BEIJING, CHINA - (August 7, 2003) Earlier today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a $585,250 grant to the Customs General Administration of China (China Customs) to partially fund a feasibility study on streamlining and modernizing supply chain capabilities and operations at Chinese ports. U.S. Ambassador to China Clark T. Randt, Jr. signed an agreement conferring the grant on behalf of USTDA. Mr. Gong Zheng, Vice Commissioner, signed on behalf of China Customs. The Global Alliance for Trade Efficiency, based in Washington, D.C., will conduct the study and contribute resources towards its completion.

With China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in December 2001, the country's overall trade volume is expected to increase greatly over the next few years. However, in order for Chinese ports to more efficiently meet the demands of increased trade, information technology-based solutions and customs training programs must be implemented. These improvements will help Chinese ports to process a larger amount of goods in shorter time periods. In addition, increased efficiency at ports of entry will enable China to meet WTO international trading standards, lower customs duties, and minimize non-tariff barriers to trade.

The USTDA-funded study will identify and evaluate the technical and training requirements China Customs needs to better process additional trade flows. The customs training program will also enable Chinese ports to become familiar with WTO trading norms, fraud prevention practices, customs management and international trade coordination.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries. The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, feasibility studies, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair and open trading environment. USTDA's strategic use of foreign assistance funds to support sound investment policy and decision-making in host countries creates an enabling environment for trade, investment and sustainable economic development. In carrying out its mission, USTDA gives emphasis to economic sectors that may benefit from U.S. exports of goods and services.

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