FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 29, 2009
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
202-482-4883
Eleven Agreements Signed at the 20th U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade
Nine bilateral agreements and two commercial signings will enhance economic growth, clean energy development and strengthen bilateral trade
The U.S. and Chinese governments signed nine bilateral agreements on a wide range of issues today during the closing signing ceremony of 20th U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Hangzhou, China. The nine agreements and two commercial signings covered areas such as aviation, energy, environment, high technology trade, investment promotion, statistics, and travel and tourism.
“The 20th JCCT, the first under the Obama Administration, provides a valuable opportunity to engage China on important trade concerns impacting American companies,” said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. “The agreements signed today will expand economic growth opportunities through enhanced U.S.-China business cooperation and strengthened bilateral trade relations.”
“China is a fast growing export market, and these agreements pave the way for additional opportunities for American businesses” said Ambassador Kirk. “As we look to the next 20 years of our relationship with China, our successful engagement must include strong and smart U.S. trade policy. We look to expand economic growth and opportunity for American businesses and workers while ensuring our trading with China relationship is fair and sustainable. The 2009 JCCT has given us an opportunity to strengthen our relationship and make concrete steps forward.”
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded two grants and signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which continue the agency’s support for innovative clean energy technologies and the aviation sector in China. “We are pleased that the Chinese have agreed to joint cooperation in initiating clean-energy projects with the United States in an effort to combat global climate change,” said USTDA Acting Director Lee Zak.
The JCCT, established in 1983, is the main forum for addressing bilateral trade matters and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China. Secretary Locke co-chaired the annual high-level JCCT meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan in Hangzhou, China, on October 28-29. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack also participated.
