U.S. Chamber Leader Meets with Chinese President Discusses "Next Steps" Following Successful PNTR Vote

BEIJING, CHINA – United States Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue met with President Jiang Zemin today, engaging the Chinese leader in a discussion about the next steps both countries should take following the enactment of permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) by Congress.

Donohue told the President that "American companies, farmers and workers are excited about the new opportunities that will come with China's entry into the WTO. We are committed to forging stronger commercial ties with China which will promote stability in the region."

Urging China to move quickly to complete the WTO membership process, Donohue underscored the need for China "to faithfully implement the market-opening commitments it has made. The hard work must now begin to turn the promises made on paper into reality."

For its part, the United States "must resist the temptation to turn inward to protectionism," Donohue told the Chinese President. The meeting also included a discussion of the recent warming of relations between North and South Korea as well as human rights concerns throughout the region. Donohue invited President Jiang to visit the U.S. Chamber "to speak to the American business community about China's WTO implementation efforts."

Donohue's visit to Beijing follows stops in Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong where he met with business and government leaders including Korean President Kim, Japanese Prime Minister Mori and Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa.

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

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