US-China Business Council Applauds China's Decision to Settle Trade Case

WASHINGTON, DC, November 29, 2007 - China's decision to settle a World Trade Organization (WTO) case regarding subsidies underscores the importance of continuing and deepening engagement with Beijing on key issues, John Frisbie, president of the US-China Business Council (USCBC), said today. The WTO case was lodged by the United States earlier this year.

"The resolution of this case demonstrates that engagement with China, through bilateral discussion and through multilateral forums such as the WTO, successfully advances the interests of US companies and workers," Frisbie said.

"The US Trade Representative deserves credit for using all available tools in a constructive manner to resolve this dispute. We look forward to continued progress at the upcoming bilateral talks in Beijing next month."

The subsidies were offered to export manufacturers in China, primarily in the form of tax incentives. The United States and Mexico brought the case to the WTO in February 2007.

The USCBC (www.uschina.org) is the leading organization of US companies engaged in business with the People's Republic of China. Founded in 1973, the USCBC provides extensive China-focused information, advisory, and advocacy services, along with events, to more than 250 US corporations operating within the United States and throughout Asia.