US Secretary of State John Kerry Among High-Profile Speakers at The AmCham APEC CEO Reception

BEIJING, Nov. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- US Secretary of State John Kerry was one of several high-profile speakers at an event co-hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in China and the U.S.-APEC Business Coalition on the sidelines of the APEC CEO Summit being in Beijing.

In remarks to the more than 250 global and local CEOs and senior executives, Kerry talked of the importance of economic policy in foreign policy and opportunities in the U.S.-China relationship, including a bilateral investment treaty. "We want a high-standard agreement that's going to ensure that American companies and their Chinese competitors are able to compete in both countries on a non-discriminatory, fair, and open manner, and a transparent basis," he said. "A high-standard BIT would promise the type of market-based innovation and competitiveness that will benefit both economies."

Kerry was introduced by US Ambassador to China Max Baucus, who took up his post in March, and was followed by US Trade Representative Michael Froman. The reception concluded with remarks and a question-and-answer session with Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Bruce Andrews, US Trade and Development Agency Director Leocadia Zak, and Department of State Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs Charles Rivkin.

AmCham China President Mark Duval echoed the sentiments of the senior members of the U.S. administration in seeking a more open, comprehensive and integrated relationship between the two countries. "This is an extraordinary and historic time for China, the region, and the world, and especially for the U.S.-China relationship - without doubt the most important relationship in the world today. Naturally, the state and progress of this relationship is crucial to the success of American companies doing business with China," he said. "Just last week, the Chinese government announced planned changes to the Foreign Investment Catalogue. We applaud this incremental progress, but suggest that even bolder moves are required to accelerate reforms, enhance fair competition, and allow the market to play a decisive role in the economy. We look forward to the swift introduction of an ambitious negative list to spur the next wave of foreign investment."

AmCham China co-hosted the reception with three members of the U.S.-APEC Business Coalition: the National Center for APEC, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the US-China Business Council. It was supported by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and the American Chamber of Commerce in South China.

About AmCham China:

The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China (AmCham China) is a non-profit organization which represents US companies and individuals doing business in China.  AmCham China's membership comprises more than 3,800 individuals from over 1,000 companies. It has more than 50 industry- and issue-specific forums and committees, offers unique services such as the Business Visa Program, holds a wide range of networking and informational events, and meets with US and Chinese officials to discuss challenges and opportunities facing US firms doing business in China. The Chamber's mission is to help American companies succeed in China through advocacy, information, networking and business support services. For more information, visit: www.amchamchina.org

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SOURCE The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China

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http://www.amchamchina.org