Pro-PNTR Supporters Gaining Momentum

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce said it "can live with" a bipartisan agreement to monitor China's human rights record and compliance with World Trade Organization obligations, if the agreement makes it easier for undecided members of congress to support permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) for China.

"The stakes are high – opening China's markets to American products is of national importance," said Thomas Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "If the compromise agreement does not weaken this country's ability to engage China as a full WTO member and proves critical to our goal of passing PNTR, then it is something we can live with."

The Chamber has been in extensive consultations with House Republicans and Democrats, as well the Administration, while they build a consensus behind the proposed compromise.

"It had been touch and go on whether an agreement could be reached, but momentum is clearly on our side as we head into this week's vote in the House of Representatives," said Donohue. "Even though we do not support everything in the proposed compromise agreement, it represents movement toward passage of PNTR."

Donohue noted the Chamber supports the section of the bipartisan agreement that includes a "sense of the Congress" language encouraging Taiwan's ascension into the WTO. The Chamber will begin working toward Taiwan's entry into the WTO as a full member.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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