Today's vote on extending PNTR to China is both historic and critical to our ability to remain competitive in a global trading market. We aren't giving up anything, and we are gaining access to a vast new market for our products and services. This doesn't even include Idaho exports that reach China via Hong Kong, Crapo said. Today s Senate vote of 83-15 in favor of the measure comes after the U.S. House approved it earlier this year. President Clinton has indicated he ll sign the measure.
China already stands as Idaho's sixth largest export market for farm products.
With nearly one-third of all Idaho ag products headed for export, we simply cannot ignore the market potential in a country that is 1.3 billion consumers strong. A watchful eye will be needed to make sure that this great beginning to a mutually beneficial relationship bears fruit. Just last week, Idahoans came in to talk with me about China's markets for fresh potatoes and seed potatoes, markets that have been non-existent to date. Signs of change exist, but signs aren't enough. Shipments offer proof.