BANGKOK, THAILAND - United States Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick will visit China October 19-21 after attending the Ministerial Meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Bangkok, Thailand. Zoellick will travel to Beijing and Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning province in northeast China, to meet with senior Chinese officials, business and academic leaders and students. Topping the agenda will be U.S. trade interests in China, including China’s implementation of its WTO commitments, and the important role that China plays in the regional and global economy.

"China is increasingly a major factor in the global marketplace, and is playing an important role in expanding markets and fueling economic growth. Although U.S. exports to China are rising quickly, it is important that we do more to promote access for America’s world class goods, farm products and services in China," Zoellick said. "Our markets are open to China, and I will emphasize the importance of ensuring fair access for U.S. products to China’s markets as well."

"The Chinese economy and consumers will benefit from more openness to U.S. goods. American farmers, manufacturers, and service providers are ready to compete in China, but to do so, they need full and fair access and assurance that their brand names and innovations will be protected," Zoellick said. "China is a dynamic and diverse economy, yet it faces many challenges of development as well. I look forward to visiting the northeast and learning of Shenyang’s challenges, including the possibilities of mutual beneficial relationships with American firms."

In Shenyang on Monday, Zoellick plans to meet with provincial officials to discuss the ways in which increased access by U.S. firms for goods, farm products and investment can speed the economic reform process in one area facing a difficult transformation. He will also visit a factory that processes U.S. farm products, and markets where U.S. goods are sold.

In Beijing, Zoellick plans to meet with senior leaders to discuss China’s reform plans, its WTO implementation schedule, increasing protection for U.S intellectual property, and how increased access for U.S. products and firms contributes to China’s development. Zoellick will also meet with university students to discuss their perspectives on reform, and on how globalization is changing China.

This visit will be Zoellick’s fifth trip to China as USTR and his third since China’s accession to the WTO nearly two years ago.