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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts in Washington, DC:
John Frisbie (jfrisbie@uschina.org), Erin Ennis (eennis@uschina.org)
202-429-0340

USTR Kirk Speaks to Leading Business Group on China Trade

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2009 - The US-China Business Council (USCBC) welcomed remarks today from US Trade Representative Ronald Kirk that indicated the Obama administration will prioritize market openings in China for American goods, services, and investment to help create job opportunities in the United States.

"China has been the fastest growing market for US exports this decade--by far," said USCBC President John Frisbie. "Ambassador Kirk rightly wants to continue this record of growth by ensuring American companies have access to China's rapidly developing market for goods and services," he continued.

USCBC released in April a state-by-state breakdown of US exports to China since 2000 (http://www.uschina.org/public/exports/congressional/2000_2008/) and will release a breakdown by congressional district later this month.

USCBC also supports Ambassador Kirk's call for a mix of the "smartest possible engagement and enforcement" to pursue a level playing field for US companies. USCBC's January 2009 China policy recommendations to the Obama administration (http://www.uschina.org/public/documents/2009/china_policy_recommendations.pdf) called for the pursuit of a rules-based trading relationship that first uses bilateral negotiations to resolve trade disputes but then considers multilateral dispute settlement mechanisms, such as World Trade Organization cases, when good faith negotiations fail.

Frisbie concluded, "Our most important economic relationship in the years and decades ahead will be with China. The US-China Business Council is ready to work with Ambassador Kirk and his team to build on the gains made so far and create new opportunities for American manufacturers, service providers, workers, and farmers to benefit from China's growth."

The 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 events, to roughly 220 US corporations operating within the United States and throughout Asia.