In Washington, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack reported on progress concerning trade issues with China as a result of the 24th U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade. Issues covered included the approval process for biotechnology products. On biotechnology, the Secretary conveyed a need to streamline China’s biotech approval process, and gave his commitment to begin implementation of a pilot program on the review of biotechnology products.
China also agreed to discuss U.S. concerns regarding China’s requirement for the use of viable seed in applications for biotechnology approvals. In his separate discussions with Agriculture Minister Han Changfu, the Secretary shared a proposal for a revised Memorandum of Understanding focused on science and technology cooperation in the field of agriculture.
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