LETTERS: TRADING RELATIONS WITH CHINA NEEDED

To the editor:

Missouri's economic success depends upon continued open export markets. China is a rapidly growing market for Missouri products such as fabricated metal products, machinery and equipment, chemical products, food products and agricultural commodities. Missouri's exports to China have shown impressive and steady growth over recent years. China is Missouri's 11th largest trading partner. Hong Kong is Missouri's 19th largest trading partner. Exports to China for 1996 were $172.4 million, up almost 100 percent from 1995. Exports to Hong Kong for 1996 were $109 million. China is the largest market for consumers in the world. The potential growth in Missouri exports, both manufacturing and agricultural, is tremendous. China is considered the most important growth market for U.S. agricultural exports in the 21st century. Projections indicate China will account for 37 percent of future growth for U.S. agricultural exports.

The last decade has witnessed great improvements in the lives of the Chinese people as economic and free-market reforms have expanded economic freedom and living standards and greatly improved access to information. Associated Industries of Missouri members doing business in China suggest American companies can have a profound and positive influence by treating their employees with respect, promoting local Chinese workers and managers to positions of real responsibility and providing training and education. Failing to provide permanent normal trade relations with China could eliminate U.S. companies as a model and set back the entrepreneurial forces in Chinese society which offer the best hope for future progress toward freedom and democracy.

AIM understands long-term improvement and stability in U.S.-China relations also require concrete action by China. AIM urges China to honor its agreements and continue progress on important social reforms. However, turning our back on permanent normal trade relations with China and disrupting trade would not help achieve any of these objectives. On the contrary, it would likely set back the progress that has been made and result in a trade dispute that would greatly injure Missouri's farmers and manufacturers.

This country's collective goal should be to move beyond the divisive annual struggles over China trade policy and move toward a stable and mature relationship that advances American goals, jobs and prosperity. This goal is in our national interest and in Missouri's interest.

CHRIS LONG

President

Associated Industries of Missouri

Jefferson City