U.S. Secretary of Commerce and
Chinese Minister of Science and Technology
Sign Agreement on Technology-Based
Economic Relations

Agreement Promotes Technology Opportunities and
Innovation-friendly Business Environment in China

Commerce Secretary Don Evans and Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Xu Guanhua today signed a Protocol Agreement focused on strengthening technology-based economic relations between China and the United States. The agreement will create new opportunities for technology-based entities by facilitating technology partnerships between the United States and China.

The Protocol on Cooperation in Civilian Industrial Technology and Scientific and Technical Information Policy will deepen the policy dialogue between the two countries and across sectors - business, academia and government. This agreement will further encourage experts to come together to share best practices on technology policy issues such as transparency and technology-neutral standards making processes and effective intellectual property rights protection. Scientists and innovators from both countries will also be able to explore ways to apply new technologies to solve social and economic problems.

"As China integrates itself into the global economy, the flow of ideas and information between the private sector and government policymakers is especially important," Evans said. "While we in government work to create an environment that is conducive to technology innovation, it is the private sector that is the driver of technology."

"We believe this new agreement will support China's efforts to create a business-friendly environment for technology development by encouraging global partnerships and private investment," Evans said.

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