Press Release

Statement by Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez on the Announcement of a New U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez issued the following statement regarding today's announcement in Beijing by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson of a new U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue:

“The U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue reflects the important relationship between the U.S. and Chinese economies. This announcement implements an important agreement reached by President Bush and President Hu Jintao to establish such a high level bilateral dialogue to promote economic cooperation and the growth of U.S.-China relations.

"It is a welcome addition to productive discussions already underway, including the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, the U.S.-China Joint Economic Commission and the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Science and Technology. I look forward to working with Secretary Paulson and Vice Premier Wu Yi on this initiative.

"China is one of America's fastest-growing export markets, representing billions of dollars in sales for U.S. companies.

"I am pleased to be leading a business development mission in November to China to further advance our growing economic relationship and further open China’s market to U.S. exports."