Chairman of the US Chamber of Commerce Steve Van Andel has expressed belief that more US-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will invest in China after the country's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Andel, who visited China earlier this month, spoke highly of China's investment environment, which he believed will become even better after it becomes a member of WTO.

The US business leader said he would make "unremitting efforts" to promote trade between the US and China, "the two largest economies of the world."

With the economic globalization, countries and enterprises should not restrict their business activities within a single market, said Andel, adding that the US-China trade and economic cooperation will not just benefit the two sides, but will help boost economic development of other economies as well.

As director of the board of the US-based Amway Co., Ltd., Andel's personal experience also boosted his confidence in the Chinese market.

Amway has invested over US$100 million in China since 1995. A week earlier, the American company signed a letter of intent with the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone on the expansion of its production base there.

The US Chamber of Commerce represents three million enterprises across the United States, most of which are SMEs. He said he had visited some 60 SMEs around the United States and found they were making preparations to invest or develop trade in China.

This is Andel's second China visit as chairman of the chamber and the fourth in five years.

(chinadaily.com.cn 09/16/2001)