n the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the US-China Business Council (USCBC), I would like, on behalf of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), to extend the heartiest congratulations to our 30-year coworker in the advancement of US-China trade.

The USCBC pioneered the promotion of business and trade cooperation between the United States and China. Between 1973 when it was established and 1979 when diplomatic ties between the United States and China were officially launched, the USCBC did a great deal to help resume and develop bilateral trade, bringing American trade missions to China, hosting Chinese economic and trade delegations—including CCPIT delegations—in the United States, and actively facilitating business contacts and information exchanges between exporters from the two countries. All these efforts later translated into increased understanding and friendship between the two peoples and accelerated momentum toward the diplomatic relations of the two countries.

Since the forging of diplomatic relations, the USCBC has been committed to the continued, rapid, and steady development of bilateral business, making itself a salutary bridge between the business communities of the United States and China. Over the years, the USCBC has worked unremittingly to safeguard the foundations for further business engagement of the two countries, to look for proper solutions to problems cropping up in US-China business cooperation—such as MFN [Most Favored Nation] issues—and advocate for China's entry into the World Trade Organization. All these actions, unquestionably, were of great significance in achieving a win-win US-China trade relationship.

Over the past 30 years, the CCPIT and the USCBC have worked closely with, supported, and sustained each other and thus fostered a close friendship. In the years to come, it is CCPIT's most sincere hope that the USCBC will build upon its strong position and respected reputation in US-China business circles, and make full use of its extensive knowledge and expertise, to support the further development of bilateral trade, and economic and technological cooperation.

May the US-China Business Council enjoy progress and prosperity in the upcoming years!

Yu Xiaosong,
Chairman January 2003