WASHINGTON, DC, December 13, 2007 - The third session of the US-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED), which concluded in Beijing today, shows the importance of engagement in forging progress on key US concerns about the economic and commercial relationship with China, the US-China Business Council (USCBC) said today.

"The SED focuses high-level attention on key concerns in the relationship, such as food and product safety, energy and the environment, financial sector development, bilateral investment, and transparency," said John Frisbie, USCBC's president. "Progress on these issues cannot happen without this ongoing commitment at the highest levels, as indicated by the recent creation of similar forums between China and the European Union and Japan."

The SED III lasted a day and a half, and was convened on the heels of the 18th Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) meeting, which took place in Beijing on Tuesday. The JCCT is designed to focus on specific trade issues.

"This combination of talks is the best way we have to advance our short- and long-term goals with China, along with the smart use of other trade tools, such as World Trade Organization cases, when appropriate," continued Frisbie. "The JCCT produces immediate deliverables on specific barriers affecting US companies, and the SED guides bilateral cooperation on issues important to our economic future, such as product safety and the environment."

The next session of the SED will take place in Washington, DC, in June 2008.

The USCBC (www.uschina.org) is the leading organization of US companies engaged in business with the People's Republic of China. Founded in 1973, the USCBC provides extensive China-focused information, advisory, and advocacy services, along with events, to more than 250 US corporations operating within the United States and throughout Asia.