07/12/2013
Washington, D.C. - United States Trade Representative Michael Froman today welcomed the notable progress made on a number of US-China trade and investment issues addressed by the Strategic and Economic Dialogue's (S&ED’s) economic track. Ambassador Froman issued the following statement after the S&ED this week.
"China has for the first time agreed to negotiate a Bilateral Investment Treaty on the basis of principles that will be critical to achieving access to China's market and leveling the playing field for American firms. As the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative prepares to lead these negotiations along with the State Department, we look forward to building on the important commitments China made today to bring home the economic benefits of more exports and more American jobs.
"Actions under the S&ED also promise real results for American innovators, creative industries and workers, from more vigorous protection and enforcement of trade secrets to strengthened software legalization efforts at state-owned enterprises and improved enforcement of intellectual property rights.
"Other outcomes, including new disciplines on state-owned enterprises and additional commitments on government procurement, also have the potential to contribute to strengthening the U.S.-China trade and investment relationship. We look forward to working across the U.S. government and with our Chinese partners to implement and build on this week's steps – including in the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade later this year."
