China-US JCCT boosts Sino-US trade

The China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade is one of the most important bilateral trade cooperation mechanisms. It is also renowned for cooling China-US trade disputes.

The China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, or JCCT, was established in 1983 to address bilateral trade and promote commerce. Its first ministerial meeting was held that year.

Leaders from both sides agreed to boost the level of JCCT meetings at the end of 2003. Since then, the meeting has been co-chaired by a Chinese Vice Premier as well as the US Secretary of Commerce and the Trade Representative.

Former Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi headed the Chinese delegation from 2004 to 2008. Vice Premier Wang Qishan leads China at this year's meeting.

The 20th session of the JCCT is the first during the Obama Administration. It comes less than a month out from US President Barack Obama's first visit to China. It has been widely seen as part of preparations for Obama's meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

The US government said the JCCT has spurred dramatic growth of China-US trade. The forum has become a high-level platform for trade and investment negotiations between both sides. It has also proven to be a useful forum for engagement and delivered meaningful results for the US.

China's Commerce Ministry noted this year's JCCT meeting will continue discussions aimed at recognizing China's status as a market economy.