U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Meets with China's Minister of Commerce Chen Deming in New York

Bilateral meeting takes place as world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly

During a visit to New York City today, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke met with China’s Minister of Commerce Chen Deming.  The two officials have met several times in both the United States and China since Locke became Commerce Secretary.

“I had a productive conversation with Minister Chen about shared priorities, including our mutual interest in building a positive and cooperative relationship that strengthens trade and creates jobs,” Secretary Locke said. “I look forward to continued engagement with Vice Premier Wang Qishan and Minister Chen, including later this year when we reconvene the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) here in the U.S.”

Secretary Locke stressed the importance of making substantial progress in the next JCCT meeting. 

Also while in New York, Secretary Locke delivered remarks at a dinner honoring Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.  The Secretary’s remarks highlighted the importance of a more balanced bilateral trade relationship, as well as key issues such as the need to promote an economic environment that rewards and fully protects innovators while encouraging fair and transparent competition.  The dinner was hosted by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and the U.S.-China Business Council along with several other organizations. 

Secretary Locke is the first Chinese American to serve as Commerce Secretary and was the first Chinese American governor in U.S. history.  Locke led the first cabinet-level trade mission of the Obama administration to Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing in May to promote exports of leading U.S. technologies related to clean energy, energy efficiency, and electric energy storage, transmission, and distribution.

Earlier in the day, Secretary Locke participated in the 2010 Annual Clinton Global Initiative.