Beijing, China - United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk arrived in Beijing, China today as part of the United States delegation to join President Obama on his visit to China. While in Beijing, Ambassador Kirk will meet with members of The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China (AmCham-China) and participate in a series of bilateral meetings with his Chinese counterparts.
"My time in Beijing will be focused on continuing to engage my Chinese counterparts to further open Chinese markets to American exports and create well-paid jobs at home," said Ambassador Kirk. "China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Ninety-five percent of the world's consumers live outside of the United States, and a good portion of those consumers live in China. This visit to China will give us the opportunity to further engage our Chinese counterparts on reducing barriers to trade and provide for increased economic opportunities for America's workers, farmers, ranchers and small businesspeople that will sustain and create jobs at home."
Today Ambassador Kirk and Secretary Gary Locke will meet with members of AmCham-China for a town hall event to discuss issues from developing clean energy technology to improving IPR enforcement in China. AmCham-China is a Beijing-based, non-profit organization representing the interests of some 2,500 companies and individuals doing business throughout China.
Ambassador Kirk's visit to Beijing comes on the heels of the 2009 U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), held October 28-29 in Hangzhou, China. Ambassador Kirk co-chaired the meeting with Commerce Secretary Locke. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack also participated in the JCCT to address key economic and trade priorities. At the JCCT, China agreed to improve market access for American energy companies, reopen its market to U.S. pork, and clamp down on internet piracy.
