CONTACTS: John Reid/Michael Gleeson
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March 13, 2008

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The United States Chamber of Commerce today called on Congress to do more to help American business boost its competitiveness with China.

 

"China has become one of the largest export markets for U.S. businesses," said Myron Brilliant, vice president for Asia at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "At a time of economic fragility it is our exports, especially our exports to China, that are spurring crucial domestic economic growth. Engagement-not isolationism-will be key for the U.S. and its economic success in the future."

 

The Chamber today hosted a forum with Congressmen Rick Larsen (D-WA), Mark Kirk (R-NY), and Steve Israel (D-NY) to discuss the "U.S.-China Competitiveness Agenda." The Congressmen shared their views on the nature of the U.S.-China economic relationship, how the U.S. can bolster its competitiveness with China, and how to expand resources for bilateral engagement.

 

The "U.S.-China Competitiveness Agenda" is a series of four pieces of legislation introduced last year by Representatives Larsen, Kirk, Israel and Susan Davis (D-CA) that seek to offset punitive China legislation currently under consideration in Congress. The bills would among other things: increase resources for small and medium-size American businesses exporting to the China market; create new cooperative energy ties between the U.S. and China; make more funds available for Chinese language teaching in the U.S.; and expand America's diplomatic infrastructure in China.
        
"Closing our borders is not the answer to creating American jobs and improving our way of life," continued Brilliant.  "We have to find ways to increase our own competitiveness and constructively address challenges in our commercial relationships with China and other trading partners. Congress can help."

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
         
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