U.S.-China Trade Related Memos Signed

BEIJING - Jul 11/05 - SNS -- The United States and China signed a memorandum of understanding, described by U.S/. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns as important steps to expanding U.S. sales of agricultural commodities to China.

Johanns affirmed with Chinese officials the need for China to lift its ban on U.S. beef, noting the critical need for China to adhere to a science-based system that includes following internationally recognized BSE guidelines. He urged the Chinese officials to send a technical team to the United States to help facilitate the timely re-opening of their market.

In response, China has pledged to send a technical team to the U.S. in October of this year and will be working with USDA officials in the interim to provide more information on the timeline and process for reopening their market to U.S. beef.

Johanns also announced the approval by China of NK603, a variety of Round Up Ready corn, bringing the total Chinese biotech approvals to eight varieties of corn, two of cotton, seven of canola and one variety of soybeans. Johanns commended the Chinese for these biotechnology approvals and noted the willingness of the U.S. to work with China to promote a regulatory system based on sound science to expedite future approvals.

Johanns and Minister Li Changjiang of China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine reached an agreement on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to improve bilateral cooperation on animal and plant health and food safety.

The MOU will provide a forum to seek resolution of bilateral technical food safety issues and promote scientific exchange to resolve technical barriers to trade, like meat, poultry and eggs and other food products under the regulatory authority of USDA.

This MOU will also provide for the exchanges of information on relevant laws; regulations and standards; inspection and quarantine procedures; methodology and technology; pests and disease; toxic and harmful residues; food certification and establishment registration.