A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION celebrating the sister-state relationship with Taiwan.

WHEREAS, South Dakota and Taiwan enjoy a close partnership built on a shared dedication to freedom, democracy, and the market economy, and have been in a sister-state relationship since 1984; and

WHEREAS, South Dakota and Taiwan have a mutually beneficial bilateral trade relationship, which was reaffirmed in September 2025 when the Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission visited South Dakota and met with Governor Larry Rhoden to discuss ways to maintain close trade relations between South Dakota and Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, in September 2025 the Taiwan Flour Mills Association signed a letter of intent with the South Dakota Wheat Commission to purchase wheat, further strengthening the economic bonds between South Dakota and Taiwan; and

WHEREAS, efforts such as the U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade, and the Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission have laid the foundation for a bilateral trade agreement between Taiwan and the United States, which would be an important step toward strengthening mutual investment between South Dakota and Taiwan;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Senate of the One Hundred First Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that South Dakota celebrates the 42nd anniversary of its sister-state relationship with Taiwan; supports the further strengthening of trade relations and academic exchanges between South Dakota and Taiwan; supports the signing of the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation between the United States and Taiwan; supports Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations that are significant to the health, safety, and well-being of all people; and commends Taiwan's vibrant democracy.

Adopted by the Senate, January 26, 2026

Concurred in by the House of Representatives, January 29, 2026

_____________________ _____________________ Chris Karr Peggy Laurenz

President Pro Tempore Secretary of the Senate

of the Senate

_____________________ _____________________ Jon Hansen Patricia Miller

Speaker of the House Chief Clerk of the House