U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said Wednesday he will lead a business development mission to China from Nov. 13-17, highlighting export opportunities for U.S. businesses in China.
The mission will include stops in Beijing and Shanghai.The trip will help U.S companies develop business and government contacts, solidify business strategies and obtain market access information, the Commerce Department said. The delegation will be made up of U.S. firms representing a broad cross-section of U.S. industries with commercial interests in China.
“China is one of America’s fastest-growing export markets, representing billions of dollars for U.S. companies,” said Gutierrez. “This mission will help American businesses seize new opportunities there, expand and create more American jobs.”
Total U.S. exports to China in 2005 were $41 billion, an increase of 19 percent over 2004. Through May 2006, U.S. exports have grown 37 percent over the same period last year.
The U.S. and China have made progress in the bilateral trade relationship by expanding market access for U.S. goods and services, increasing transparency, and improving enforcement of intellectual property rights.
“Fewer emerging economies will have a larger influence than China over the global economy during the 21st Century,” Gutierrez said. “The prospect of selling to more than a billion consumers, together with China’s rising middle class, creates real opportunity for American companies.”
Businesses interested in participating in the China Business Development Mission can apply on-line at www.export.gov/chinamission
