TEXT: COMMERCE SECRETARY DALEY REMARKS AT ZHU LUNCHEON
("American businesses bring more than dollars" to China)Washington -- Secretary of Commerce William Daley praised U.S. and Chinese negotiators for the progress they have made in recent talks on China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO).
During a luncheon for visiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji April 12, Daley said: "We have a good outline of a package. As Ambassador Barshefsky says, we are 95 percent there. After 13 years of negotiating, it is no longer if, but when. It will be good for American business, good for China, and good for world trade."
Daley noted Premier Zhu's interest in having American companies investing in China, and added "American businesses bring more than dollars."
"They bring cutting-edge products and expertise," he said. "I saw a new neighborhood being built in Shanghai, with houses made in America. Americans bring ways to clean up the air. I opened a plant for Corning that will build car parts that will lessen emissions. When we bring telecommunications to villages, we will introduce the Chinese to new cultures and values."
Following is the official text of Daley's remarks, as prepared for delivery:
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Remarks by
Secretary of Commerce William M. Daley
Leadership Luncheon in Honor of Chinese Premier Zhu
April 12, 1999
Chicago, Illinois
Premier Zhu -- thanks for visiting Chicago, so I can come home. To all the business people -- I just returned from China, where I drove a Ford, flew United, and Motorola pagers went off during every speech I gave. Mayor Daley -- unlike China, where mayors aspire to higher office, the mayor of Chicago is higher than any office in Washington.
Last month, my trade mission was a warm up to Rich's trip. Growing up last in the family, it was good to do something first -- they are eagerly awaiting you.
My mission focused on one area -- infrastructure. Last year when President Clinton went to China, he was on a radio call-in show with the Mayor of Shanghai. Here was the leader of the free world, ready to talk about issues of high importance, and the caller asked the Mayor about a little problem: traffic. That may be how he got the idea for an infrastructure mission.
We had a productive mission. We helped open the telecommunication services sector. Premier Zhu was very kind, meeting with all of our business leaders. Thank you for that.
He and I also had some frank discussions on our trade deficit, but we won't get into that.
This week, we made progress on China's entry into the World Trade Organization. We have a good outline of a package. As Ambassador Barshefsky says, we are 95 percent there. After 13 years of negotiating, it is no longer if, but when. It will be good for American business, good for China, and good for world trade.
The Premier is interested in American companies investing in China. But the point I want to make is American businesses bring more than dollars.
They bring cutting-edge products and expertise. I saw a new neighborhood being built in Shanghai, with houses made in America. Americans bring ways to clean up the air. I opened a plant for Corning that will build car parts that will lessen emissions. When we bring telecommunications to villages, we will introduce the Chinese to new cultures and values.
The American Embassy in Beijing did a survey. They found of all the foreign companies, the Chinese people like working for American companies best. They like our business practices, our management style, and our entrepreneurial spirit.
And knowing your background, Mr. Premier, a few more days of shopping for investments, and we will make you an honorary American entrepreneur.
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