China and the United States made commitment this week to exchange improved negative list offers in early September and speed up talks on a bilateral investment treaty (BIT), giving experts a sense of optimism that the world's two largest economies could wrap up BIT negotiations under President Barack Obama's administration. US-China Business Council president John Frisbie shared the similar view. "Both governments should double their efforts to advance the negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty as much as possible before President Xi's state visit in September," Frisbie said in a statement. "A high-standard BIT, with strong provisions for market openings and equal treatment, would greatly benefit the commercial relationship."