[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 71 (Thursday, May 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATIONS TO TAIWAN PRESIDENT MA YING-JEOU ON HIS SECOND 
                              INAUGURATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2012

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, May 20, 2012, marks Taiwan President Ma Ying-
jeou's second and final inauguration. It is not only Taiwan's democracy 
that its citizens and the world will celebrate that day, but also 
Taiwan's economic achievements of the last 60 years.
  Just as it was an early Asian proponent of democratic principles and 
ideals, Taiwan was also an early adapter and proponent of what is 
commonly today called globalization. Taiwan, Asia's first Economic 
Tiger, embraced market reforms in the 1950s and quickly launched some 
of the best known, and most efficient, original equipment manufacturers 
that came to serve many U.S. firms. Today, Taiwan is a technology 
powerhouse and the island is firmly entrenched in the top tier of 
developed world markets.
  While many other markets have shown a disturbing tendency to turn 
inwards when global economic conditions get tough, Taiwan has 
consistently kept its trade and investment doors open. A founding 
member of the Asia Development Bank in 1966, Taiwan also joined the 
World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 and further acceded to the 
VVTO's Government Procurement Agreement in 2009.
  Since his first inauguration in 2008, President Ma has steadily 
removed many of the longstanding trade and investment barriers to 
mainland China, positioning Taiwan as a global gateway to and from the 
so-called ``Greater China'' market. This new outlook culminated in the 
2010 signing of the Economic and Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) 
between Taiwan and mainland China. The ECFA benefits not only Taiwan 
firms and consumers, but aids U.S. interests by protecting intellectual 
property rights.
  I encourage all of my colleagues in congratulating Taiwan President 
Ma on his inauguration, applaud Taiwan's many economic achievements 
since the 1950s, and support enhanced economic relations between the 
United States and Taiwan.

                          ____________________