OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

Executive Office of the President

Washington, D.C.

20508

USTR Press Releases are available on the USTR web site at http://www.ustr.gov/

For Immediate Release Contact: Brendan Daly

October 10, 2000 Amy Stilwell

Todd Glass

(202) 395-3230

USTR Barshefsky Applauds the Signing

Of PNTR Legislation for China

United States Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky today issued the following statement after the signing ceremony of the legislation establishing Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) for China:

"President Clinton's signing of the PNTR legislation for China marks a new era in our relations with China. China's accession to the World Trade Organization will provide tremendous new economic opportunities for our workers, farmers and businesses. Bringing China more fully into the community of nations governed by the rule of law is the best way to promote reform in China and stability in the region.

"China's WTO accession agreement is the capstone of the nearly 300 trade agreements negotiated by the Clinton Administration. It embodies the President's use of trade policy, coupled with broader economic and foreign policies, as a means to promote prosperity at home and peace abroad."

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