In a SEMA-supported development, the U.S. government announced this week that the United States and Chinese governments have agreed to include the legalization of the Chinese specialty-equipment market as part of high-level U.S.-Chinese government talks.

Chaired by U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan, the members of the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) held a meeting in Chengdu, China, November 20–21. Other participants included U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke, and representatives from the State and Treasury Departments. Senior Chinese officials from 23 ministries and agencies also attended.

Slated for discussion on the upcoming talks are the U.S. system for regulating the industry as a reference point as the Chinese government explores creating a legal framework in that country, as well as the current state of the industry and its market potential.

For more information contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.