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US urges increased export to China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-28 16:25

Gary Locke

US Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke said on Wednesday that the government would help US companies sell their products to China in a bid to reduce America's trade deficit with the country.

There are many US companies that make excellent products, goods and services needed very much by the Chinese people, Locke said in an interview with Xinhua.

He added that the US government helps those companies sell their products to China would not only create job opportunities for American people but also help to raise the standard of living for people in China as well as the rest of the world.

When asked about whether the US restrictions on selling high tech products to China are part of the reason China could not buy more from the United States, Locke defended the US position by saying it is not really the reason to cause the US trade deficit.

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He said people in America, especially in California, grow great food and agricultural commodities. If China can buy more US agricultural commodities, it will help reduce US trade deficit.

Speaking of trade protectionism, Locke said all countries should avoid protectionism because trade is the key to helping the United States recover from economic recession.

Locke, 59, was the first Chinese American governor in the United States. He served as Washington State Governor between 1997 and 2005.

Locke said that as secretary of commerce, his department is ready to work with Chinese officials on trade issues, including intellectual property protection. He also planned to visit China this fall on behalf of US President Barack Obama.

"The US-China relationship is the most important bilateral relationship of our time. We depend on each other economically as well as politically on a whole host of issues," Locke said.