Office of China Economic Area (OCEA)
International Trade Specialists at the Department of Commerce’s
OCEA work closely with companies to address and eliminate barriers
to trade. A company may experience a market access barrier when
local policies and regulations make it difficult for that company
to enter a certain foreign market. Since China’s accession
to the WTO in December of 2001, OCEA has helped hundreds of companies,
from large to small, break down market access barriers and do business
in China. Regulatory and policy related barriers are among the most significant
reasons why companies may fail or are halted in carrying out business
operations in China. Compliance problems include less favorable
treatment for foreign goods and services, intellectual property
infringement, standards barriers, and obstacles to procuring licenses
and contracts, among a host of others. Our specialists work with
U.S. companies and Chinese government
officials to promote commercial opportunities for U.S. companies
that seek to do business in China.
OCEA staff cover China including Hong Kong, Macau, and Mongolia.
The office staff has increased three-fold since 2002 and includes
eleven Desk Officers who cover sector-related and functional issues
such as intellectual property rights and standards in China. The
office monitors China’s compliance with its WTO agreements,
coordinates the annual U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce
and Trade dialogue between the Department of Commerce, The Office
of the United States Trade Representative and China’s Ministry
of Commerce, provides one-on-one business development counseling
for U.S. companies involved in commercial disputes or facing trade
barriers in China, sponsors and conducts WTO-related capacity
building training in China, and coordinates outreach seminars
for small businesses throughout the United States. OCEA staff
also meet regularly with Chinese delegations in Washington, DC,
and advise and brief senior Commerce Department officials on issues
of concern to the U.S. business community. You can reach OCEA
at 202-482-5527, or via email at macoap-ocea@ita.doc.gov.
How to find a specialist:
Our Specialists cover a wide range of policy issues. To email us
a question, simply click on the appropriate topic:
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