U.S. Dept. of State - IIP: The United States and China

Text: USDA Says China Open to Buying More U.S. Potatoes, Tobacco
(Chinese also to revise regulation on citrus imports)
Following is the text of an August 1 press release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the results of a bilateral meeting between Chinese and American agricultural officials:
(begin text)
CHINA AGREES TO IMPORT U.S. TOBACCO AND POTATOES

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2000 -- Following a bilateral meeting with China's agricultural officials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that China is expected to adopt a regulation allowing the importation of U.S. tobacco and will begin the review process to allow the importation of U.S. potatoes from Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.
Chinese officials have agreed to return to the United States Aug. 25 to review U.S. tobacco fields with USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. A regulation allowing the importation of U.S. tobacco is scheduled to be in place by Nov. 30.
Additionally, the Chinese are open to importing U.S. seed potatoes from Alaska, and tablestock potatoes from Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. The three states are free of many of the pests and diseases commonly associated with potatoes. The bilaterals were held in Fairbanks, Alaska, which because of its geographic location and climate, has potatoes of exceptional quality.
The Chinese delegation also agreed to do away with a regulation that requires addresses to appear on shipments of U.S. citrus. The requirement led to confusion at Chinese ports of entry and delayed the distribution of U.S. citrus shipments.
"These positive outcomes are evidence of an emerging trade relationship that we are beginning to establish between China and the United States," said Michael V. Dunn, under secretary for USDA's marketing and regulatory programs. The potential for agricultural exports to China is estimated to be about $2 billion annually by 2005.
"China already has approved seed potatoes from Canada and the Netherlands," Dunn said. "We believe Alaska, Washington, and Oregon potatoes are an even better choice."
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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