According to U.S. officials, China's target of joining the World...

According to U.S. officials, China's target of joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) by year-end remains achievable after Chinese leaders reiterated their dedication to opening up the economy to foreign trade and investment. U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, speaking after six hours of meetings on Thursday, stated that during talks the previous month, China seemed to be "overwhelmed" by the extensive information necessary to become a part of the WTO, the global body regulating international commerce with 138 member countries. Such talks had generated speculation that China might be retracting from earlier commitments.

Thursday, 12 October, 2000