EVANS: CHINA MUST MOVE TO MARKET ECONOMY
Evans’ China Visit to Push for Fair Trade

Commerce Secretary Don Evans tomorrow begins an eight-day visit to Asia where he will deliver a strong message to China. The Bush Administration expects all of America’s trading partners to compete on a level-playing field. During his visit Evans will also emphasize the administration’s determination to fight for American manufacturers and Americans workers competing in the global economy.

“China has lifted millions of people from poverty by taking important steps toward capitalism, but they have a long way to go. China’s current trade practices are exploiting our open markets and are creating an unfair advantage that is undercutting American workers,” said Evans. “Americans are willing to compete, on even terms, with China and any other country in the world as long as it is fair. China’s economic success depends on free and fair trade with the U.S.”

While in China Evans will discuss concerns of U.S. manufacturers that range from, inadequate access to China’s markets; rampant piracy of intellectual property in China; forced transfer of technology from firms launching joint ventures in China; trade barriers; and capital markets that are largely insulated from free-market pressures. Earlier this year Evans traveled across the United States to meet with manufacturers in order to better understand the challenges that the sector has experienced over the past couple of years.

“China needs to create an economic system that is more transparent, and one that allows capital to flow freely in response to market forces,” said Evans. “America and the world have a strong interest in seeing China succeed. China’s success begins with fair trade.”

Evans will visit Xi’an and Beijing, China, Oct. 26-29, for several meetings with Chinese business and senior government leaders. On Oct. 30 in Tokyo, Japan Evans will give a speech on strengthening U.S.-Japan relations before the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. He will also meet with senior government officials.