March 31, 1999 Washington DC -- The Information Technology Industry (ITI) signaled today that China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) must include a pledge to implement the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and reduce tariffs on IT products.
"Any agreement that allows China to join the WTO should include China's commitment to sign on to the ITA," said Rhett Dawson, president of ITI. "And that means we are hoping that China will agree to reduce import duties on the full range of IT products, moving toward zero tariff levels no later than 2005. We hope significant progress can be made during Premier Zhu's visit to Washington, April 8-9."
This week ITI joined with a number of trade associations representing both agriculture and business interests in signing an open letter to Congress regarding China's accession to the WTO. The letter expresses support for the US Government's efforts to "ensure that China's application for membership in the WTO results in meaningful commercial commitments for US goods, services, and agriculture." The letter also encourages US negotiators to continue to push for a sound agreement in the coming weeks.
Earlier this month ITI sent a letter to US Trade Representative, Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky, outlining its support for China's entry to the WTO providing China implement the International Technology Agreement (ITA) upon accession. ITI also made US-China relations the theme of its Spring Board Meeting held last week in Washington, D.C.
"China's entry into the WTO must include tangible results that narrow the trade gap, help grow our economy, and open new markets for American products." continued Dawson. "China's commitment to the ITA will help achieve these results."
ITI is the association of leading U.S. providers of information technology products and services. It advocates growing the economy through innovation and supports free-market policies. ITI members had worldwide revenue of more than $440 billion in 1998 and employ more than 1.2 million people in the United States.
©1999 Information Technology Industry Council