The U.S.-China commercial relationship remains one of great success and growing potential, despite continuing challenges.

That’s the major takeaway after two weeks of heavy focus on China at the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA).

It began with the DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: Greater China and Gateway Countries forum Oct. 7-8 in New York City, during which our global team provided export guidance to more than 300 business representatives looking to export to the region.

Then this week, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Stefan M. Selig visited Shanghai and Beijing in advance of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) high level meetings that the Department of Commerce will host along with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in the United States later this year.

While in China, Under Secretary Selig participated in JCCT Vice-Ministerial meetings with China’s Ministry of Commerce, and co-chaired the JCCT U.S.-China Industries and Competitiveness Dialogue with Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Robert Holleyman and China’s Vice Minister of Information and Industry Technology Liu Lihua.

Selig also spoke at a breakfast meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, an ITA strategic partner. He met with local experts to learn more about plans for the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, which China has said will enable foreign enterprises to compete on the same terms as Chinese firms across a wide range of services sectors.

Fostering new business opportunities in China’s fast-growing market is a top priority for ITA and U.S. businesses, as China remains America’s second-largest trade partner and third-largest export market.

U.S. exports to China reached $122 billion in 2013, which is a 652 percent increase since 2000. Through events like DISCOVER and the JCCT meetings, we are setting the stage for further growth in our trade relationship.

ITA’s team of trade specialists in the United States and market experts based in China can help U.S. businesses of any size find opportunities, identify potential challenges, and increase the likelihood of success in this growing market. If your business is ready to explore export opportunities in China, contact your nearest Export Assistance Center.