TEXT: PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATION, LETTER ON CHINA TRADE STATUS
(First step in annual renewal of China trade status)Washington -- President Clinton released a determination June 3 stating that extension of the waiver to the Trade Act of 1974 that permits Normal Trade Relations (NTR) -- formerly most favored nation (MFN) -- trading status for China conforms with the law and will promote its objectives.
The Presidential Determination accompanied a letter by the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate formally requesting that Congress renew a waiver for China of the Jackson-Vanik provisions of the Trade Act of 1974. Those provisions require non-market economies seeking normal trade status with the United States to certify annually that they allow free emigration. Congress has approved such a waiver for China every year since 1980.
Once the waiver is approved by Congress, China's NTR privileges will be extended.
Following are the official texts of the Presidential Determination and the letter to Congress:
(begin determination text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release June 3, 1999
June 3, 1999
Presidential Determination No.
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
SUBJECT: Determination Under Subsection 402(d)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974, as Amended -- Continuation of Waiver Authority <
Pursuant to the authority vested in me under the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, Public Law 93-618, 88 Stat. 1978 (the "Act"), I determine, pursuant to subsection 402(d)(1) of the Act, 19 U.S.C. 2432(d)(1), that the further extension of the waiver authority granted by section 402 of the Act will substantially promote the objectives of section 402 of the Act. I further determine that continuation of the waiver applicable to the People's Republic of China will substantially promote the objectives of section 402 of the Act.
You are authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
(end determination text)
(begin letter text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release June 3, 1999
TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO
THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATEJune 3, 1999
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
I hereby transmit the document referred to in subsection 402(d)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the "Act"), with respect to the continuation of a waiver of application of subsections (a) and (b) of section 402 of the Act to the People's Republic of China. This document constitutes my recommendation to continue in effect this waiver for a further 12-month period and includes my determination that continuation of the waiver currently in effect for the People's Republic of China will substantially promote the objectives of section 402 of the Act, and my reasons for such determination.
Sincerely,
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
(end letter text)
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