China, U.S. Hold Annual Trade Talks in SW China

China and the United States held the 22nd Session of China-U.S. Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) on Monday in the southwestern city of Chengdu.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan co-chaired the meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson and Trade Representative Ron Kirk.

Senior Chinese officials including Chinese international trade representative Gao Hucheng, Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu, Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai, Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao, and Liu Tienan, head of National Energy Administration, attended the meeting.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was also present as part of the U.S. government's delegation attending the meeting, seeking more export opportunities from China.

The two sides will sign a series of deals on trade and economic cooperation after the meeting, which is due to conclude Monday afternoon.

During the JCCT Meeting, the two sides will exchange views on trade and investment, agricultural products and quality inspection and quarantine, technology and standards, intellectual property rights as well as bilateral exchanges and cooperation, according to the foreign ministry.

The two sides also held a closed-door meeting on Nov. 20.

Established in 1983, the JCCT is a platform for China and the United States to promote trade relations and address issues of mutual concern.

The 21st meeting of JCCT was held in Washington D.C. on Dec. 14-15, 2010.