In order to take advantage of China's market opening, U.S. companies should enjoy the full support of relevant U.S. export promotion and finance programs. Prior to 1989, TDA and OPIC programs helped U.S. firms, particularly small and medium-sized ones, take advantage of commercial opportunities in China. With the support of these government programs, U.S. firms were able to provide equipment, technology, know-how, and investment that helped China enhance infrastructure development. In 2001, as China enters the WTO, technical assistance is all the more needed and we look forward to renewed TDA activity. U.S.-AEP, which has never operated in China, could be of enormous benefit to China as it deals with the challenge of creating a cleaner environment after decades of environmental abuse and neglect.
China especially needs support for development of a strong legal system.
Strengthening the rule of law in China will ensure confidence and regularity in commercial transactions, and U.S. government assistance can help tremendously in this area. U.S. government assistance has funded capacity-building programs in other countries, soon after they became WTO members, to assist their efforts in implementing new WTO commitments. We recommend that funds be made available for such assistance in China. Offer the U.S.-Asia Environmental Partnership program in China.