Chinese Vice Premier Wang, U.S. Treasury Secretary Paulson Address Business,
Political and Civic Leaders in Washington
Dinner Recognizing U.S.-China Economic Partnership Follows Bilateral Strategic
Economic Dialogue Meetings
WASHINGTON, June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- His Excellency Wang Qishan,
vice premier of the People's Republic of China, responsible for finance and
economics, tonight addressed a group of corporate and policy leaders in
Washington, D.C. at a dinner hosted by the US-China Business Council, the
United States Chamber of Commerce and the National Committee on U.S.-China
Relations. Joining the vice premier to deliver remarks at the event was Henry
Paulson, United States Secretary of the Treasury. The two leaders, along with
several other American and Chinese department secretaries and ministers and
their aides, had just completed two days of sessions of the Strategic Economic
Dialogue, a series of bilateral conversations between the United States and
China about economic issues.
At the dinner, Vice Premier Wang provided his perspective on bilateral
trade ties and the Strategic Economic Dialogue. Launched in 2006 by President
George W. Bush and President Hu Jintao, the sessions occur twice a year and
provide a forum to discuss the economic challenges and opportunities facing
both countries.
Prior to the dinner, the three lead co-hosts offered comments emphasizing
the value of continued strong relations between the United States and China.
"With the global economy undergoing, and driving, significant change, we
welcome closer cooperation that will benefit both the United States and China,
as well as our businesses and citizens," commented John Frisbie, president of
the US-China Business Council. "This is the most important economic
relationship for both of our countries going forward, and it is in both of our
interests to get it right. Discussions under the Strategic Economic Dialogue
are vital to further our common goals."
"Vice Premier Wang Qishan's inaugural visit provides a timely opportunity
for China and the United States to address shared, long-term challenges, while
demonstrating tangible progress on short-term commercial concerns," said Tom
Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "The U.S. Chamber
of Commerce will continue to support both governments in the Strategic
Economic Dialogue as they build a stronger framework for advancing relations
between our two countries."
"Progress on critical economic issues under the Strategic Economic
Dialogue strengthens the foundation for improvement of Sino-American relations
in all fields," said Stephen A. Orlins, president of the National Committee on
U.S.-China Relations. "Our most important relationship of the 21st century is
well served by this senior economic dialogue."
Other attendees included Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez,
Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer, and U.S.
Trade Representative Susan Schwab. Vice Premier Wang's delegation from China
brought ten ministerial-level officials to Washington for the multi-day
meetings.
In addition to the US-China Business Council, the National Committee on
U.S.-China Relations, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, several other
organizations -- the American Chamber of Commerce - China, American Council of
Life Insurers, Business Roundtable, China General Chamber of Commerce - USA,
the Financial Services Forum, and Securities Industry and Financial Market
Association -- cooperated on the event.
SOURCE National Committee on U.S.-China Relations
Michael Hartt, +1-202-326-1707, +1-202-631-8848, michael.hartt@edelman.com,
for National Committee on U.S.-China Relations
