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Annan Hails U.S. Senate's Passage of China Trade Bill
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Wednesday hailed the U.S. Senate's passage of a bill on permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China, saying " this is an important step towards China's ultimate membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO)."
In a statement issued by his spokesman's office, Annan said it was also an important step "towards a fuller integration of countries into the rule based on multilateral trading system."
"Trade is an important engine for growth and development. To serve development, the trading system needs to be open, equitable, secure, non-discriminatory and predictable," the U.N. chief said.
Stressing the importance of greater universality of the international trading system, he welcomed all measures that will assist the full integration of those countries seeking accession into that system.
The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill by a vote of 83-15 Tuesday afternoon.
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