On November 15, the U.S. and Chinese governments signed a landmark bilateral market access agreement on China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). This agreement is the gateway towards China's eventual accession to the global world trading body. The contents of the agreement constitute a giant first step toward making China's huge market much more accessible for U.S. companies. Telecommunications services were a sticking point in the negotiations, which came close to being finalized in April 1999 during Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to the United States. But at that time, President Clinton turned down Zhu's package, insisting more progress was necessary. While it could be debated whether Clinton's decision in April was the right one, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Charlene Barshefsky insists that the November package is much stronger than the April one. Most of the April agreement was maintained, while outstanding issues were resolved and added to the November package. The full text of the agreement has not yet been released and won't be until China is a full member of the WTO. Experts hope this will happen by the end of the first quarter of 2000, but insist the timing rests ultimately in the hands of the Chinese. Until then, USTR is expected to release sector-specific "fact sheets," which will contain more details on concessions for all of the industries covered by the Chinese package. TIA expects to soon receive a copy of these fact sheets for the telecommunications sector and looks forward to reviewing details. Page Forward TIA Home | Industry Beat | TIA Press Releases | Subscribe | Past Issues Letter from the President | Inside Washington | TIA Around the Globe | Small Company Focus Trade Shows and Marketing Opportunities | Standards Update | Member Spotlight New TIA Members | Member News | Market Forecast | Calendar of Events | PulseOnline Home Contact Us: Rali Mileva rmileva@tia.eia.org or Melanie Phung mphung@tia.eia.org