China Trade Deal Means Open Borders

December 2, 1999

Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman says the U.S.-China trade agreement allows private companies in both countries to trade directly with one another, an aspect of the agreement that "might very well turn out to be the most significant provision of all."

In an address Wednesday welcoming delegates to the World Trade Organization meetings in Seattle, Glickman said for the first time, trade with China no longer will be conducted exclusively through government "middlemen."

"That really means open borders, open communications and open relations between the people of China and the rest of the world," Glickman said. "Frankly I don't see how you can have open trade and a closed society. The 20^th century is strewn with evidence of the failure of that approach."

Glickman admitted that "one of the more difficult challenges" is to convince people of the benefits of free trade. "We should be honest about this. Let's not pretend that trade agreements aren't distasteful medicine for some folks in all countries, including our own. But it would be harmful to the well being of our countries if we limit trade just to avoid the tough sacrifices we must make in some areas."