U.S. Trade Mission to Mainland China Set for November

Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross will lead a trade mission to Beijing in mid-November to help U.S. companies launch or increase their business in the mainland Chinese market and address trade policy issues with high-level mainland Chinese officials. A DOC notice states that this mission will advance the Trump administration’s goal of reducing the U.S. trade deficit with mainland China by promoting U.S. exports.

A minimum of 12 and a maximum of 25 companies will be selected to participate. Companies currently exporting or those that will export in the near future, as well as those interested in investing in mainland China, are encouraged to apply. Organisations currently negotiating significant agreements with mainland Chinese entities and organisations with a capacity to increase exports to mainland China will receive preferential consideration. The mission is not limited to a particular sector or industry and companies in all goods and services markets may apply.

Applications to participate in this mission are due by 29 September. Each applicant must sign and submit a completed application and supplemental application materials, including adequate information on its products and/or services, primary market objectives and goals for participation. Each applicant must also (i) identify whether the products and services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United States or marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least 51 percent U.S. content, (ii) certify that the export of its products and services is in compliance with U.S. export controls and regulations, (iii) certify that it has identified to the DOC any business matter pending before any DOC bureau or office, (iv) certify that it has identified any pending litigation (including any administrative proceedings) to which it is a party that involves the DOC, and (v) certify that it and its affiliates (a) have not and will not engage in the bribery of foreign officials in connection with their involvement in this mission, and (b) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the bribery of foreign officials.

Participants will be selected based on the following criteria, which are listed in decreasing order of importance: (i) suitability of products or services to the mainland Chinese market and likelihood of increased exports or business interests in mainland China as a result of this mission, (ii) consistency of the company’s goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission, (iii) rank/seniority of the applicant’s designated representative, (iv) current or pending major project, transaction, agreement or investment with mainland Chinese entities or organisations with a capacity to increase U.S. exports to mainland China, and (v) demonstrated experience exporting to mainland China and/or other foreign markets.