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U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY: FOUR-DAY CHINA TRIP A SUCCESS
Evans Says U.S.-China Economic Relationship Strengthened,
But Work Remains

BEIJING, CHINA – Commerce Secretary Donald L. Evans today wrapped up his four-day trip to China by discussing the progress that had been made in leveling the playing field for American workers and in strengthening the economic relationship between the two countries, but said that work remains:

"Thank you for coming. I want to thank Secretary Chao and the hardworking members of the President’s Export Council and our Chinese hosts for making this a worthwhile visit. They were all instrumental in providing frank and constructive discussions.

The goals of the Bush Administration are to establish free and fair trade with China and to open Chinese markets to American exports to grow jobs back home.

We have made progress on this trip. Premier Wen again said he is committed to closing the trade gap. He and the Chinese leadership said to us they would like Made in America goods and services in aviation, power, transportation, construction, textiles and telecommunication and other sectors.

American businesses and workers can compete and succeed with a level playing field with others around the world.

China is America’s third largest trading partner; exports grew at 36 percent in the first four months of this year. It is our most dynamic economic relationship.

American exporters have serious concerns about market access in China. China must continue to remove its barriers to free trade so that there will be more “Made in America” labels in the marketplace.

I came to China to build on the successful JCCT meetings that took place in Washington just two months ago. We came to check the progress. We are satisfied thus far. But as Ronald Reagan has said, “Our motto is trust, but verify.”

I met with most of the senior economic team including, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabo, Vice Premier Wu Yi, Vice Premier Zung Peiyan and Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai.

We discussed several issues including: Market-based economy guidelines, Intellectual property rights, trade enforcement issues, flexible market driven exchange rates, free trade, and free flow of capital.

This may be the end of our trip here, but it is only another step towards leveling the playing field for the American worker and strengthening the economic relationship between our two counties."

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