MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
CONCERNING TRAVEL AND TOURISM COOPERATION BY AND BETWEEN
THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND
THE CHINA NATIONAL TOURISM ADMINISTRATION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

The Department of Commerce of the United States of America and the China National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China, hereinafter referred to as the Parties, reaffirm their shared beliefs that with the deepening of Sino-U.S. political, economic and trade relations, and because of its social, cultural and economic dynamics, travel and tourism serves as a bridge for further developing relations and is an excellent instrument for promoting economic development and shared well-being of their citizens:

Whereas, the Parties confirm the mutual economic and social benefits of travel and tourism between their countries;

Whereas, the Parties appreciate the cross-cultural exchange, understanding, and friendship between their countries which is fostered through travel and tourism;

Whereas, there is recognition of the vast potential for greater commercial opportunities in travel and tourism related services between the Parties;

Whereas, there is an acknowledged need for mutual cooperation on trade policy issues and visa and immigration matters relating to travel and tourism between the Parties; and

Whereas, there is a desire to abide by the principles of national treatment, fair market access, friendship, cooperation, equality and mutual benefit.

With these principles in mind, the Parties have prepared this Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Travel and Tourism Cooperation, hereinafter referred to as the Agreement, that may guide future cultural relations and economic development resulting from enhanced travel and tourism.

ARTICLE I:
Goals

1. To forge closer ties and increased involvement between the United States Department of Commerce and the Chinese National Tourism Administration in furthering the development of travel and tourism related issues between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.

2. To support the development and establishment of a business environment which promotes and facilitates fair and open trade in travel and tourism related services, based upon the principles of national treatment.

3. To support the development and establishment of an environment that facilitates two-way travel, both individual and group travel, that is free of unnecessary restrictions and violations relating to each country’s immigration concerns, regulations and laws.

4. To realize significant growth in trade, investment and commerce in travel and tourism related services between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China during the Term of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II:
Groundwork in Support of Goals

1. Both Parties shall actively pursue the establishment and strengthening of contacts and exchanges between their respective federal and regional tourism organizations, tourism enterprises and universities and colleges with hospitality, tourism and recreational programs.

2. Both Parties shall encourage and advocate the expansion of investment between the two countries in travel and tourism related services.

3. Both Parties shall seek to ensure that governmental and/or non-profit travel and tourism related entities are able to establish offices or locate representatives to promote travel and tourism in the other Party’s territory.

4. Both Parties shall facilitate visits and the promotional activities of tourism organizations, tourism enterprises and groups to their countries in compliance with their immigration laws and policies.

5. Both Parties shall mutually exchange tourism information, materials, statistics and educational training.

ARTICLE III:
Structure

1. Both Parties agree, subject to the availability of funds, to establish a bilateral travel and tourism Working Group comprised of mutual government officials to actively promote progress and cooperation in support of the goals of Article I and activities of Article II, to address key issues and to share information and knowledge on travel and tourism between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China.

2. The Director General of the Marketing and Communications Department of the National Tourism Administration of the People's Republic of China and the U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services shall be the Co-Chairmen of the Working Group.

   The Working Group shall meet as agreed by the Parties, alternatively in each country. The topic of the each meeting shall be decided upon through mutual consultation in advance.

3. The Working Group shall evaluate over time when it is effective and necessary to expand the composition of the Working Group to include regional tourism entities and private sector enterprises to further the goals of this Agreement.

ARTICLE IV:
Term

This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of signature and shall remain valid for a period of five years. At least six months prior to its expiration, both Parties shall meet to consider extending the agreement, adopting a new agreement or allowing the agreement to lapse.