TIA's Letters to Congress Concerning Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to China

January 25, 2000

Dear Senator,

On behalf of the Telecommunications Industry Association, I would like to ask your support in extending Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to China.

The bilateral market access agreement announced between the U.S. and China on November 15, 1999, is a strong package for U.S. industry. Including broad market access concessions to the manufacturing, services and agriculture sectors, the agreement offers great opportunity for our nation's exporters to more fairly do business in one of the world's most promising markets.

Specifically, U.S. telecommunications suppliers stand to gain much from China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), including lower tariffs, the right to distribute and import goods without the mandated intervention of Chinese entities, increased foreign participation in China's telecommunications services sector, and much more. Through the third quarter of 1999, U.S. telecommunications equipment exports to mainland China totaled almost $428 billion, which is a 22 percent decrease from the prior year's period. With export numbers currently decreasing, it is imperative U.S. telecom suppliers gain unhindered access to the Chinese market, which they could do if Congress grants China PNTR.

TIA's more than 1,000 members manufacture or supply virtually all of the products used in building and updating global communications networks. Not only will equipment manufacturers like our members benefit from extending to China permanent NTR, but the average American will also benefit from increased jobs in the high-tech sector, continued growth of our economy, and more stable, balanced relations with the world's most populous nation. If TIA can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me, Grant Seiffert, TIA's Vice President of Government Relations at 202-383-1483, or Christine Keck, TIA's Director of Asia Pacific Programs at 202-383-1482.

Sincerely,

Matthew J. Flanigan
President, TIA

January 25, 2000

Dear Representative

On behalf of the Telecommunications Industry Association, I would like to ask your support in extending Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to China.

The bilateral market access agreement announced between the U.S. and China on November 15, 1999, is a strong package for U.S. industry. Including broad market access concessions to the manufacturing, services and agriculture sectors, the agreement offers great opportunity for our nation's exporters to more fairly do business in one of the world's most promising markets.

Specifically, U.S. telecommunications suppliers stand to gain much from China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), including lower tariffs, the right to distribute and import goods without the mandated intervention of Chinese entities, increased foreign participation in China's telecommunications services sector, and much more. Through the third quarter of 1999, U.S. telecommunications equipment exports to mainland China totaled almost $428 billion, which is a 22 percent decrease from the prior year's period. With export numbers currently decreasing, it is imperative U.S. telecom suppliers gain unhindered access to the Chinese market, which they could do if Congress grants China PNTR.

TIA's more than 1,000 members manufacture or supply virtually all of the products used in building and updating global communications networks. Not only will equipment manufacturers like our members benefit from extending to China permanent NTR, but the average American will also benefit from increased jobs in the high-tech sector, continued growth of our economy, and more stable, balanced relations with the world's most populous nation. If TIA can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me, Grant Seiffert, TIA's Vice President of Government Relations at 202-383-1483, or Christine Keck, TIA's Director of Asia Pacific Programs at 202-383-1482.

Sincerely,

Matthew J. Flanigan
President, TIA

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TIA is a full-service national trade organization with membership of 1,000 large and small companies that provide communications and information technology products, materials, systems, distribution services and professional services in the United States and around the world. The association's member companies manufacture or supply virtually all of the products used in global communications networks. TIA represents the telecommunications industry with its subsidiary, the MultiMedia Telecommunications Association (MMTA), in association with the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA).