[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 147 (Wednesday, October 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN ON DOUBLE TEN DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE COFFMAN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2015

  Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, as the people of Taiwan celebrate their 
national day, Double Ten Day, on October 10th, I would like to extend 
my congratulations and best wishes to them.
   The United States and Taiwan enjoy a longstanding relationship that 
stems from our shared values: democracy, the rule of law, and free 
enterprise. Not only an important security partner, Taiwan is also a 
strong economic partner--in fact, our 10th--largest trading partner now 
almost two years running. In 2014, Colorado's exports to Taiwan reached 
$191.5 million, a 32.6% increase from 2012. Taiwan is Colorado's 7th 
largest export market in Asia, and 14th largest export market in the 
world. Colorado companies have substantial opportunities to expand 
their business and cooperation with Taiwan. These accomplishments have 
been greatly aided by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office and I am 
proud that it now calls Denver home. Equally important are the 
Taiwanese-Americans living in Colorado and the wealth of knowledge and 
entrepreneurial energy they bring to Colorado. The Taiwanese-American 
community has thrived in the Centennial State and has served as an 
economic engine for the 6th Congressional District. Furthermore, our 
students represent a bright future and it has been my honor to work 
closely with the Colorado Chinese Language School, which is organized 
by the Taiwanese community, by presenting certificates to excelling 
students at their ``Year-End'' celebration.
   Given the increasing importance of Taiwan's trade with the rest of 
the world, it is in our best interest to see Taiwan and its 23 million 
people enjoy a balanced trade partnership that is fully integrated in 
global and regional trading regimes. Taiwan should be allowed to join 
the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), as it is a close ally and an 
important economic engine of Asia-Pacific. Additionally, I support a 
Bilateral Investment Agreement between the United States and Taiwan to 
provide greater protections for investors, while fostering confidence 
and encouraging movement in other items on the trade agenda.
   I believe the United States should continue to enhance our 
friendship with Taiwan and we in Congress must to do everything in our 
power to enrich this valuable relationship.

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