State Senator Tony Hwang Leads Celebration of Connecticut-TaiwanSister-State Resolution 20th Anniversary
June 3, 2019
HARTFORD — State Senator Tony Hwang today served as master of ceremonies for the 20th Anniversary of the Connecticut-Taiwan Sister State Relationship celebration commemorating the original resolution enacted by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1999, and annually thereafter. The resolution recognizes the significant cultural, economic, and academic exchanges between the State of Connecticut and the Republic of China (Taiwan) including hundreds of millions of dollars in trade between the two, sharing democratic and free-market values, and multiple U.S.-Taiwan relationships that emphasize the State’s commitment to this special relationship.
House Joint Resolution 54, the legislation officially recognizing the 20th Anniversary of the Sister State Relationship, was passed unanimously in the House today, June 3rd, 2019.
Senator Hwang joined Rep. Larry Butler, Rep. Kevin Ryan, to co-host the commemoration event and celebrate the passage of the Joint Resolution #54, and welcomed many other legislators, including House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, to express their support for the measure.
“These are not just words on a page, but a symbol of our commitment to the people of Taiwan and the Taiwanese-American community in Connecticut that contribute to both our economy and our communities,” said Senator Hwang, Connecticut’s first Asian-American State Senator. “The passage of this resolution reflects the academic, economic and cultural exchanges between us, and the connection between our people and the mutual benefits we enjoy through this sister-state relationship.”
Ambassador Lily Hsu, of the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in New York, was also present to receive the Legislature’s official Citation and Governor Lamont’s official proclamation. Acknowledging the many representatives of the Taiwanese American community in Connecticut present, she shared that she had no doubt that the relationship will continue in a positive direction, especially as partners in green technology, the biotech sector, and advanced manufacturing. She also mentioned the important role that Connecticut plays in the security side of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, referring to both Sikorsky and Electric Boat.
Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner David Kooris was also present, noting Connecticut (Massachusetts & New York) and Taiwan (China & Japan) face similar challenges competing with two nearby larger economic powers, and that the relationship helps us work through them together by striving to create an vibrant economic ecosystem.
Senator Hwang also introduced Dr. Henry C. Lee, a world renowned forensic scientist from the University of New Haven (UNH), who spoke about the significant academic and public safety memorandum of understand relationships between Connecticut and Taiwan including that many highly influential Taiwanese officials are proud alumnus of UNH. Senator Hwang closed out the ceremony by recognizing the countless Chinese-American residents that contribute to the success, diversity and vibrancy of Connecticut.
State Senator Tony Hwang represents Connecticut’s 28th Senate District including the towns of Fairfield, Westport, Weston, Easton, Newtown & Sandy Hook. He was the first Asian-American State Senator to be elected to the Connecticut General assembly (2014).
