U.S. and China Sign Agreement to Launch New International Partner Network to Further U.S.-China Business Relations

BEIJING, CHINA – U.S. Commerce Acting Under Secretary for International Trade Tim Hauser and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Chairman Wan Jifei signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch a new U.S.-China International Partner Network in 14 major business centers across China on July 12, 2005. The MOU was signed during the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade annual meeting.

"The U.S.-China International Partner Network will foster new relationships between U.S. and Chinese small and medium-size companies in 14 key Chinese business centers, generating new opportunities for U.S. business in the China market and prosperity for both our great nations," said Hauser.

The wide-ranging cooperation established under the MOU immediately provides:

• Sharing and jointly preparing targeted Chinese market research and trade lead information,
  
• Establishing high quality business matchmaking services for American exporters in 14 major business centers across China,
  
• Cooperating on mutually beneficial trade exhibitions and trade missions in the 14 Chinese business centers,
  
• Using the latest software and technology to disseminate market opportunity information to American and Chinese business representatives to facilitate U.S.-China trade and
  
• Training CCPIT trade specialists on high quality client service standards and techniques.

Chairman Wan indicated, "This agreement will help Chinese companies find American partners and consequently generate more concrete business cooperation of mutual benefit, which will strengthen the foundation of US-China business relations."

The new U.S.-China International Partner Network agreement establishes service centers in Dalian, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Harbin, Kunming, Nanjing/Jiangsu Province, Ningbo Qingdao, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Wuhan, Xiamen, Xi'an/Shaanxi Province and Zhuhai.

American companies interested in utilizing the expanded trade promotion resources of the U.S.-China International Partner Network should contact their nearest Commerce Department U.S. Export Assistance Center or call 1-800-USA-TRADE or visit www.buyusa.gov/china/en. Chinese companies interested in learning more about this new Chinese-American cooperation should contact CCPIT Beijing at (8610) 8129-5127 or visit www.ccpit.org.