Chapter 817 Oregon Laws 1999

Session Law

AN ACT

SB 1129

Relating to an Oregon trade office in China; limiting expenditures; and declaring an emergency.

Whereas the United States Department of Commerce has designated China, with a population exceeding 1.2 billion people, as a "big emerging market"; and

Whereas China is in need of goods and services that Oregon businesses may provide, including but not limited to:

Agricultural products, such as grass seed, wheat, hazelnuts and frozen foods;

Timber and lumber for housing materials that are in great demand in China;

High technology hardware and software;

Environmental protection services, goods and knowledge; and

Biotechnology goods and services that include engineered agricultural commodities as well as medical products; and

Whereas an Oregon trade representative in China will help create new export markets for Oregon's goods and services; and

Whereas this diversification of export markets for Oregon businesses will increase the number of jobs in Oregon; and

Whereas in addition to economic ties, the educational, cultural and tourism ties between Oregonians and Chinese citizens would be strengthened by an Oregon trade representative in China; now, therefore,

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. The Economic Development Department shall undertake negotiations and other activities necessary to establish an office for an Oregon trade representative in Shanghai, China, not later than January 1, 2000.

SECTION 2. The Oregon trade representative in Shanghai, China, shall promote an increase in exports from Oregon to China and shall:

(1) Assist Oregon businesses in dealing with the regulations and procedures of the government of China.

(2) Arrange for visits to China by Oregon delegations and trade shows.

(3) Communicate with officials, corporations and other persons in China to expand Chinese knowledge of Oregon.

(4) Communicate with officials, corporations and other persons in Oregon to expand knowledge of China in this state.

(5) Facilitate meetings and other contacts between Chinese citizens and organizations and the people and businesses in Oregon.

SECTION 3. Notwithstanding any other law, the amount of $230,000 is established for the biennium beginning July 1, 1999, as the maximum limit for payment of expenses by the Economic Development Department from the Administrative Services Economic Development Fund for the establishment of an office for an Oregon trade representative in Shanghai, China.

SECTION 4. This 1999 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 1999 Act takes effect July 1, 1999.

Approved by the Governor July 20, 1999

Filed in the office of Secretary of State July 20, 1999

Effective date July 20, 1999

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