China to submit 'negative list' for U.S. investment treaty talks next week

China to submit 'negative list' for U.S. investment treaty talks next week

POOL

Wang made the comments in opening remarks to the economic track of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue talks in Beijing.

U.S. officials have said a negative list that greatly reduces the number of off-limits sectors is critical to reaching a deal.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew also said he looked forward to seeing the new negative list when U.S. and Chinese BIT negotiators meet next week in Washington.

"The United States stands ready to advance the ongoing bilateral investment treaty negotiations provided that China is prepared to move forward in negotiating a high-standard and mutually beneficial agreement," Lew said.

Lew also urged China to remain clear in their communications about foreign exchange policy and implementation.

"A market-determined exchange rate with two-way flexibility will help foster a more efficient allocation of capital," he said.

Lew said earlier he hoped the two countries would make progress on market access issues as well as the problem of excess industrial capacity in China during this week's talks.

Wang highlighted the difficulties arising from the rising interest-rate trend in the United States.

"Expectations on interest rate rises by the U.S. Federal Reserve have increased uncertainties on economic growth of emerging market economies," Wang said.

(Reporting by David Lawder and Kevin Yao, Writing by Megha Rajagopalan; Editing by Will Waterman)

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