[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 159 (Wednesday, October 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DENNIS A. ROSS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 4, 2017

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, in addition to congratulating the people of 
Taiwan on the occasion of their National Day this coming October 10, I 
would like to reiterate my strong support for both the Taiwan Relations 
Act (also known as the TRA) and the bilateral trade agreement between 
Taiwan and the United States.
   Economic bonds between Taiwan and the United States have continued 
to grow due to various bilateral mechanisms and exchanges including: 
the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, the Digital Economy 
Forum, the SelectUSA Investment Summit, the United States Business Day, 
and the Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission. In 2016, two-way trade of 
goods between Taiwan and the United States exceeded $65 billion, making 
Taiwan the United States' 10th largest trading partner.
   Since 1993, Taiwan has maintained its spot on the list of the top 
seven countries importing U.S. agricultural products. Altogether, 
Taiwanese importers have purchased nearly $30 billion in U.S. grain 
products. In 2016, Taiwan imported $3.4 billion worth of U.S. 
agricultural products, roughly one-quarter of Taiwan's annual 
agricultural imports.
   Taiwan is not only a valuable trade partner, but our nations have a 
strong relationship based on shared values of freedom, democracy, and 
human rights, as well as interests in enhancing peace, security and 
prosperity in the Asia Pacific region. I look forward to continue 
working with my colleagues to address the global challenges that face 
Taiwan and continue our prosperous relationship.

                          ____________________