Council approves strengthening relationship with “sister municipality” Kaohsiung, Republic of China (Taiwan)

September 26, 2014

Summary

Seeking new opportunities for international partnerships

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The Metropolitan King County Council unanimously approved a motion to pursue new opportunities for international partnerships of mutual economic benefit. In particular, this motion seeks to strengthen its relationship with the “sister municipality” of Kaohsiung within the Republic of China (Taiwan).

“As the prime sponsor of this motion, I welcome the continuation of trade and economic development with the incorporated city-county of Kaohsiung,” said King County Council Vice Chair, Jane Hague.

King County has strong, historic ties with Kaohsiung. The County formerly recognized Kaohsiung as a sister county in 1977 and has celebrated this relationship through trade missions and other mutually-beneficial economic partnerships. Kaohsiung County recently merged with the city of Kaohsiung as a combined city-county municipality.

The Pacific Northwest is a key gateway to Taiwan, China and other international entities. Taiwan is Washington’s eighteenth largest export market. The motion, adopted at the Council’s September 22 meeting, recognizes that trade activities, such as exporting of apples and wine as well as cultural exchange programs, provide economic benefit to both Kaohsiung and King County. This motion encourages strengthening cultural and economic ties between this region and Republic of China (Taiwan) through partnerships with organizations like the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle (TECO).

A recent partnership example occurred between the state of Washington and Taiwan by signing a new driver license reciprocity agreement, enabling drivers to more easily transfer a license from one place to the other. This action incentivizes reciprocal activities on the part of people from Taiwan and from Washington States to invest, work and study in each other’s communities.

Partnerships and collaborations are playing an important role in how the County moves forward in this economy. This motion seeks lasting international partnerships with diverse communities in order to establish mutual, healthy economies and environments.

”We have to think differently and creatively to solve problems and create new opportunities for our region. Partnerships and collaborations play an important role in how the County moves forward in this new economy,” said Hague. "I want to thank Director General Chin and all who are connected with TECO for their interest in partnering with King County."