09-R371

2009 -- H 6184

Enacted 11/13/09

 

J O I N T  R E S O L U T I O N

CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY AND DEVELOP A STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING TRADE RELATIONS WITH THE COUNTRIES OF THE CONTINENT OF AFRICA

     

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Williams, Silva, Fox, Almeida, and DaSilva

     Date Introduced: May 12, 2009

 

 

     WHEREAS, The current economic condition of the State of Rhode Island requires the

study of the expansion of exportation of goods, services and technologies of the state of Rhode

Island; and

     WHEREAS, Over the last several decades the emphasis in the current marketplace for

Rhode Island products has shifted from a local and regional economy to a world marketplace; and

     WHEREAS, The continent of Africa has a vast amount of natural resources, but requires

the services and technologies currently produced in the State of Rhode Island to realize its fullest

economic capacity; and

     WHEREAS, There currently is no entity in Rhode Island charged with the responsibility

of coordinating an exportation effort to market the goods, services and technologies of the State

of Rhode Island on the African continent; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That a special legislative commission to be known as the "African

Continent Trade Study Commission" is hereby created which shall consist of nine (9) members:

two (2) of whom shall be members of the House of Representatives, of which at least one shall be

a member of the Legislative Black and Latino Caucus, to be appointed by the Speaker of the

House of Representatives; two (2) of whom shall be members of the Senate, of which at least one

shall be a member of the Legislative Black and Latino Caucus, to be appointed by the President

of the Senate; one of whom shall be the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic

Development Corporation, or his or her designee; one of whom shall be the Executive Director of

the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, or his or her designee; one of whom shall be the

President of Bryant University, or his or her designee; and two (2) of whom shall be appointed by

the Chairperson of the Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus, of which both shall be

of African ancestry.

     The purpose of said commission shall be to undertake a comprehensive study, and

develop a strategy and make recommendations to the Rhode Island General Assembly for the

establishment of a trade and economic relationship with the countries of the African continent.

     The study shall include, but not be limited to:

     (1) The exploration and formulation of a comprehensive program for the exportation of

goods, services and technologies, produced in Rhode Island, to the continent of Africa;

     (2) The establishment of a program to introduce businesses located in the State of Rhode

Island to the trade markets of the African continent;

     (3) The development and coordination of the establishment of trade offices in Africa;

     (4) Identify and define specific Rhode Island products, goods and services that are

marketable in Africa; and

     (5) The establishment of a cultural and tourism exchange program with those countries

located on the continent of Africa.

     Forthwith upon passage of this resolution, the members of said commission shall meet at

the call of the Speaker of the House and Senate President and select a chairperson from among

the legislators. Vacancies in said commission shall be filled in like manner as the original

appointment.

     The members of said commission shall receive no compensation for their services.

     All department and agencies of the state shall furnish such advice and information,

documentary and otherwise, to said commission and its agents as is deemed necessary or

desirable by the commission to facilitate the purposes of this resolution.

     The Joint Commission on Legislative Services is hereby authorized and directed to

provide suitable quarters and staff assistance for said commission; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the

General Assembly no later than nine (9) months from the passage of this resolution.

     

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LC02586

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