U.S. cites trade progress with China

U.S. cites trade progress with China    White House officials said China agreed to remove barriers for U.S. firms to China’s expanding renewable energy sector, reopen its market to U.S. pork and live swine, and attack Internet piracy at the 20th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade on Thursday.
   The meeting, held in Hangzhou, China, resulted with the U.S. and Chinese governments signing nine agreements, including a memorandum of understanding to establish the U.S. China Energy Cooperation Program (ECP). The ECP is a new public-private partnership administered by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency that will leverage the expertise of U.S. firms to help develop clean energy opportunities in China.

Locke

   “We are pleased that China agreed to remove local content requirements for foreign participation in China’s wind farm market, opening up China’s energy market to U.S. companies and creating jobs in America,” said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, in a statement.
   “China’s renewable energy market is expected to reach $100 billion in 2020, and wind energy is its fastest growing sector,” he added.

Vilsack

   U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack noted that two-way trade of agricultural, fish and forest products between the United States and China has increased in recent years to more than $21 billion annually.
   “China’s intent to remove its H1N1-related ban on U.S. pork marks an important step forward in cooperation between the countries on agricultural issues,” Vilsack said.
   Locke said that JCCT meeting’s progress “builds a solid foundation for President Obama’s visit in November.”
   More details about the 20th session of the JCCT are available here.
   Established in 1983, the JCCT is the main forum for addressing bilateral trade matters and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China.