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Senators back closer economic ties with Taiwan, urge reopening of Oregon trade office
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 26, endorsing closer economic and trade ties with Taiwan and supporting reopening an Oregon trade office there, drew support from senators who described recent trade visits and potential benefits for Oregon exporters and coastal ports such as Coos Bay.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 26, which reaffirms Oregon's commitment to a relationship with Taiwan and supports reopening an Oregon trade office there, drew testimony and sponsor remarks during the committee's public hearing on March 12.
Senator David Brock Smith, a cosponsor, told the committee he and other members visited Taiwan in September and described strong Taiwanese interest in expanding trade with Oregon. ‘‘We looked at working with them and broadening our export import opportunities with Taiwan,’’ Brock Smith said, citing agricultural and manufacturing export potential that could benefit ports and rural areas.
The nut graf: Sponsors said reopening a trade office and endorsing closer economic ties would help create direct export opportunities and reduce transportation costs for regional products — including cranberries from Southwest Oregon — and that improved port-to-rail links could reduce emissions and hasten shipments.
Senator Woods, who also traveled on the trade mission, said he was ‘‘blown away’’ by Taiwanese engagement and highlighted the potential for Coos Bay to serve regional exporters if refrigeration and intermodal infrastructure are in place. He and Brock Smith stressed the potential to increase exports and local economic activity, including manufacturing and value-added processing.
Supporters argued SCR 26 would signal Oregon’s interest in trade and in Taiwan’s participation in international organizations; opponents were not recorded in the public hearing. The committee closed the public hearing on SCR 26 without a recorded committee vote on the resolution during this meeting.
