Readout of Secretary Raimondo’s Meeting with Minister of Commerce of China Wang Wentao

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo today met with Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China Wang Wentao to advance U.S. commercial and strategic interests. The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to deliver on President Biden’s directive following his meeting with President Xi in November 2022 to deepen bilateral discussions. 

Secretary Raimondo emphasized the importance of ensuring open lines of communication between the United States and China and took concrete steps to deliver on that goal. Secretary Raimondo and Minister Wang agreed to: 

  • Establish a new commercial issues working group, a consultation mechanism involving U.S. and PRC government officials and private sector representatives to seek solutions on trade and investment issues and to advance U.S. commercial interests in China. They agreed that the working group will meet twice annually at the Vice Minister level, with the U.S. hosting the first meeting in early 2024.
  • Launch the export control enforcement information exchange, which will serve as a platform to reduce misunderstanding of U.S. national security policies. The first in-person meeting will occur at the Assistant Secretary level at the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing on Tuesday, August 29.
  • Convene subject matter experts from both sides to hold technical discussions regarding strengthening the protection of trade secrets and confidential business information during administrative licensing proceedings. 
  • Communicate regularly at the Secretary and Minister level about commercial and economic issues and to meet in-person at least once annually. 

Secretary Raimondo discussed opportunities to promote economic exchange where it aligns with U.S. interests and values. She underscored the importance of leveling the playing field for U.S. workers and businesses and ensuring the fair and transparent treatment of U.S. companies in China. Finally, Secretary Raimondo reinforced the Administration’s commitment to taking actions necessary to protect U.S. national security and reiterated the Administration’s “small yard, high fence” approach, underscoring that export controls are narrowly targeted at technologies that have clear national security or human rights impacts and are not about containing China’s economic growth.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to Travel to the People’s Republic of China

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo will travel to Beijing and Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), from August 27-30 for meetings with senior PRC officials and U.S. business leaders. Secretary Raimondo’s travel follows President Biden’s meeting with President Xi last November to deepen communication between the U.S. and the PRC on a range of issues. While in the PRC, Secretary Raimondo looks forward to constructive discussions on issues relating to the U.S.-China commercial relationship, challenges faced by U.S. businesses, and areas for potential cooperation.

APEC CEO Summit USA 2023 To Convene World Leaders and Business Executives to Discuss Creating Economic Opportunity

The APEC CEO Summit USA 2023 will feature 30+ speakers from the public and private sectors, representing various industries, emerging voices, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and world leaders from large and small economies. Speakers include senior executives from General Motors, Organon, Visa, Amazon, Boeing, Citi, Google, ExxonMobil, FedEx, Johnson & Johnson, Mastercard, Merck, Meta, Microsoft, Moody’s, Qualcomm, Uber, and UPS.

The United States will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit convening more than 1,000 business executives and welcoming key world leaders from across the Asia-Pacific at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from November 15-16, 2023.

“As hosts of this year’s APEC CEO Summit, the U.S. will shape the agenda to prioritize the region’s most critical issues and work toward solutions to create a more inclusive and resilient Asia-Pacific,” said Monica Hardy Whaley, President of the National Center for APEC (NCAPEC), which is organizing the APEC CEO Summit USA 2023. “The world faces many challenges, and the business community is part of the solution. We have the leadership, ideas, and resources to help address key issues ranging from climate change and equitable growth, technology and digitization, to global health and supply chains.”

Under the theme “Creating Economic Opportunity” the APEC CEO Summit USA 2023 will focus on four driving topic areas:

  • Sustainability: Actionable climate-conscious solutions, and circular economy, biodiversity and resource efficiency
  • Inclusion: Stronger voices for small businesses, workers, and underrepresented communities
  • Resilience: Disaster readiness, strengthening supply chains, and preparing APEC economies for future challenges
  • Innovation: Technology, global healthcare, new ideas, and digital transformation across the region

Further details on the event and program agenda, including additional speakers, will be announced in the coming months.

Alongside APEC Leaders’ Week meetings and the Sustainable Future Forum taking place on the week of November 12-18, the APEC CEO Summit will reaffirm the importance of public-private dialogue in promoting global economic development.

APEC is the premier forum for public and private sector engagement on trade and economic opportunity in the fastest growing region in the world. The forum brings together 21 members, and offers a pathway to participation for large and small economies. This structure enables the APEC CEO Summit to meet the moment and create equitable opportunity for the wide range of workers, businesses, communities, and families throughout the region.

Gina M. Raimondo’s Call with Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade

WASHINGTON D.C., Sept 1 – Today, Secretary Raimondo had an introductory meeting with Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hong Dien.

During their phone call, the Secretary and Minister Dien discussed the significance of the U.S.-Vietnam commercial relationship and potential areas for further growth. Secretary Raimondo highlighted the importance of energy sector cooperation, such as in renewable energy and smart grid solutions, to combat climate change.

They also discussed supply chain resilience and other priority commercial issues.