Secretary Evans to Lead Trade Mission to China

Goal of Mission is to Strengthen Economic Relations Between Nations

Washington, DC - President Bush informed Premier Zhu Rongji today in Beijing that Commerce Secretary Don Evans will lead a delegation of U.S. business executives seeking new opportunities in China to Beijing and Shanghai, April 21-25, 2002. The goal of the mission is to strengthen economic relations between China and the United States by helping U.S. businesses explore new trade and investment opportunities that have resulted from China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). This is the Bush administration's first trade mission to China since its accession to the WTO.

"China plays a crucial role in opening new avenues of trade opportunities for U.S. businesses. Its recent accession to the WTO is a critical milestone in the development of a more robust, bilateral commercial relationship between our respective countries," said Secretary Evans.

He added, "China is starting a new chapter in its history. I am honored to lead the Administration's first business mission to China since its accession."

On the trip, Evans will also promote stronger U.S.- China commercial ties by co-chairing the 14th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade with Shi Guangsheng, China's Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC).

Evans and the delegation will arrive in Beijing on April 21, 2002. Participants in the Business Development Mission will include representatives from the information technology, telecommunications, clean energy and environmental technology, medical products, and construction equipment and services business sectors. Participants will develop contacts within the Chinese Government, as well as meet with potential business partners.

Further information about the trade mission, including requests for applications, may be directed to the Office of Business Liaison, Room 5062, Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20230 (tel: 202-482-1360; fax: 202-482-4054). Applications and additional information are also available on the official mission web site at http://www.doc.gov/chinatrademission.