US-China Business Council Statement on USTR Review of China Trade Policy

Washington, DC (February 14, 2006) — The Top-to-Bottom Review released today by US Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Rob Portman proposes enhancing USTR's enforcement capabilities, increasing trade staff both in China and at USTR, and improving the outcomes of bilateral engagement with China, all of which are essential to addressing the concerns of the US business community.

US-China Business Council President John Frisbie offered the following comments:

"We must never lose sight of China's importance to the US economy: China is our fastest growing export market and imports from China help keep inflation low, benefiting American consumers and businesses.

"At the same time, we must take steps to resolve problems in our commercial relationship, such as inadequate intellectual property rights protection, lack of transparency in China's regulatory process, inconsistencies in market access for foreign companies operating in China, and the need for broad reforms in China's financial sector, including greater market influences on the determination of China's exchange rate.

"These problems can be resolved through the path of constructive engagement that Ambassador Portman has outlined. We look forward to working with him to achieve that goal."

The US-China Business Council (USCBC, www.uschina.org) is the leading organization of US companies engaged in business with the People's Republic of China. Founded in 1973, the USCBC provides extensive China-focused information, advisory, and advocacy services, along with comprehensive events, to nearly 250 US corporations operating within the United States and throughout Asia.