates the New Jersey-Taiwan sister state relationship, and recognizes the importance of a strong and enduring partnership between New Jersey and Taiwan, and reiterates its support for a closer economic and trade partnership between the United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan), including the signing of the United States-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement.…
Source: State of New Jersey 219th Legislature Assembly Resolution #145. AR145 AaAa (2R) Commemorates New Jersey -Taiwan sister state relationship and recognizes importance of strong and enduring partnership between New Jersey and Taiwan.