LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the generosity and the outpouring of
compassion expressed by both the government and the people of the Repub-
lic of China (Taiwan) towards the State of New York in the devastating
aftermath of Hurricane Sandy which made landfall on October 29, 2012

WHEREAS, New York State recognizes the giving nature and benevolence of
the government and the people of Taiwan, made apparent by the outpouring
of sympathy and contributions to the people of New York as well as their
prompt response and aid, which have been a blessing in the catastrophic
wake of Hurricane Sandy which caused great economic losses and left
thousands homeless; and
WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Taiwan's government, as an expression of
its deep condolences and concerns for the state government of New York,
came to its immediate aid and offered donations towards the relief fund;
and
WHEREAS, Taiwan then joined forces with private sector organizations
such as the Tzu-Chi foundation to provide humanitarian assistance to the
people in devastated areas of New York and helped to raise funds in
relief funds, making hundreds of tons of emergency supplies, food, pota-
ble water, blankets and lighting equipment available to the victims of
Hurricane Sandy and helped begin restoring hope in the aftermath of the
storm; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York is home to a thriving overseas Taiwa-
nese community; the Taiwanese Americans residing in the State of New
York have generously supported Taiwan government's worthy endeavor by
donating a significant amount to those people who suffered from Hurri-
cane Sandy through the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
(CCBA), the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in New York, the American Red
Cross and other charities; and
WHEREAS, In order to strengthen the bilateral trade relations with the
United States, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has
expressed its wish to participate in the Trans-Pacific Strategic Econom-
ic Partnership Agreement (TPP), and to sign a Bilateral Investment
Agreement (BIA) and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States
in the near future; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York exported a large amount of products to
Taiwan in 2012, making Taiwan the 16th largest foreign market for New
York State; New York has maintained a friendly and fruitful relationship
with Taiwan for many years and will keep strengthening bilateral econom-
ic ties; and
WHEREAS, Subsequently, a close, friendly bilateral relationship, as
well as the humanitarianism shown by the government and people of
Taiwan, have earned the recognition and applause of the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the generosity and the outpouring of compassion expressed by
both the government and the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to
the State of New York in the tragic aftermath of Hurricane Sandy that
hit on October 29, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to President Ma Ying-Jeou through the Taipei Economic and
Cultural Office in New York.